Masonry Magazine August 1983 Page. 24
IMI MEETING
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Bruce Voss, executive director of IMI's Apprenticeship and Training Program, described three newly-produced audiovisual packages on "Pre-assembled Panels," "Pavers in Cement Mortar" and "The Trowel Trades: Crafts that Build Nations"; training posters illustrating techniques such as basic mortar manipulation; participation in Job Corps programs sponsored by the U.S. Government, and an in-depth training study to ascertain the level and quality of training by IMI affiliate organizations and to help determine future needs. MCAA executive vice president George A. Miller and BAC president Joyce, along with Voss, provided an overview of IMI's new regional training program proposal.
From left-Don Staab, Masonry Institute of New York City & Long Island, Great Neck, N.Y.; MCAA past presidents Gene George, Kitchener, Ont. and Charles Velardo, Newton Highlands, Mass., and Douglas Smith, G-A Masonry, Cohoes, N.Y.
Reports were also given on the progress made in developing the International Masonry Center, and the activities of the Masonry Research Foundation, the Masonry Industry Committee, and IMI's Labor/Management Relations Program and R&D Program.
Building Codes
In a series of presentations on various aspects of IMI's Code Improvement Program, Robert Beiner described the ongoing activities of the program, including monitoring of both national and regional code developments in the U.S. and Canada, cooperation with other national organizations and local/regional groups, and active participation on code committees.
In addition, building code consultant James R. Dowling addressed the "What, Why and How" of building codes, including the history and development of codes, the major professional code organizations and private-sector code-promulgating groups, and the process of creating a building code.
W. Neil Fraser, executive director of the Canadian Masonry Contractors Association, described the Canadian National Standard Code and the processes of code maintenance and modification in Canada. He stressed the value of participation in code formation by representatives from the masonry industry.
Metal Studs
The masonry industry's response to metal stud systems was addressed by three speakers from the masonry industry. Consulting engineer J. W. Cowie described new evidence of the deflection and corrosion problems associated with masonry/metal stud systems, which surfaced in his recent investigation of a Halifax, Nova Scotia, building failure.
Clemson Study
James Colville, associate dean of engineering at the University of Maryland and member of the Masonry Advisory Council to the Masonry Research Foundation, reported on the findings of a committee of the Council that the Clemson University study on masonry/metal stud systems was too narrow and that future research is needed. John Heslip, president, Masonry Institute of Michigan, described the steps his organization has taken to improve design standards for metal stud systems.
Computers
IMI's Annual Meeting included a special program on "Computer Use in the Marketing of Masonry." D. Quinn Mills, professor at the Harvard University Graduate School of Business and consultant to the IMI Board of Trustees, moderated presentations and demonstrations of Computer-Aided Design (CAD), estimating and project management programs by representatives from Hewlett-Packard and McDonnell-Douglas Automation.
In addition, Robert Beiner presented information on SOLPAS, IMI's new computer software program for architects and engineers using the T1-59 programmable calculator. Beiner said that the program, to be available this summer, will include a manual with flow diagrams and weather data for 180 cities in the U.S. and Canada.
IMI ANNUAL REPORT AVAILABLE
The 1983 Annual Report of the International Masonry Institute, which was distributed at the IMI Annual Meeting in June, is now available for general distribution.
In addition to listing 1982 financial data for the four IMI Programs-Labor/Management Relations, Research and Development, Apprenticeship and Training, and Market Development-the Report details the past year's achievements as well as current activities for each program.
Also included are an organizational chart showing the structure of the International Masonry Institute, an overview of IMI's achievements thus far as a multi-level, multi-purpose organization, and information on the development of an International Masonry Center and the new Regional Training Program.
For copies of the Report contact: IMI Market Development Program, 823-15th Street, N.W., Room 1001, Washington, D.C. 20005, (202) 783-3908.