Masonry Magazine June 2000 Page. 40
Construction Productivity
Continued from page 15
A negative position does not solve problems or enhance the commitment of workers to be productive. Setting a tone of pride, problem solving, and accomplishment lead to pride and productivity. The masonry firm constructs difficult projects in difficult working conditions. The supervisor makes in excess of fifty decisions a day that impact the project time, cost, quality and safety. Clearly the masonry supervisor should be proud. When an individual is proud of what they do, they are likely to be more productive doing it.
James J. Adrian, Ph.D, PE, CPA and Real Estate Broker is a Professor of Civil Engineering and Construction at Bradley University. He is also President of Adrian International and Construction Systems Company companies providing consulting services to the construction industry.
SI Unit Package Sizes...
Continued from page 30
The resulting mortar proportions would not be significantly affected. For example, to achieve a 3:1 mix of masonry cement and sand using SI-units, one would mix 3 x 2884 liters of damp, loose sand with each bag of masonry cement. However, if a laborer were to use a cubic foot measure and proportion 3 cubic feet (or 84.9 liters) of damp, loose sand with each bag of masonry cement, the difference in proportions would not be sufficient to measurably affect mortar properties.
Architects Returning to the Role of Master Builder
Continued from page 28
"...think it would be wonderful to find something... that could take different formats, different types of information, different knowledge and put it into language that could be read by anybody. I think all of us shudder at the thought of having to change file formats with all the knowledge that we have built up."
Horst said at his firm the issue is often not whether the technology is good, but if it fits the way the architects design. "A year or so down the road it might be irrelevant whether it fits or not. You might end up doing it because you really have to do it to collaborate."
The panelists were asked if they could offer any suggestions on how architects could promote the new technologies to owners. Doherty said it comes down to the trust relationship the architect has with the owner. "Start talking the language of the owner," he recommended. He told the audience to start talking and understanding the language of business (i.e., financing) and they will gain the owner's trust.
Horst told the audience it is easy to get overwhelmed with all the new technologies coming out. "I would encourage everyone to keep their eye on the prize. The prize in the architect's case is to satisfy your architectural client-not necessarily to be a technology firm."
Doherty encouraged the audience to explore the new technologies. "Don't preach them as gospel, but go out and blaze your own trails. This is an exciting time."
"In the years 2000-2001, transformation is going to occur in the construction industry," Wolford added. "Investors outside construction are going to invest over $3 billion into our industry because they see that there is a great capability for transformation. I really hope we take advantage of that."
The Architects Technology Summit, sponsored by CMD Group and the Greenway Group, is a day-long series of presentations from leading visionaries in the fields of technology and design to architects and construction industry professionals. Technology presents an opportunity to transform the $800 billion construction industry; the Architects Technology Summit is a forum for proactive industry leaders to learn and share ideas for the future. Previous Summits were held in New Orleans and San Francisco. The next Architects Technology Summit will be held in November 2000. For more information visit: www.atsummit.com.
For further information contact Anne Scott, Fagin & Company, (703) 845-1751.
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