Masonry Magazine October 2012 Page. 46
INDUSTRY NEWS
Lightweight Block-The Meadows at Lake St. Louis-Nike Factory Store, Lake St. Louis, Mo.
The Meadows at Lake St. Louis-Nike Factory Store
Photo by Lowder Photograply
University of Texas - Norman Hackerman Building, Austin, Texas
University of Texas-Norman Hackerman Building
Photo by P and S Masonry Inc.
Oregon DOT Tunnel Project Uses QUIKRETE Shotcrete
The QUIKRETE Co.'s Wet Process Shotcrete, was recognized as a critical element in the Oregon Department of Transportation U.S. Highway 26 Dennis Edwards Tunnel Project in Portland. More than 1,200 bags of 3,000-pound QUIKRETE Shotcrete MS-Steel Fiber Reinforced was used in the tunnel renovation, which was named 2011 "Outstanding Repair & Rehabilitation Project" by the American Shotcrete Association.
After 70 years of continuous vehicle traffic between Portland and the Oregon coast on Highway 26, the 772-foot Dennis Edward Tunnel was in need of significant structural restoration. However, renovating the tunnel could not interfere with the daily commute of thousands and had to be complete before traffic doubled when the tourist season began in May 2011. To make the project even more challenging, general contractor, Johnson Western Gunite Co., faced wet weather and unstable ground conditions when the project started in January 2011.
This made the use of a traditional rock bolt and shotcrete application system impossible, so an extremely unique approach was taken to restore the tunnel. QUIKRETE Shotcrete MS-Steel Fiber Reinforced was applied up to 18 inches thick between existing timber sets, so lagging could be removed and reinforcement applied a section at a time. This process enabled construction to be performed safely and efficiently throughout the night.
In addition to exceeding project strength specifications by reaching 3,800 PSI at one day and more than 9,400 PSI at 15 days, the QUIKRETE Wet Process Shotcrete limited dust in the application process by batching the shotcrete wet in advance, rather than combining the water and shotcrete during the shooting process. As a result, there was little clean up each morning in preparation for traffic, and Johnson Western Gunite Co, completed the project on time.
Jobsite Training From Metabo
Metabo Corp., a manufacturer of portable electric power tools and abrasives for industrial, construction and welding applications, now offers an on-site safety and support program to review proper tool and accessory use.
The safety training seminar, which can last from 15 minutes, as a job box talk, to an hour and a half, as a full safety seminar, highlights on-the-job safety tips as well as provides a hands-on demonstration of safe tool operation.
This free seminar, taught by a trained Metabo sales professional, focuses on the safe use and application of angle grinders and abrasives as well as general safety rules and guidelines applicable to all power tool usage.
"Since 2008, Metabo's safety seminars have emphasized and supported many companies safety programs," says Terry Tuerk, senior product manager, Metabo USA. "Our seminars can supplement or be used to fill weekly corporate safety meeting obligations to help meet OSHA training requirements."
To schedule a safety training, call 800-638-2264.
MCAA New Members
The Mason Contractors Association of America is proud to welcome the following new members to the Association. MCAA would like to take this opportunity to thank them for joining their fellow mason contractors nationwide in helping to build a stronger masonry industry. MCAAs members look forward to a long affiliation with their firms.
RL Sanborn Masonry
1124 Brighton Ave-Ste. 43
Portland, ME 04102
(207) 619-7473
Contractor A
Masonry Specialists, Inc.
13892 Moore Road
Marion, IL 62959
(618) 993-9771
Contractor A
Charles Masonry
1575 Fair City Road
Jonesboro, IL 62952
(618) 833-8697
Contractor A
Bangs Masonry
103 South Fair Street
Marion, IL 62959
(618) 997-3044
Contractor A
If your company is interested in becoming a member of the Mason Contractors Association of America as a contractor supplier or instructor, please contact MCAA at (800) 536-2225, or complete an application at www.masoncontractors.org.
United Rentals Opens Five Branches
United Rentals Inc. has expanded its specialty branch network with the opening of three locations in the United States and two in Canada.
New branches in Denver, Colo., Nashville, Tenn., and Edmonton, Alberta, specialize in providing temporary power and climate control equipment and services. A new Watford City, N.D., branch and a second Edmonton location provide trench safety protective systems for underground construction. The openings are the latest expansion of the company's trench safety, power and HVAC division.