Blog Archives

Standard Practice for Bracing Masonry Walls

5/30/2019

In the Standard Practice for Bracing Masonry Walls Under Construction when determining the loads during construction, per Eq. 5.2.3-1, w=0.00256V^2. Per the notation in section 2.1, V=5-second wind gust velocity. Should the wind speed entered in this equation be 40mph (which is a 3-second wind gust) or is there a different 5-second wind gust speed that I cannot find?

Using 40mph and the equation above, yields a wind load of only 4 psf which seems low. This equation does not take into account exposure, height, or importance factor and states is conservative up to 40 feet height in open areas.

Just want to be sure the wind speed to enter into the equation is truly 40mph and if not, what is the 5-second gust speed?

The 40 mph used in 5.1.3 was chosen to allow a 5 mph cushion above the 35 mph when people are required to evacuate the area. If the wall and bracing apparatus is designed for a w of 5 psf then your wind speed could be up to 44 mph. If you want to be sure you need to get the wind speed at the site of the wall. Again the basis of the included design criteria is 40 mph. even if it is actually less you still use the 40. If you believe the wind speed to be higher through historic data or actual measurement then you design for the higher speed such as a w = 6.4 psf is based on a 50 mph gust. No matter what the people are moved at 35 mph.

I hope this helps, if not give me a call.

Jerry Painter,FASTM
352-494-8955

https://ncma.org/resource/bracing-concrete-masonry-walls-under-construction/

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For young block masons, it's never been better

5/23/2019

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Tanner Brooks, a young concrete mason for an outfit based in the Phoenix area knows he has it good. Even as an apprentice, he's likely making more money than his former schoolmates and he has no student loan debt. He's also just 19 years old. "It allowed me to pay for my own vehicle, my own place to live, and I live comfortably," Brooks said. "I don't struggle all." He also didn't struggle to find his job. In fact, he says construction companies were calling him while he was in school, when he started working as an apprentice before he ever graduated. Numbers recently released by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) show the Phoenix metro area added nearly 14,000 construction jobs from March 2018 to March 2019. But it's not just Arizona -- it's nationwide. To read more, click here.

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Welcome New MAF Member - VICTORY MASONRY1

5/16/2019

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Victory Masonry LLC
P O BOX 367
Green Cove Springs, Florida 32043
Victor Leal
[email protected]
904-657-7627

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resilient construction at big picture, granular levels

5/16/2019

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PCA report delves resilient construction at big picture, granular levels
Published: Thursday, 09 May 2019 10:13 Written by Concrete News

A new PCA report presents historical data, evidence from external sources, and structural material comparisons supporting the premise: Cast-in-place or precast concrete, or concrete masonry construction methods lead to longer lasting buildings owing to their ability to stand up to normal wear and tear plus resistance to extreme weather events.

“The Real Value of Resilient Construction” addresses design, engineering and life cycle criteria for owners and lawmakers or officials behind policy affecting public or private building design. "U.S. taxpayers cannot afford to continue building and rebuilding the way we did in the past. Strong, robust structures ensure community continuity and provide long lasting value for scarce taxpayer dollars," says PCA CEO Michael Ireland—emphasizing a position the industry has held as Congress and government agencies take stock of escalating post-disaster costs rooted in sub-par construction.

Read more==> http://concreteproducts.com/news/11697-pca-report-delves-resilient-construction-at-big-picture-granular-levels.html#.XN2r2XdFxPa

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