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Flames destroy apartment building under construction on Southside

1/13/2020

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110 firefighters worked for hours to get 3-alarm fire under control

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  JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A four-story apartment building under construction on Jacksonville’s Southside burned to the ground before dawn Sunday morning in a fire that kept the eastbound lanes of Baymeadows Road blocked at Interstate 295 all morning.
Flames from the Fusion Apartment at Baymeadows being built along Baymeadows Road East spread to woods but the fire was stopped before it could spread into the neighboring Hampton Park neighborhood.

The only thing left standing by daybreak was the concrete-block stairwell in the center of the building.
It took more than three hours for 110 firefighters to bring the three-alarm blaze under control, but lingering smoke is keeping roads in the area closed.

None of the firefighters called to fight the fire were injured, although their heart rates and temperatures are being taken assess heat exhaustion or other ill effects. Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Chief Keith Powers said 14 engines and seven ladder trucks were needed to battle the three-alarm fire.
​

Powers said the fire grew quickly because the sprinkler system in the large, mostly wooden structure was not yet active.  ::Read entire article here: https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2020/01/12/jfrd-battling-structure-fire-on-southside/
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Standard Practice for Bracing Masonry Walls

5/30/2019

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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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St. Cloud High School Masonry Pre-Apprenticeship program

4/3/2019

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Pictured left to right: ​Dan Kroeker (MAEF), Melissa Johnson (Lee Public Schools Adult & Career Education), Donna Hinson (MAF), Roseanne Perez (Island Coast Assistant Principal), Brad Kibbe (MAEF), Dr Michelle Cort-Mora (Island Coast Principal), John Lear (Instructor St Cloud), Robert Dombo (Assistant Principal St Cloud)
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Inside the St Cloud High School Masonry pre-apprentice program classroom.
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Dr. Michelle Cort-Mora, Principal at Island Coast High School,recording her message to students about the benefits of a career in masonry construction.
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Dan Kroeker, MAEF Apprenticeship Coordinator
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Donated masonry materials and ample workspace for students at St Cloud.
​St. Cloud High School hosted a tour of their facilities and existing pre-apprentice masonry program on Friday, March 29th. Island Coast High School, in Cape Coral FL, is in the planning stages of their own masonry pre-apprentice program and came prepared with questions and ideas to run by the experts.  Attending the event were Donna Hinson, MAF Executive Director, Dan Kroeker, MAEF Apprentice Coordinator, and Brad Kibbe, MAEF Executive Director,  Dr. Michelle Cort-Mora, Principal of ICHS, Roseanne Perez, Assistant Principal ICHS, Melissa Johnson, Lee Public Schools Adult & Career Education, Robert Dombo, Assistant Principal St Cloud, and John Leal, Masonry Instructor St Cloud. We wish to thank St. Cloud for hosting us and for providing informative and helpful ideas for the new masonry pre-apprentice program.
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An Interview with Skilled-Trades Evangelist Jim Painter

2/27/2019

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Written By: Chris Eversole

Longtime building industry leader works to attract workers


Members of the Painter family have been masons since the early 20th Century, and Painter Masonry has operated for 50 years.

The company, which laid bricks and cement blocks for many of the buildings at the University of Florida and other parts of Greater Gainesville, won’t continue for another generation.  No family member is ready to continue Painter Masonry’s legacy, and none of the workers have stepped up to take over.

What’s more, it’s harder and harder to find workers who are willing to take on the arduous work of building the future – one brick at a time – in the Florida sun.

​Read more:  
​https://www.businessmagazinegainesville.com/an-interview-with-skilled-trades-evangelist-jim-painter/

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CONCRETE COALITION OF FLORIDA PRESENTS AT THE NCMA's TOWN HALL

2/14/2019

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Members of the Concrete Coalition of Florida presented at the National Concrete Masonry Association's Town Hall event held on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at their annual convention in Orlando's Lake Buena Vista resort. 

The MAF's ProMasonry Chairman and Board member, Chris Bettinger presented the accomplishments of the Masonry Association.  Matt Sitter, president of the Florida Concrete Products Association gave an overview of the FC&PA's BlockStrong program and Jim Painter, Executive Director of the Florida Concrete Masonry Education Council informed the attendees about Florida's state masonry check-off program. Also speaking were MAF program partner, the AIA Florida's executive Director, Vicki Long and Leslie Chapman-Henderson, Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH), the country’s leading consumer advocate for strengthening homes and safeguarding families from natural and manmade disasters.
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2018 MAF Annual Masonry Apprentice Competition & Fastest Trowel on the Block

9/20/2018

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September 8, 2018 - Orlando, FL
The Masonry Association of Florida (MAF) held its annual Masonry Apprentice competition and Fastest Trowel on the Block competition on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at the Florida’s Best Block plant in Orlando, Florida.
The following apprentices were found to be the best in the state:
1st Year Apprentice Winners:
·        3rd Place - Dominic Lindsey – MCAF - K & D Construction
·        2nd Place - Tyler Austin - Central FL - Trinity Contractors, Inc.
·        1st Place - Ruddy Alvarez - Central FL - Trinity Contractors, Inc.
2nd Year Apprentice Winners:
·        3rd Place - Wildy Lozandier - SE Chapter - Coastal Masonry
·        2nd Place - Ruben Ramirez - SWFL MAF - Westcoast Structural
·        1st Place - Randall Pepevnik - MCAF - Pardue Masonry
3rd Place Apprentice Winners:
·        3rd Place - Jabari Francis - SE Chapter -Coastal Masonry
·        2nd Place - Jake Franklin - MCAF - E.L. Shearer C & M
·        1st Place - Kenny Tilghman - MCAF - Billy G & L Masonry
In addition to bragging rights, the winners were awarded cash prizes and our generous sponsors donated tool bags full of masonry tools to the winners.  

The MAF's Fastest Trowel on the Block, with six Florida teams competing, was also held on Saturday, September 8 at Florida's Best Block in Orlando.  

The team from Pascal Robertson Masonry, Inc.,  Irvin Willoughby (Mason) and Lawrence Singleton (Tender) took home the grand prize and the opportunity to represent Florida at the MCAA's Fastest Trowel on the Block national competition held in Las Vegas in early 2019.

The other winning teams were:
  • 2nd Place - Chris Carlton (Mason) and Germaine Velasquez (Tender) - Capital Concrete & Masonry Solutions, Inc. 
  • 3rd Place - Victor Leal (Mason) and Jonathon Smith (Tender) - Victory Masonry, Inc.

All of the winners were honored at the Saturday night MAF Masonry Excellence Banquet.  Congratulations to all who participated and thank you to all of our very generous sponsors!

Thank you 2018 MAF Sponsors!

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Life is Better With Block, Always Has Been, Always Will Be! Visit www.blockstrong.com

5/10/2018

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Block Strong is a partnership between Florida Concrete & Products Association, Inc. and Florida Concrete Masonry Education Council, Inc.
© 2018 ConcreteBlockHomes.com
Website by: Bright Rain
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Brick, Block & Beers Vol II, Issue I :: March 2018

3/29/2018

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Masonry Wall Design: Single-Wythe
Moisture penetration through exterior walls is a concern on every project (or – it should be a concern on every project!). Single-wythe concrete block construction does a great job in preventing water from entering the interior of your building but there are several important “belts and suspenders” that should be included in your design to make sure your masonry wall does the best job possible.

So, what do we consider a single-wythe wall? There are three major types of masonry walls built in Florida.  The very best masonry wall to prevent water passage (we call it The World’s Best Wall!!) is called a double-wythe cavity wall and contains a drainage/air space between two separate wythes or “layers” of masonry.  Water that makes it through the first wythe runs down the back side of the wall and is discharged to the exterior through flashing and weeps.

​Read More> 




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Contact Don Beers, PE, CGC 
​561-310-9902
​don@floridamasonry.com 
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2018 Masonry Construction & Inspection  Certification Workshop Dates Announced...

2/6/2018

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MASONRY CONSTRUCTION & INSPECTION WORKSHOP
Updated for 2016 TMS 402/602, ASTM Standards and the
​6th Edition of the Florida Building Code!

Whether designing, building, testing or inspecting, when you’re working with masonry, understanding all of the codes and specifications governing the various masonry components (block, brick, grout, mortar and steel) is essential.
Understanding the role of each of the team players involved with a masonry project is imperative. That’s why this one-of-a-kind workshop was developed. Unique in its big-picture approach to masonry it offers the latest information on all aspects of Design, Workmanship and Materials. Members from the entire masonry family, from building inspectors and architects to masons and engineers, are in attendance at each class. The course instructors are 5 distinguished members of our industry each with a lifetime of “on the job” experience. Instructors present both basic and up-to-date issues in their field while focusing on how each discipline works with the others to ensure quality masonry.

NEW CODES & STANDARDS
Workshop covers all the new codes and standards used in masonry: 2016 TMS 402/602 (Formally ACI 530/530.1); Updated ASTM Standards referenced by the 6th Edition Florida Building Code; Updated BIA and NCMA Tech Notes; changes to the Florida 6th Edition masonry chapter and much more!

2018 Workshop Dates
  • March 23-24, 2017 | 6353 LEE VISTA BLVD. ORLANDO, FL
  • June 22-23, 2018 | 6353 LEE VISTA BLVD. ORLANDO, FL
  • September 21-22, 2018 | 6353 LEE VISTA BLVD. ORLANDO, FL
  • November 9-10, 2018 | 6353 LEE VISTA BLVD. ORLANDO, FL
Cost
MAF & BOAF Members - $349.00
Non-Members - $399.00
 
Register Now!
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Brick, Block & Beers Vol I, Issue IV

12/28/2017

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Why does masonry perform so much better than other light frame products during high-wind events, such as hurricanes and tornadoes?
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Masonry's Greatest Strength
Long time South Florida residents who have weathered a severe hurricane often express a heartfelt thankfulness that they were in a concrete masonry structure. Structures built of many lesser products have weathered hurricanes but block homes provide the secure comfort of rock solid construction. This is not just antidotal – its common sense. After reading this article perhaps you will have a better understanding of concrete masonry’s built in strength.

It’s all about the “safety factor”. Simply stated the “safety factor” is the difference between what engineers expect will be the largest wind load a structure will ever be exposed to --- and the wind load that they calculate would rip the structure apart. Structural engineers always like a good safety factor – usually around 3 times or 300%. Poor construction and material deficiencies erode safety factors but if you have sufficient safety factor there is some room for error.

Understanding Wood Frame Connection Problems
Wood frame residential structures have performed poorly in every wind event I have had the opportunity to do wind damage assessment on. The problem is not in the wood itself but in the connectors. A tree branch can be very strong – but if you saw it off you will have a real problem on your hands to nail it back on to its original strength.
The lumber industry is extremely sophisticated in their design procedures. Nails and connections are assigned industry accepted load carrying capacities and safety factors based on extensive testing. All of this is proper engineering. There is, however, a number of factors which explain why Hurricane Irma left dozens of modern wood structures in ruins and zero concrete masonry structures in ruins.

These are:
  • Product Weight and Stability
  • Natural Safety Factors in Design
  • Complexity in Design
  • Complexity in Connections
Read More: "Brick, Block & Beers" Volume I, Issue IV (December 2017)
​

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