ConcreteWorks Fall 2017

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A L A BAMA CO NCR E TE I NDUSTRIES ASSOC IATION M AGAZ IN E | FA L L 2017


TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

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ConcreteWorks is a publication of the Alabama Concrete Industries Association and features articles and photographs pertaining to product applications, educational opportunities, as well as innovative construction techniques impacting the industry. Please email rlindsay@alconcrete.org with any comments regarding featured articles in ConcreteWorks or to suggest a story idea for a future edition.

Rebecca Lindsay, Art Director & Editor John Sorrell, Editor

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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

WWW.ALCONCRETE.ORG WWW.MYSAFEROOM.ORG

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2017 Truck Rodeo ACIA’s annual Truck Driver Championship, otherwise known as the Truck Rodeo, was held in April and sponsored by Thompson Tractor Company. Forty-three drivers participated this year, and it was another successful event. Enjoy the photos!

7

The Heat is On Build with Strength is the authoritative voice of the concrete industry in low to mid-rise construction across the country, and has concentrated its focus this summer on how concrete performs in intense temperatures, including the alarming number of multi-family fires that have burned across the U.S. Read how this initiative continues to fight fires with facts.

11

OOOOOOOWWWWWAAAAAA!

The Poarch Band of Creek

Indians’ OWA development in Foley opened late-July, and is already a booming tourist attraction. This brand new amusement park and hotel relied heavily on concrete, and thousands of people have already visited. (On the Cover )

16

Where Eagles Soar Rick Wendling was just 19-years-old when he started in the world of architecture, and has worked his way up for the last few decades. From educational institutions to storefronts, his portfolio and use of concrete is quite impressive.

23 Future Past

The Powell Avenue Steam Plant was built in 1895, and has

become a historic destination in the heart of 21st Century Birmingham. Read about its history, and recent move to redevelop the city’s celebrated central core.

26 Technical Review

The 2015 IBC Will Impact Your Masonry Business.

Here’s Why…

31

2017 Spring Calendar


EVENT SPOTLIGHT

2 0 1 7 T R U C K R O D E O On Saturday, April 8th, 43 drivers from across

the

Southeast

gathered

at

Thompson Tractor Company to compete in the 2017 Truck Driver Championship, held each year to thank these men and women for all the hard work they do for our industry. Thank you to Thompson for hosting once again! It was a great event enjoyed by the drivers and their family and friends.


EVENT SPOTLIGHT

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR SPONSORS! Bayou Concrete Beck Industries McNeilus Thompson Tractor Truckworx

FALL 2017 3


EVENT SPOTLIGHT

Individual Winners Written Test – Jeremy Johnson – Ready Mix USA | Front Stop – Ashley Gassaway – Ready Mix USA | Tightest Turn – David Meeks – Ready Mix USA | Rear Stop – Addison Nelson – Bama Concrete | Parallel Park – Buddy Batson – Sherman Industries


EVENT SPOTLIGHT

Congratulation to our winners! A complete photo gallery can be found on our Facebook page! Overall 1st Place – Jeff Hall – Shelby Concrete 2nd Place – Tony Peoples – Sherman Industries | 3rd Place – Gaylon Lovelace – Ready Mix USA | 4th Place – Issac Johnson – Gulf States Ready Mix | 5th Place – Anthony Farler – Shelby Concrete *Team Competition – Shelby Concrete

Front End Loader Competition 1st Place – Rob Charsha – Sherman Industries | 2nd Place – Johnny Curtis – Kirkpatrick Concrete | 3rd Place – Issac Johnson – Gulf States Ready Mix | 4th Place – David Meeks – Ready Mix USA

FALL 2017 5


TOPIC SPOTLIGHT

the

heat is on


TOPIC SPOTLIGHT

o

n June 28th, another

“Build With Strength continues to

these seven arguments are still

massive fire destroyed

stay active on this front--fighting fires

valid, as there's a perpetual myth

a

completed

with facts,” says Brett Ruffing, senior

about the benefits of lightweight

lightweight wood-framed multi-family

nearly

director of communications and

combustible construction:

building just outside Boston. Tenants

public affairs, NRMCA. “The coalition

were set to move in on July 15th. This

continues to monitor these fires, and

Concrete does NOT burn during

blaze marked the third major regional

updates the America is Burning map.

construction.

fire featuring lightweight, combustible

Build With Strength will also continue

at

construction in the region in June- the

to provide press releases after such

while

others occurring in Lowell, MA, and

events, and if necessary become

temperatures over 1000 degrees.

Lawrence, MA. These fires are on top

active in these regions.”

of the numerous other fires that have occurred around the country.

375

concrete

Wood-framed As these events continue to occur,

Wood

degrees can

combusts Fahrenheit, withstand

structures

are

susceptible to fire even after fire

FALL 2017 7


TOPIC SPOTLIGHT

safety measures are installed per code. There

and allows a structure to be constructed

and has been commissioned to evaluate a

are plenty of examples of occupied structures

faster and more efficiently.

realistic side-by-side comparison of the two

with all passive and active fire suppression measures in place that have burned.

wall assembly types in one single study. These buildings were built to code. Building codes are the minimum requirements to

The

Wood-framed construction is not cheaper

legally build a structure. Codes focus on life-

revealing:

to build in terms of first costs. Concrete

safety, not structural integrity and occupant

structures,

possessions. We can build better, above

-The tested ICF wall assembly provided

code, at no extra cost.

58% better effective R-value than the tested

competitive,

especially if

not

ICFs, lower,

are on

cost

upfront

construction costs. Then, when you take into account lifecycle costs for maintenance

ummer

officially

arrived

were

overwhelmingly

on

s

structures are far less expensive.

dog days. While resiliency and fire safety

property, and finally a return-on-investment

results

2" x 6" wall assembly.

if the building is to be sold, concrete

and operations, including insuring the

test

June 21st, and air-conditioning

-The tested ICF wall assembly generated

continues to run full-throttle

up to 60% energy savings compared to the

even as we are nearing the end of these

tested 2" x 6" wall assembly.

continue to be a dominant focus this month

-The measurable contributions of the ICF

Have rents gone down? Local markets

for Build With Strength, the authoritative

wall assembly’s thermal mass and the

dictate rent rates, not material costs.

voice of the concrete industry in low- to

interior and exterior layers of continuous

Rents

mid-rise construction across the United

insulation.

are

determined

based

upon

nearby properties with similar amenities,

States,

highlighting

energy

efficiency

numbers of rooms, square footage, etc. A

during the summer months will also be a

For consumers, this study proves invaluable

developer can decide to charge a certain

priority. The entire country has dealt with

when considering the two wall assemblies

amount, but if people in that community

extreme heat waves, like every summer,

for homes. Considering two traditional

aren't willing to pay it, then the property

and concrete buildings provide the best

homes, each with 2,000 sq.ft. of wall

will go unoccupied.

thermal comfort during times of intense

area, according to the ICFMA, "when

temperature.

incorporating the average kWH value for all

Some have argued that concrete just

North America, the study indicates that in

costs too much to build, to the point that

Recently, the Insulating Concrete Forms

many climate zones that during the most

they couldn't build affordably with it--

Manufacturers

(ICFMA)

extreme cold conditions an ICF wall can

again this is INCORRECT. If this is posited

commissioned research to conduct a series

save between $140 and $190 per month

to you, ask the following question: "How

of accredited whole wall thermal studies.

in equivalent electrical consumption when

much do structural materials cost in the

The first installment compared a traditional

compared to a traditionally constructed

overall construction cost?" Also, "How

2" x 6" insulated wood frame cavity wall

wood frame wall." This can then be

do material costs get calculated into

to a 6" core ICF wall. The study confirmed

correlated to extreme heat as well. ICF walls

the market rent rate?" This argument is

the superior energy-efficiency performance

will save energy even in the extreme heat of

more about profit to the developer than

and an overall better R-value of the ICF wall

the summer.

increased rent rates.

assembly.

Association

“As more and more extreme weather events Wood is not quicker to build than concrete,

The concrete and cement industries have

occur, resiliency and energy-efficiency of

especially ICFs. ICFs can be constructed

performed many studies over the years

America's building stock will be instrumental

through any season, even the dead of winter.

that were either based on limited field

to limiting man's contributions to global

ICFs also offer a quicker build because they

comparisons or thermographic computer

warming and to limiting the negative affects

include the wall system in one--which wood

modeling. This is the first study conducted

these events bring,” says John Loyer, vice

frame cannot. Having six wall elements in

by a SCC and ISO Accredited, and

president of state and local governmental

one product eliminates costly building steps

internationally recognized, testing facility

affairs, NRMCA. “Concrete building systems,


TOPIC SPOTLIGHT

concrete building systems will be vital

in reducing energy consumption and increasing resiliency

FALL 2017 9


TOPIC SPOTLIGHT

Fires of combustible materials are reducing apartment buildings to ashes and putting lives at risk. The recent spate of fires in low- and mid-rise structures throughout the country is raising questions and concerns about the safety of wood-built buildings. It’s clear that codes and inspections are failing to keep residents and communities safe. It’s time for builders, contractors, developers, first responders and residents to come together to create new solutions that embrace non-combustible materials like steel and concrete.

NORTHAMPTON, MA | 8.8.16

SANDY RIVER PLANTATION, ME | 2.7.17

LYNNWOOD, WA | 1.25.17 DETROIT, MI | 3.8.17

LAURENS, NY | 1.19.17

WATERBURY, CT | 5.17.17 & 6.16.17

BOTHELL, WA | 7.22.16 PORTLAND, OR | 8.8.13 MANISTEE, MI | 4.17.17

LOWELL, MA | 6.5.17

BUFFALO, NY | 6.19.17

CAMBRIDGE, MA | 12.4.16

LAWRENCE, MA | 6.11.17

EDGEWATER, NJ | 1.21.15

MADISON, WI | 8.4.14 LAS VEGAS, NV | 3.27.17

BIDDEFORD, ME | 4.17.17

OCEAN GROVE, NJ | 3.3.17

MAPLEWOOD, NJ | 2.4.17

MIDVALE, UT | 7.7.17 CONSHOHOCKEN, PA | 8.16

BRANSON, MO | 12.4.16 CINCINNATI, OH | 8.22.15

LOS ANGELES, CA | 6.12.17

KANE, PA | 1.3.17 UPPER CHICHESTER, PA | 4.17.17

LOS ANGELES, CA | 12.8.14 BROKEN ARROW, OK | 1.20.16 OAKLAND, CA | 3.27.17

BALTIMORE, MD | 1.12.17

OAKLAND, CA | 12.3.16

LANHAM, MD | 4.1.14 & 1.1.17

OAKLAND, CA | 7.7.17

ROCKVILLE, MD | 4.1.14

DALLAS, TX | 4.4.17

MESA, AZ | 8.2.16 GILBERT, AZ | 4.23.16

COLLEGE PARK, MD | 4.24.17 PHOENIX, AZ | 3.18.17

UNIONPORT, NY | 6.22.17

SILVER SPRING, MD | 8.19.16 ARLINGTON, VA | 5.8.17

ANCHORAGE, AK | 2.16.17

ST PETERSBURG, FL | 5.12.17

LAS COLINAS, TX | 2.6.16 HOLLYGROVE, LA | 4.12.17

HOUSTON, TX | 3.26.17

OVERLAND PARK, KS | 3.20.17

TAMPA, FL | 4.28.17 CHATTANOOGA, TN | 4.13.15

NORFOLK, VA | 2.13.16 RALEIGH, NC | 3.16.17 EVANS, GA | 6.2.15

To learn more, please contact Kevin Lawlor of Build with Strength at klawlor@buildwithstrength.com or 202-253-6402 or visit BuildwithStrength.com.

like ICFs, will be vital in reducing energy

to invest upfront on initial construction, so

consumption and increasing resiliency.”

that it will pay for itself over the building's lifetime, incorporating anticipated damage

Utilizing the MIT Concrete Sustainability Hub

due to disasters. This shows that using

research on buildings, Build With Strength

resilient

will continue to promote, engage developers

durable materials like concrete, is an

and decision makers and continue to

important step in mitigating the effects of

advocate with policymakers for changes in

disasters before they occur.

codes and ordinances for more durable and resilient buildings. In conjunction with energy efficiency during the extreme heat, Build With Strength will continue to promote resiliency as well, utilizing the MIT Concrete Sustainability Hub's research on resilience and the Break Even Mitigation Percent (BEMP) Modelto help calculate the expected loss ratio due to hazard damage. This model allows designers to demonstrate the right amount

construction

techniques,

with


F E AT U R E

OOOOOOO WWWWW AAAAAA! Located along the gulf coast in southwest

and relied heavily on concrete in both the

with the flavor of the themed area of the

Alabama, Baldwin County has always been

construction of the park itself and in the

entire OWA park development. The hotel is

a popular tourist destination, and now with

design of Marriott’s Towneplace Suites.

situated in the Warehouse District, therefore

the addition of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians’ OWA development in Foley, the

WHERE TO STAY

area’s tourism industry will continue to flourish in a big way.

the exterior façade exhibits a certain look, from the brick selected to opening sizes, to exposed structures.

Goodwyn Mills & Cawood was selected to design the 150-room hotel, and the owner

The main public space was designed to

The new 14-acre amusement park and

expressed his desire to capture a certain

capture the warehouse feeling as well, and

entertainment complex opened in late July,

‘feeling’ for the building that was in keeping

includes some exposed concrete columns,

FALL 2017 11


F E AT U R E

ABOUT OWA OWA is a joint venture with the City of Foley and its Foley Sports Complex. In 2012, the City approached the Poarch Band of Creek Indians about a partnership to bring an entertainment destination venue to Baldwin County. The Tribe is the sole owner and developer of what is now known as OWA. The City of Foley retains ownership of the sports complex. In conjunction with the integration of the sports fields and event center planned by the City of Foley, the Creek Indian Enterprises Development Authority’s (CIEDA) concept for the project is to create a family-friendly retail, dining and

entertainment

individuals of all ages.

destination

for


F E AT U R E

concrete ceilings and exposed ductwork. The interior furnishings even take on that character in the selected finish textures and color palette, including metals and woods in coordination with the exposed concrete. “After

considering

several

structural

schemes, a concrete system was selected with concrete columns, load bearing walls, beams and one way slabs,” explains Carrie Day, architect with Goodwyn Mills & Cawood. “This system was determined to be the most efficient considering cost, construction

schedule

and

contractor

familiarity. The finish also worked well with our themed focus for the building.” The concrete structural system allowed the

contractor

to

begin

construction

almost immediately and meet the project’s fast-track schedule.

The concrete walls

around the stairs and elevators provided the building’s lateral resisting system.

In

FALL 2017 13


F E AT U R E

addition, the 6” concrete walls between

“big water” in the Creek Indian language.

guestrooms met the owner’s stringent

The STOA team provided master planning

acoustic requirements.

and architectural design for 154,000 square feet of retail, dining and entertainment

“The entire sequence through the public

space, 14-acre lake, 1.5-acre island, and

space is exciting, but I think the exterior look

14-acre amusement park.

that we ended up with provides the unique look of a warehouse that blends in a few

The entire OWA build-out represents a 520-

modern components,” says Day.

acre resort and a $500 million investment by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians,

WHAT TO DO

according to information from OWA. The first two phases of the project represent a

In late 2015 STOA Architects out of

$240 million investment, with total buildout

Pensacola began designing a new family-

scheduled over the next five years.

friendly entertainment destination for the city of Foley and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. Fast forward to late 2016, and OWA was officially born. The amusement park consists of 21 rides, and a variety of

shopping

and

dining

experiences

surrounding a picturesque lake. The lake is what inspired the name OWA, which means


F E AT U R E

THRILL RIDES 1 - Rollin' Thunder 2 - Freedom Flyer 3 - Air Racer 4 - Alabama Wham'a 5 - Crazy Mouse 6 - Twister 7 - Wave Rider

KIDDIE RIDES 8 - Swingin' Fun 9 - Leap Frog 10 - Gully Washer 11 - Flying Aces 12 - Happy Haulers 13 - Zip Zap Race

FAMILY-FRIENDLY RIDES 14 - Southern Express 15 - Flying Tigers 16 - Flying Carousel 17 - AeroZoom 18 - Rockin' Raft 19 - Tea Time 20 - Sky Balloons 21 - Flutter By

PROPERTY FACILITIES & INFORMATION 22 - Parkside Gift Shop 23 - Veranda Restaurant 24 - Shady Arbor Restaurant 25 - Games 26 - Strollers

FOOD CARTS 27 - Hot Dog Cart 28 - Ice Cream Cart 29 - Snack Cart 30 - Dippin' Dots Cart 31 - Popcorn Cart 32 - Shaved Ice Cart 33 - Taco Cart

FALL 2017 15


ARCHITECT SPOTLIGHT

Eagles

WHERE SOAR Rick Wendling was a 19-year-old newlywed

Narrows, Brown and Parsons, Barganier

with a child on the way when he started

Mckee and Sims, Sherlock Smith and

as an errand boy for Blondheim, Williams

Adams and finally Tiller Butner and Rosa.

and Chancey. He knew he had a little bit of natural talent when he realized at a young

“Sam Butner became my mentor and there

age that he was quite good at the weekly

has not been a better man to mimic,” he

drawing contest in the TV Guide, so his

says. “I was fortunate to be eligible to enroll

journey into architecture was somewhat

in the IDP program under the now defunct

natural.

Grandfather Clause. This was offered to those without college if you already had at

“Pat Williams was the first example of what

least 10 years’ experience working with an

and how an architect should be,” says Rick.

architect.”

“He was a wonderful role model, and while I worked for him I slowly started filling in the

Rick completed the IDP program as also

dots of finish schedules then started taking

required of architectural graduates and, like

on more and more drafting chores.”

them, was allowed to start sitting for the exam. After 10 years of studying at night, he

Eventually, he made the rounds with

finally passed.


ARCHITECT SPOTLIGHT

FALL 2017 17


ARCHITECT SPOTLIGHT

" I do

a lot of retail, and this type of

BUILDING

lends itself to load bearing

CMU " WALLS.


ARCHITECT SPOTLIGHT

Get to Know Rick What's the last book you read? “Killing of the Rising Sun” by Bill O’Reilly. If you’ve seen the movie “Hacksaw Ridge”, which by the way is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time, the book is the actual events of this battle and the other campaigns leading up to the bombing of Hiroshima. What is an interesting fact that most people don't know about you? I’m a self-taught piano player – I’m sure very disputable amongst real pianist. I also have a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Where did you grow up? Originally from Ohio, but lived in Montgomery most of my life. Attended Capital Heights, Goodwyn and Lee High School. “I truly admire the architects who have

University has made those campus projects

Are any other members of your

college degrees, and will readily admit there

some of his favorites. He’s designed various

family architects? No architects

are many times I do not feel worthy to be

types of buildings, from education buildings

but my father was a steel detailer.

considered an equal,” states Rick.

– Jones Law School addition, to athletic

Again back in the pencil days, he

buildings – Football Stadium and Field

would bring a set of drawings home

An avid golfer, he tries to play as much

Houses, Men and Women Residence Halls

he was working on and would let

as possible, and finds that the beautiful

and even a Dinner Theatre.

his very young apprentice color in

landscaping of a well-maintained course

the dots that represented the bolt

can be a great stress reliever, which helps

“The Dinner Theatre was one of my top

to easily forget some of those pending

favorites because it was so different than

deadlines.

anything I’d ever done,” Rick says. “It has

What is the one tool you can't live

an 8’ deep orchestra pit in front of the stage,

without? Without a doubt a roll of

and I remember opening night, Phantom of

sketch paper!

Rick’s 11 year relationship with Faulkner

locations.

FALL 2017 19


ARCHITECT SPOTLIGHT

the Opera, and sitting there at the front table

visit the Sears Tower every year. But without

watching those actors dancing around on

this foundation, there would be no tower to

the edge of that pit I thought I was going to

visit.

have a heart attack. The next day I went to the president of Faulkner and told him ‘We

Rick states that the use of concrete in his

HAVE to order a safety net’!! And we did,

own projects is largely due to its durability,

and the many shows I attended afterwards

but also because its aesthetically appealing.

were less stressful.” “There are so many different ways to use Or course, Rick has some favorite pieces of

concrete these days, and I do a lot of retail,

architecture that use concrete, one being

and this type of building lends itself to load

the Sears Tower in Chicago. He explains

bearing CMU walls, split-face block facades

that the construction above ground is not

and bases,” he says. “The developers like

concrete but rather bundles of steel tubes.

it because there is very little maintenance

However, the structure would not have held

required.”

the title of the world’s tallest building for 25 years (until 2014) without a solid foundation.

Now, 45 years later and a merger of Infinity

The massive cement structure, designed by

Architecture with Goodwyn Mills & Cawood,

Fazlur Rahman Kahn of Skidmore, Owings

Rick finds himself in awe that next year

& Merrill, is 100 feet deep. In addition, the

he will be president of the Montgomery

foundation is surrounded by 200 circular

Chapter AIA.

caissons, which are huge cement-filled cylinders bored an additional 100 feet

“My career has certainly gone full circle,”

below and set in bedrock. These caissons

he says. “It’s been quite a ride and I do not

add stability to the building no matter what

regret one second of it.”

happens above ground. This foundation is completely invisible to the thousands who


ARCHITECT SPOTLIGHT

certainly gone

" My Career

has

FULL CIRCLE...

i do not regret one

SECEOND of it. "

FALL 2017 21


PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

P FUTURE


PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

USING TECHNOLOGIES OF THE FUTURE TO PROTECT THE PAST

PAST

Lightweight

aggregate

from

Trinity

Lightweight is being used to protect and preserve the north wall of a Birmingham, Alabama landmark. The Powell Avenue Steam Plant, built in 1895, is being redeveloped by Alabama Power to become a historic destination in the heart of 21st century Birmingham. Forged in a fire of iron and steel, Birmingham, Alabama grew to become the industrial center of the South. The city developed so rapidly some people called it

FALL 2017 23


PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

O T E V O M K A N I S ’ H T E E R R E TH LOP AND TORIC E S I V E H D S ’ RE Y T I E C R O E TH CENTRAL C


PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

“The Magic City”. Now, 145 years later,

Hoar Construction, based in Birmingham,

plant,

Birmingham is known worldwide for its

is a national general contractor with

lightweight material make it ideal for such

medical research facilities, banking

offices in Orlando, Nashville, Houston and

a sensitive project. Lightweight aggregate

and high tech manufacturing.

Washington, D.C. One key component of

can reduce the density of such compacted

their restoration work targets the north side

geotechnical fills by up to one-half. This

of the 120-year old building.

advantage, coupled with its predictable high

Today, there’s a move to redevelop and rethink the city’s historic central

the

unique

properties

of

the

internal friction angle, can also significantly

core. Signs of the rebirth can be found

“One of the challenges we have is how

all across the city. New properties are

do we water proof the back wall on the

going up, while old landmarks are

north side of the building,” says McKinnon.

Many of the brick walls around the perimeter

being refreshed for another century of

“In the 1930’s, the railroad was elevated

of the former steam plant are up to 18-inches

service.

through downtown Birmingham so that the

thick. “At the end of the day, lightweight

north side of the building was backfilled up

aggregate has reduced the stresses on

One of those historic properties literally

against like a basement would be. When we

that wall by about a half so it should last for

helped power the city’s rapid growth.

realized we needed to excavate back there

another 100 years,” McKinnon says.

The Powell Avenue Steam Plant was

to install the water proofing we realized

built to supply electricity to the young

there were probably some stresses on the

Hoar Construction continues to prepare the

city’s bustling downtown district and

wall we could help alleviate.”

old landmark for its new future: a unique

keep a busy streetcar system on track.

reduce lateral forces.

historic destination in the heart of the 21st options,

century Birmingham. “I think the idea is to

Clayton McKinnon, Project Manager

After

geotechnical engineers chose lightweight

feature the historic look of the building,”

for

Hoar

Construction,

says

the

considering

several

aggregate from Trinity to protect the

says McKinnon. “All of the structure and the

Alabama Power facility was built

timeworn,

“The

brick and all the steel; Birmingham was an

in 1895. “It was the original power

geotechnical

Bhate

industrial town so they want to maintain that

plant for downtown Birmingham,”

Geosciences as well as LBYD Civil and

he notes. “We started down here

Structural Engineers presented lightweight

decommissioning the plant once in

as one of the options, so we investigated to

Follow

closed in 2013. A lot of our work has

see what the properties were and if it was

powellsteamplant.com.

focused on a structural restoration,

going to work for us and it sounded like a

learn more about lightweight aggregate

getting the building rehabbed, and

good option,” says McKinnon.

for

but

well-built engineers

wall. at

doing a lot of demolition to get the space usable for future use.”

look for sure.” the

building’s

geotechnical

progress You

can

applications

at also at

trinitylightweight.com Manufactured at the Livingston, Alabama

FALL 2017 25


TECHNICAL REVIEW

The 2015 IBC Will Impact Your Masonry Business Building codes are a strange combination of perceived confliction. In one respect they

are

constantly

changing,

forcing

the collective construction industry to re-educate themselves under the new provisions every three years. This process is expensive and frustrating, leading to descriptors such as ‘change for change sake’. Yet they are concurrently perceived as being slow to react and resistant to the adoption of new technologies – and when

those

‘significant’

changes

are

implemented, they are generally met with near hostility as designers, contractors, and owners alike struggle to understand why ‘the way things were’ no longer work. I’m generally not a fan of change. Change implies that something is now different; an action not beholden to ‘making a difference’. I am, however, a fan of innovation and evolution…and the potential for constructive changes embodied therein. Moreover, I acutely appreciate just how directly innovation (and by association, industry health) can be supported – and stifled – by building codes. A topic I covered in detail in the May, 2016 edition of Masonry Magazine by outlining my 5 rules of building codes: Rule 1: No one knows everything in the building code – but you should understand your core area of responsibility.


TECHNICAL REVIEW

Rule 2: Building codes and standards are complicated, but not all encompassing.

Net area compressive strength of concrete masonry, psi (MPa)

Rule 3: Building codes define minimum…

Net area compressive strength of concrete masonry units, psi (MPa) Type M or S mortar

Type N mortar

and concurrently maximum…requirements. Rule 4: Building codes are biased. Rule 5: Building codes don’t just impact your markets; they define your market’s existence.

1,700 (11.72)

...

1,900 (13.10)

1,900 (13.10)

1,900 (13.10)

2,350 (14.82)

2,000 (13.79)

2,000 (13.79)

2,650 (18.27)

2,250 (15.51)

2,600 (17.93)

3,400 (23.44)

2,500 (17.24)

3,250 (22.41)

4,350 (28.96)

2,750 (18.96)

3,900 (26.89)

...

3,000 (20.69)

4,500 (31.03

...

1

The May 2016 article was a broad reflection

For units of less than 4 in. (102 mm) nominal height, use 85 percent of the values listed

Table 1 – TMS 602 Unit Strength/Assembly Strength Correlation Table for Concrete Masonry

of the impact and importance of building codes. The following focuses much more specifically on tangible changes given that

concrete masonry design. (Those interested

not only in savings for reinforcement

many states and jurisdictions around the

in a detailed review of these revisions can

and grout, but increases in productivity,

U.S. have, or are in the process of adopting

read more in TMS Responds, Volume 10,

reduced congestion, shorter lap splice

and implementing the 2015 edition of the

Number 1 and Volume 11, Number 1.)

lengths, and so on.

International Building Code (IBC). So yes, things are changing…in a meaningful,

The simplest means of illustrating the impact

positive direction. Here’s several reasons

of the unit strength table recalibration –

wasn’t adopted until the 2015 IBC

to embrace these changes whether you

coupled with the numerous other updates

(e.g.,

produce concrete masonry, design with

and revisions reflected in the design

acknowledging that while this was a

concrete

provisions of TMS 402 – is shown in Table

significant change, there were many

2. These results summarize the vertical

other revisions reflected in the 2012

reinforcement requirements for an 18 foot

and 2015 IBC that contribute to the

tall, 8 inch CMU wall designed to carry a

design efficiency of concrete masonry

25 lb/ft2 (allowable) and 40 lb/ft2 (strength)

construction.

masonry,

or

install

concrete

masonry.

Structural Efficiency

The recalibrated unit strength table the

2013

TMS

402/602);

Much has been reported about the new unit

wind pressure and a 3,000 lb/ft applied

strength table (Table 1) incorporated into the

axial dead load using the strength design

While the above analysis focuses on

2013 edition of TMS 602. No question this

provisions of TMS 402.

increasing the spacing of the reinforcement,

was a huge change; essentially increasing

an alternative approve can focus on

the baseline concrete masonry compressive

Certainly each project has its own unique

decreasing the nominal thickness of the

strength by 33% over historical values.

set of design conditions that could increase

assembly where product conditions warrant.

or decrease reinforcement spacing from

For example, concrete masonry assemblies

This change alone would increase the

that shown in Table 2. Nevertheless, there

that have historically been 12 in. CMU

design efficiency of many concrete masonry

are a couple key takeaways from this simple

may now be 10 in. (or possibly 8 in.) while

structures. Despite the significance of this

example:

maintaining similar reinforcement spacing

change, it is only one of many revisions incorporated into TMS 402/602, Building

required by past codes. This option may •

The amount of reinforcement required

be more beneficial in regions where solid

Code Requirements and Specification for

to

is

grouting/closely spaced reinforcement is a

Masonry Structures, over the past several

decreasing; sometimes moderately,

common practice. Again, these examples

years that directly influences the efficiency of

sometimes significantly. This translates

illustrate possible scenarios as opposed to

safely

resist

design

loads

FALL 2017 27


TECHNICAL REVIEW

Code Edition1

Reinforcement Size

Reinforcement Spacing

2009 IBC2

No. 5

40 inches

2012 IBC2

No. 5

48 inches

2015 IBC3

No. 5

56 inches

1

believe that continuous insulation is a requirement for complying with current energy codes. It is not. •

Internally as an industry evolving to

The 2009, 2012, and 2015 editions of the IBC adopt the 2008, 2011, and 2013 editions of TMS 402/602, respectively. 2f’m = 1,500 psi 3f’m = 2,000 psi

meet these market changes and

Table 2 – Design Impact of TMS 402/602 Revisions

worked in the 1990s may not work

owner expectations. Solutions that today. This isn’t a shortcoming of

given rules, but certainly a reflection of the

Maintaining

of

masonry as a construction material,

degree to which cost, material, and time

loadbearing masonry construction rests

rather an opportunity for the industry to

savings can be realized.

largely on the ability of single wythe

engage with designers and implement

construction to comply with current energy

masonry solutions.

Thermal Efficiency

the

economic

viability

codes – regardless of climate zone. These solutions do exist. If masonry projects

Structural Bed Joint Reinforcement

The thermal design of concrete masonry

in Fairbanks, Alaska can come up with

assemblies has followed a simple model

solutions to comply with current energy

for several decades: heat flows through the

codes using off-the-shelf concrete masonry

Bed joint reinforcement has been an integral

webs and grouted cells of the assembly

technologies, I‘m confident more southern

part of concrete masonry construction

(Figure 1). Therefore, reducing the number

locations can as well.

for decades, whether for tying wythes of

of grouted cells (structural efficiency) and reducing the number or size of the webs,

composite masonry assemblies together, as Anecdotally, one of the largest challenges

part of a masonry veneer, or simply for crack

R-value increases of 30%, 80%, or even 200% can be easily achieved with single wythe construction; depending on the insulation type and location, unit density, and grout spacing. Increasing the thermal efficiency of CMU construction was the primary driver behind the revisions to ASTM C90 implemented in 2011 that permit alternative CMU configurations such as single or double

Figure 1 – Heat Flow Across CMU

open-ended units, thinner webs, and reduced height webs. Consider the interior of a concrete masonry assembly constructed

I see in the market related to energy code

control. Whether bed joint reinforcement

using three web units (Figure 2) versus the

compliance isn’t implementing solutions

can replace structural rebar, however, has

same assembly constructed using two

to comply with energy codes, rather, our

remained a point of debate within code

web concrete masonry units (Figure 3).

primary challenges include:

circles. Following much research and

Not only as the number of thermal bridges (webs) reduced considerably, but the cells

debate, this question has been (partially) •

Educating designers and decision

answered – yes, bed joint reinforcement

of the two web units greatly facilitate the

makers on the available masonry

can be used as structural reinforcement

placement of grout or foam insulation.

technologies that facilitate energy

(with conditions).

code compliance. Unfortunately, many


TECHNICAL REVIEW

The importance of this change draws from

Table 2, the CMU assembly designed to the

2022…and subsequently adopted into the

a separate design criteria for reinforced

2015 IBC required No. 5 bars at 56 inches.

2024 IBC. This affords considerable time

masonry

that

If 9 gage bed joint reinforcement was also

to acclimate to the changes of the 2015

the effective spacing of reinforcement

incorporated into this assembly at 16

IBC; and lots of time to put the next wave

cannot exceed 6 times the nominal wall

inches on center, the spacing of the vertical

of changes, tools, and resources in place to

thickness, nor 72 inches. This requirement

reinforcement increases to 96 inches.

continue the momentum. Stay tuned for the

is why, for example, the spacing of vertical

By comparison back to the 2009 IBC,

next evolution.

reinforcement in an 8 inch wall is rarely

the spacing of the vertical reinforcement

spaced further apart than 48 inches (6 x 8 =

has more than doubled by simply taking

Jason Thompson is Vice President of

48 inches). The reason for this requirement

advantage of the bed joint reinforcement as

Engineering

construction:

specifically

at

the

National

Concrete

Masonry Association (NCMA) and Chair of the Masonry Alliance for Codes and Standards (MACS) whose mission is to advance and protect the masonry industry within the building codes arena. Jason can be reached at jthompson@ncma.org.

Figure 2 – Internal Cut-Away of Three-Web CMU Assembly

Figure 3 – Internal Cut-Away of Two-Web CMU Assembly

is to prevent vertical reinforcement from

a structural component of the assembly.

being spaced too far apart, effectively

Summary

creating sections of unreinforced masonry between reinforced sections.

Fully realized, the efficiencies afforded by By allowing bed joint reinforcement to be

the 2015 edition of the IBC can significantly

part of ‘primary’ reinforcement used to resist

reduce the cost, increase productivity,

Code Edition1

Reinforcement Size

Reinforcement Spacing

2009 IBC

2

No. 5

40 inches

2015 IBC

3

No. 5

96 inches

1 2

Refer to Table 2 for design assumptions.

Incorporating 9 gage bed joint reinforcement at 16 inches. Table 3 – Design Impact of TMS 402/602 Revisions1

design loads, the vertical reinforcement can

enhance thermal performance, and improve

be spaced much further apart as the load is

the viability of concrete masonry construction

shared between the bed joint reinforcement

across multiple markets. The next edition of

and the vertical rebar. Referring back to

the TMS 402/602 won’t be published until

FALL 2017 29


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ACI Field Testing - B'ham/Ready Mix USA Day of Concrete Knowledge - Mobile Day of Concrete Knowledge - B'ham Day of Concrete Knowledge - Huntsville

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 ACI Field Testing - Montgomery  ACI Field Testing - Mobile  Butch Wyatt Concrete Cup - Inverness Country Club

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 ACI Field Testing - B'ham  ACI Field Testing - Montgomery

FALL 2017 31


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A Day Of

CONCRETE knowledge A Day of Concrete Knowledge is designed to provide valuable education programs on concrete topics. This full-day seminar provides 8 hours of AIA approved HSW & PDH credits. Certificates will be issued to both architects and engineers. There is a fee of $30 to attend. All proceeds will go to your choice of the AIA Foundation or the Alabama Concrete Industries Foundation (ACIF). The ACIF yearly awards two $8,000 scholarships to students enrolled in architecture, engineering or building science at one of the state’s universities. Payments can me made online or the day of class.

dates and registration TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2017 MOBILE, AL RENAISSANCE RIVERVIEW PLAZA 65 S. WATER STREET WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2017 BIRMINGHAM, AL AGC HEADQUARTERS 500 GRANTSWOOD ROAD THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 HUNTSVILLE , AL EMBASSY SUITES 800 MONROE STREET

To register, please visit www.alconcrete.org. For questions or more information please call 334.265.0501 *Program will last from 8am - 4pm. All day attendance is not required. However, attendees will only receive credit for the hours attended. Certificates will be issued following the end of each program.


PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

MONTGOMERY, AL PERMIT NO. 456

1745 Platt Place Montgomery, AL 36117 www.alconcrete.org 334.265.0501

ACIA 7t h Annual Butch Wyatt Concrete Cup Invitational Monday, October 30, 2017 Inverness Country Club 1 Country Club Drive Birmingham, AL

11am Registration & Lunch 12pm Tee off 4:30pm Prizes, Drinks and Hors D’oeuvres Please RSVP your name, company, handicap and shirt size to John (jsorrell@alconcrete.org). *Limited to first 72 registrants


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