Increasing Cold Weather Masonry Construction Productivity

The thermal protection requirements for cold weather masonry, as established in current industry specifications, were evaluated. Experiments were conducted to define the most relevant factors in the process of freezing of newly placed mortar. The effect of unit absorption on the moisture content of mortar during the first hours after assembly was assessed. Correlations of moisture content with time were developed for mortar in contact with masonry units. Frost immunity thresholds in terms of mortar moisture content and in terms of maturity were determined. The test results provided the basis for new proposed guidance on when fresh mortar can be safely exposed to freezing temperatures. Test methods for evaluation of the freeze thaw resistance of masonry units were evaluated. A new test was proposed and adopted by ASTM as a new standard test for the freeze thaw testing of masonry units. In addition, several chemicals were evaluated for their potential as antifreeze admixtures for masonry mortar. Antifreeze admixtures were first developed for use in concrete, but the practicality of using antifreeze admixtures in masonry mortars was demonstrated in a field application in Michigan during the winter.

The first edition of this comprehensive work quickly filled the need for an in-depth handbook on concrete construction engineering and technology. Living up to the standard set by its bestselling predecessor, this second edition of the Concrete Construction Engineering Handbook covers the entire range of issues pertaining to the construction

Companies live or die on the basis of estimating their costs. Preparing estimates and bidding for new jobs is a complex and often costly process. There is no substitute for on the job training -- until now. Drawing on the authors' combined experience of more than 70 years, Estimating Building Costs presents state-of-the-art principles, practices, and techniques for assessing these expenditures that can be applied regardless of changes in the costs of materials, equipment, and labor. The book is an efficient and practical tool for developing contracts or controlling project costs. The authors cover the major components of the direct cost: estimating procedures and cost trends related to materials, construction equipment, and skilled and unskilled labor. They describe various types of building estimates encountered during the lifecycle of a project, as well as the role and accuracy of each. The book provides an overview of the industry, cost indexes in use, approaches to preparing a detailed estimate, and an in-depth description of the organization and function of the estimating group. Including CSI Master Format and UniFormat codes, estimating forms, a list of available estimating software packages, a detailed construction site and investigation report, the book provides a cost estimating methodology that readers can tailor to their own organizational needs.

Construction Change Order Claims brings you up-to-date with the latest methods for determining value of work or all types of projects. Commonly encountered claim issues are covered in detail, including: Surety issues Evaluating changes resulting from ambiguous specifications or inadequate design Measuring the cost impact of delays Proving the price of damages This all-in-one resource guides you through every type and aspect of change claims, offering hands-on guidance and analysis from 25 experienced practitioners. Construction Change Order Claims helps you quickly answer difficult questions such as: Is a change order on a construction project an and“extraand”and—or is it included within the scope of the basic contract price? When does an ownerand’s unintentional interference cross the line between a mere impairment or hindrance to an alteration of the contractorand’s intended methods of performance? What specific circumstances support the use of the cardinal change doctrine? What circumstances must be present to employ the Percentage of Completion accounting method? Construction Change Order Claims delivers: Innovative defenses to avoid being bound by a release Guidance for anticipating contractor defenses, and for preparing opposing arguments Practical tips and accounting tools for evaluating progress and calculating payments Federal, state and local certification requirements for public and private projects And more!