From: freagraeile, Added: July 02, 2008
WCC/SISPAR video showing marina development plan/timetable for Greystones Marina
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Mukhtar Siddiqui Dubai World Central International Airport
From: junkmailaccount9999, Added: June 17, 2008
Dubai World Central International Airport (IATA: JXB, ICAO: Unknown) is a colossal new airport under construction near Jebel Ali, South of Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates. Previous working names have included "Jebel Ali International Airport" and "Jebel Ali Airport City". It will be officially known as Al Maktoum International Airport. It has been named after the late Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum,the former ruler of Dubai. It will be the main part of Dubai World Central, a planned residential, commercial and logistics complex scheme.World Central is the world's first truly integrated logistics platform, with all transport modes, logistics and value added services, including manufacturing and assembly, in a single bonded and Free Zone environment.
Dubai World Central International Airport (IATA: JXB, ICAO: Unknown) is a colossal new airport under construction near Jebel Ali, South of Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates. Previous working names have included "Jebel Ali International Airport" and "Jebel Ali Airport City". It will be officially known as Al Maktoum International Airport. It has been named after the late Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum,the former ruler of Dubai. It will be the main part of Dubai World Central, a planned residential, commercial and logistics complex scheme.World Central is the world's first truly integrated logistics platform, with all transport modes, logistics and value added services, including manufacturing and assembly, in a single bonded and Free Zone environment.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
NCSU CFL Beam Tested to Failure
From: ablongshape , Added: January 31, 2008
This test was carried out at NCSU's advanced Constructed Facilities Laboratory on January 31, 2008 at about 3pm. Here a new design for a major girder was being tested to failure. The design failure load for this beam was 130,000 lbs, and it failed (IIRC) at about 185,000 lbs. This is the load measured at each end of the beam, that is, the reaction at either end of the beam. When the video opens it pans to show the structural setup. The beams up close are the decking that rest on corbels hanging off of the main girder. The deck itself is composed of 4 double tee channels and one single tee channel. The load was transferred to the girder through the tee channels by the hydraulic jacks that are shown on top of the deck. The beam had been loaded and unloaded several times before this failure occurred. The final failure here was due to flexure at the middle of the beam span, where a corbel tore off the side of the girder. The system continued to hold a load even after this initial failure, and based off of the reactions from the people involved in the research it was a success. I apologize for the low quality as my phone camera isn't perfect. It's still kind of cool to get an idea of the equipment and the systems we have to test these things today. The motor/whistling noise you hear is the pump running that applied the load.
This test was carried out at NCSU's advanced Constructed Facilities Laboratory on January 31, 2008 at about 3pm. Here a new design for a major girder was being tested to failure. The design failure load for this beam was 130,000 lbs, and it failed (IIRC) at about 185,000 lbs. This is the load measured at each end of the beam, that is, the reaction at either end of the beam. When the video opens it pans to show the structural setup. The beams up close are the decking that rest on corbels hanging off of the main girder. The deck itself is composed of 4 double tee channels and one single tee channel. The load was transferred to the girder through the tee channels by the hydraulic jacks that are shown on top of the deck. The beam had been loaded and unloaded several times before this failure occurred. The final failure here was due to flexure at the middle of the beam span, where a corbel tore off the side of the girder. The system continued to hold a load even after this initial failure, and based off of the reactions from the people involved in the research it was a success. I apologize for the low quality as my phone camera isn't perfect. It's still kind of cool to get an idea of the equipment and the systems we have to test these things today. The motor/whistling noise you hear is the pump running that applied the load.
MSc Transport, Infrastructure & Logistics
From: tudelft , Added: August 05, 2008
MSc Transport, Infrastructure & Logistics (TIL). The programme leads to the degree of Master of Science in Transport, Infrastructure and Logistics. Because the field of Transport, Infrastructure and Logistics is highly interdisciplinary the following three faculties of Delft University of Technology jointly operate this programme; i.e.: Faculty of Design, Engineering and Production; Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management; Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences.
MSc Transport, Infrastructure & Logistics (TIL). The programme leads to the degree of Master of Science in Transport, Infrastructure and Logistics. Because the field of Transport, Infrastructure and Logistics is highly interdisciplinary the following three faculties of Delft University of Technology jointly operate this programme; i.e.: Faculty of Design, Engineering and Production; Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management; Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences.
Geospatial Technology at Texas State Technical College
From: TSTC4u , Added: December 11, 2007
What rapidly expanding technology is integral to nearly every industry, business and government service? Geographic Information Systems (GIS).This technology enables you to gather data, integrate it into computer systems and analyze it to help an organization make better, more informed decisions.As a student majoring in TSTC Waco's Geographic Information Systems, you can learn about GPS—a satellite positioning system that can allow you to determine latitude, longitude, and altitude, as well as speed, direction, and length of time to destinations. You can also learn about GIS—mapping software you can use to analyze data by GPS locations.Professionals in this field gather and manipulate data vital to businesses, industries and nearly all government entities. All these sectors benefit from GPS/GIS information, resulting in a demand for technicians to fill these high-tech jobs—jobs now opening up in nearly every sector of employment. As a Geographic Information Systems graduate, you can expect a career filled with lots of excitement, daily challenges and continuous growth!These GIS graduates' job responsibilities may include: conducting a wide range of analysis (including site selection, drainage design, traffic planning, impact analysis, site monitoring, property assessment and facilities management); tracking customer sales; and analyzing crime patterns.GIS technicians may hold responsibilities for routing delivery trucks; displaying soil types; finding the best location for an expanding business; helping an organization develop planning models; and evaluating possible future scenarios such as studying easement alternatives for widening a road or evaluating the economic impact of new zoning on a community.As a graduate of the program, you may hold career positions with titles such as geographic information systems specialist, global positioning specialist or logistics specialist.Geomatics Technology... A specialization in Geospatial Technology at Texas State Technical College.The Geomatics Technology is a crossroads of land usage by civil engineering, GIS, GPS, municipal and corporate planning, residential development, architectural planning, construction, and drafting. Land surveying is the second oldest profession in the world and today there is still a growing demand for survey technicians. New technology is changing the way surveyors and surveying technicians do their work. Surveyors are still measuring the distance and determining spatial relationships, but the why and how has changed. The surveyor's instrument and chain have given way to electronics. Distance is measured with an electronic clock and the speed of light. Angles, distances, and notes are automatically recorded in a "data collector" to be down loaded, plotted, and analyzed later. One purpose is still location of private property lines, but that purpose has been broadened to cover infrastructure and public well-being.The surveyor is a collector of facts and disseminator of usable information. The collection may be bounced from a satellite using Global Position Systems (GPS), scanned in from GIS data he generated last week, or raw data obtained by more conventional methods. With the use of lasers in an electronic angle and distance-measuring device the data is more precise. The data is linked to an automatic recorder, making it more reliable. It may also be connected with wireless communications equipment and transferred to an office computer where a rough map plot is made as fieldwork progresses.GIS Web Specialist... A specialization in Geospatial Technology at Texas State Technical College.The explosive use of web-based GIS applications in almost every industry is providing exciting new opportunities for the world of information analysis. This specialization meets specific requirements for the rapidly growing markets seeking employees with both strong GIS analysis and web-based skills. GIS and GIS Web are projected to be the high paying jobs of tomorrow.
Geologic Considerations in Dam Construction
From: nptelhrd, Added: July 07, 2008
Lecture Series on Engineering Geology by Prof. Debasis Roy, Department of Civil Engineering, I.I.T.,Kharagpur. For more details on NPTEL visit http://nptel.iitm.ac.in. Lecture Title:Geologic Considerations in Dam,Bridge and Road Construction.
Lecture Series on Engineering Geology by Prof. Debasis Roy, Department of Civil Engineering, I.I.T.,Kharagpur. For more details on NPTEL visit http://nptel.iitm.ac.in. Lecture Title:Geologic Considerations in Dam,Bridge and Road Construction.
Basic Zipblocks Demo - Simple Green Interlocking Technology
From: Zipblocks
Added: March 19, 2007
Zipblocks are boring...for that matter so are bricks, cinderblocks, and most other building materials. But hey...lets not forget get that the Great Pyramid of Giza was built from blocks.
This video on Zipblocks is also a bit boring...but if you watch it and then take a few seconds to think about how simple Zipblocks are and what you can do with them...you might develop an appreciation for Zipblocks. What's more is that if you do like Zipblocks and you introduce them to a company and as a result they decide to manufacture them you'll get a percentage of the royalties. To learn more about this just visit our website.
What is really nice about Ziplocks is that the entire building system consists of only two types of block and that longer blocks are simply multiples of a single block. Zipblocks can be made from virtually any solid material. Zipblocks are so simple that you can make them in your garage out of plywood if wanted to. Sides and lugs are the only two parts needed to create Zipblocks. So all in all this entire building system consists of only two different block types that can be created from two simple parts.
The costs of manufacturing Zipblocks are low. To put things in perspective consider this scenario. Let's say that it costs $20 for a sheet of ¾ inch plywood and that it costs a factory $2 to transform one sheet of plywood into fully assembled blocks. In this case the transformation from plain plywood to Zipblocks generally speaking adds 10% to the costs of the raw materials. We can now visualize home improvement stores selling sheets of plywood for $20 and the equivalent plywood in bundles of Zipblocks for $22.
Let's say that you wanted to create your very own custom wall unit in your living room that covered an entire wall from floor to ceiling. Let's just say that this wall is 20 feet long and 12 feet tall. Can you imagine how much it would cost you if you walked into your local home supply center and made this request? It would probably cost you a fortune in both labor and materials. Now picture yourself walking into the same store and ordering 4 to 5 pallets of Zipblocks, having them delivered to you home, and then building your very own wall unit all in a days time. The cost would of course be much less and you would have a custom wall unit that you designed and built all by yourself. This would indeed be a much more rewarding experience.
What we just spoke about is more than ideal. What's more is that when you build with Zipblocks and you make a mistake. No problem. Just disassemble your mistake and fix it. Moving to another home and the living room is smaller? Again...no problem...just dissemble your wall unit, ship it to your new home, and when you get there build another custom wall unit that suits to your needs.
You know, the great thing about these blocks is that you can build just about anything with them. Imagine how much fun you could have building some really cool workbenches in your garage or putting up some giant shelves in there. How about building a dog house for your dog or a playhouse for your child or a closet organizer?
You see there are simply countless things that you can build with Zipblocks and if you ever get tired of what you built...just break it down and use your blocks for something else! Zipblocks are essentially a product that never loses its value or usefulness.
Some other uses for Zipblocks:
1) Robotic Building Blocks -- It is easy for robots to manipulate Zipblocks thru the x-y-z planes as they are cubic in nature and interlock upon placement.
2) Concrete Forms -- rapidly build a disposable custom concrete forms using some wooden Zipblocks.
3) Levee Walls -- 16 foot lengths of Zipblocks made from a hybrid of plastic reinforced with steel and then woven together would certainly aid in the construction of levee walls. New Orleans and other flood prone areas are in need of cheap and effective solutions.
4) Walkways and Patios -- 8 foot lengths of plastic based Zipblocks could be used to instantly build patios and walkways.
5) Shipping containers -- Build custom shipping containers. Upon arrival in 3rd world countries containers could be broken down and used to construct shelter.
Added: March 19, 2007
Zipblocks are boring...for that matter so are bricks, cinderblocks, and most other building materials. But hey...lets not forget get that the Great Pyramid of Giza was built from blocks.
This video on Zipblocks is also a bit boring...but if you watch it and then take a few seconds to think about how simple Zipblocks are and what you can do with them...you might develop an appreciation for Zipblocks. What's more is that if you do like Zipblocks and you introduce them to a company and as a result they decide to manufacture them you'll get a percentage of the royalties. To learn more about this just visit our website.
What is really nice about Ziplocks is that the entire building system consists of only two types of block and that longer blocks are simply multiples of a single block. Zipblocks can be made from virtually any solid material. Zipblocks are so simple that you can make them in your garage out of plywood if wanted to. Sides and lugs are the only two parts needed to create Zipblocks. So all in all this entire building system consists of only two different block types that can be created from two simple parts.
The costs of manufacturing Zipblocks are low. To put things in perspective consider this scenario. Let's say that it costs $20 for a sheet of ¾ inch plywood and that it costs a factory $2 to transform one sheet of plywood into fully assembled blocks. In this case the transformation from plain plywood to Zipblocks generally speaking adds 10% to the costs of the raw materials. We can now visualize home improvement stores selling sheets of plywood for $20 and the equivalent plywood in bundles of Zipblocks for $22.
Let's say that you wanted to create your very own custom wall unit in your living room that covered an entire wall from floor to ceiling. Let's just say that this wall is 20 feet long and 12 feet tall. Can you imagine how much it would cost you if you walked into your local home supply center and made this request? It would probably cost you a fortune in both labor and materials. Now picture yourself walking into the same store and ordering 4 to 5 pallets of Zipblocks, having them delivered to you home, and then building your very own wall unit all in a days time. The cost would of course be much less and you would have a custom wall unit that you designed and built all by yourself. This would indeed be a much more rewarding experience.
What we just spoke about is more than ideal. What's more is that when you build with Zipblocks and you make a mistake. No problem. Just disassemble your mistake and fix it. Moving to another home and the living room is smaller? Again...no problem...just dissemble your wall unit, ship it to your new home, and when you get there build another custom wall unit that suits to your needs.
You know, the great thing about these blocks is that you can build just about anything with them. Imagine how much fun you could have building some really cool workbenches in your garage or putting up some giant shelves in there. How about building a dog house for your dog or a playhouse for your child or a closet organizer?
You see there are simply countless things that you can build with Zipblocks and if you ever get tired of what you built...just break it down and use your blocks for something else! Zipblocks are essentially a product that never loses its value or usefulness.
Some other uses for Zipblocks:
1) Robotic Building Blocks -- It is easy for robots to manipulate Zipblocks thru the x-y-z planes as they are cubic in nature and interlock upon placement.
2) Concrete Forms -- rapidly build a disposable custom concrete forms using some wooden Zipblocks.
3) Levee Walls -- 16 foot lengths of Zipblocks made from a hybrid of plastic reinforced with steel and then woven together would certainly aid in the construction of levee walls. New Orleans and other flood prone areas are in need of cheap and effective solutions.
4) Walkways and Patios -- 8 foot lengths of plastic based Zipblocks could be used to instantly build patios and walkways.
5) Shipping containers -- Build custom shipping containers. Upon arrival in 3rd world countries containers could be broken down and used to construct shelter.
Friday, October 10, 2008
History and Heritage
Civil engineers build the world's infrastructure. In doing so, they shape the history of nations around the world. This site provides information on the people, projects, and concepts that comprise the history and heritage of civil engineering. Feel free to browse through the various sections to learn more about this history and ASCE's History & Heritage Program.Woodhead Dam Named International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark
On August 1, 2008, David Mongan, President of ASCE, presented the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) with a plaque designating the Woodhead Dam, Tabletop Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa, an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. Built between 1893 and 1897, Woodhead Dam was the first large masonry dam designed and built in South Africa. For more information on this dam, click here.
Below is a photograph of the plaque being presented to the officers of the SAICE. They are from left to right:
Back Row : Verelene De Koker, SAICE editor; Marie Ashpole, SAICE Outreach Officer; Marianne Van der Schuren, SAICE western Cape Branch Chair; Johan De Koker, President of SAICE; David Mongan, President of ASCE; Patrick Natale, Executive Director of ASCE; and Meggan Maughan-Brown, Director of International Affairs, ASCE.
Front Row: Anthony Murray, Chair, History & Heritage, SAICE and David Botha, Executive Director of SAICE
NEW! A Brochure on ASCE'sHistory and Heritage Program
The History & Heritage Committee has produced a new brochure describing all the different aspects of ASCE's program. It describes not only such well-known programs as the Landmark program but also the publications, symposia, and, of course, the Web site. This compact brochure provides members with a n easy way to promote the field's history with the
public. It is also a good way for faculty to introduce their students to the wonderful heritage of their chosen field.
To request copies, please email Carol Reese, staff contact for the committee.
Changing Our World: True Stories of Women Engineers
Through its real-life stories, the Changing Our World: True Stories of Women Engineers will serve as a fresh perspective and provide inspiration and encouragement for young women to pursue careers in engineering. Publication of Changing Our World represents a significant milestone for EWEP-a collaborative effort of many different individuals and organizations to address the long-standing underrepresentation of women in the engineering profession. The book was launched at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 21.» Read more about the launch
» Order your copy
» View a PDF version of the book
ASCE Continuing Education
ASCE has been committed to providing top quality continuing education for civil engineers and related professionals for over three decades. The Society holds more than 300 seminars and computer workshops each year on a wide variety of technical, management, and regulatory topics. These seminars are held in more than 45 cities across the U.S. In addition, ASCE offers customized on-site training, live interactive web/teleconference seminars, and many distance learning programs, including online courses, and courses on CD, videotape, and audiotape.Looking for ways to stay current in the ever-changing Civil Engineering profession? See our Special Featured Items section!
ASCE offers Continuing Education Units (convertible to PDHs) to assist ASCE members and other civil engineers in meeting state registration board requirements for P.E. license renewal. ASCE has been approved as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET), 1760 old Meadow Road, Suite 500, McLean, VA 22102. In obtaining this approval, ASCE has demonstrated that it complies with the ANSI/IACET Standards which are widely recognized as standards of good practice internationally. As a result of their Authorized Provider membership status, ASCE is authorized to offer IACET CEUs for its programs that qualify under the ANSI/IACET Standards. Click here for information on licensing requirements in your state.
For additional information on ASCE Continuing Education, click on the links below:
Good Planning
A Web-based service helps Hovnanian save time and money on blueprint costs.
by Steve Zurier
One positive aspect of the housing slowdown is that home builders now have the time to evaluate and ultimately deploy technology that can make their operations more efficient.
One good example is Hovnanian Enterprises, which has been rolling out a Web-based plan and blueprint service from Memphis, Tenn.–based Plan Express at Hovnanian's 30 divisions. Hovnanian first started using the service for architectural drawings in its San Diego, Los Angeles, and Orange County, Calif., divisions.
“We've spent a lot of time looking at process improvements,” says Paul Doherty, Hovnanian's vice president of land development and home production.
“When we took a look at the numbers, we realized we were spending tens of millions of dollars a year on blueprint costs,” Doherty says, adding that the process was also very inefficient for both Hovnanian and its subs.
Before Plan Express was brought on, subs would go to Hovnanian job trailers and request the plans, the supers would call an administrative assistant in a regional office, who would then call the blueprint shop to get the plans made. The blueprint shop would send the plans to the regional office, and the administrator would then send them out to the jobsite—for final pick-up by the sub—or directly to the sub's office, which increased mailing and courier costs.
“All of this was only for the bidding process,” says Doherty. “When we released work orders and were ready to start building, we went through the same thing,” he explains.
The solution was to require all subs to access plans over the Web via Plan Express. Subs can either access the Plan Express service online at planexpress.net or on a special vendor portal Hovnanian set up for its subs on its own Web site.
According to Doherty, having plans reproduced typically costs about 30 cents per square foot of print paper. Hovnanian's subs are printing out plans via Plan Express for roughly half that price. Subs can print out plans in 11x17, which is the standard format used in residential construction. For those who don't have access to a PC with a Web browser, the subs can go to a local Kinko's, present the sub's Plan Express number, and have the plans printed there.
Another important feature the Plan Express service offers is that subs can print out precisely the sheet they need. It's no longer necessary for the electrician or plumber to wade through an entire set of plans to get to the specific detail that relates to their part of the job.
“While we've asked the subs to pick up this cost, printing out plans over the Web saves our subs millions of dollars in time and travel costs,” Doherty says. “Our subs used to have to drive several miles to go to our local offices or job trailers just to pick up plans. We've eliminated all that,” he explains
by Steve Zurier
One positive aspect of the housing slowdown is that home builders now have the time to evaluate and ultimately deploy technology that can make their operations more efficient.
One good example is Hovnanian Enterprises, which has been rolling out a Web-based plan and blueprint service from Memphis, Tenn.–based Plan Express at Hovnanian's 30 divisions. Hovnanian first started using the service for architectural drawings in its San Diego, Los Angeles, and Orange County, Calif., divisions.
“We've spent a lot of time looking at process improvements,” says Paul Doherty, Hovnanian's vice president of land development and home production.
“When we took a look at the numbers, we realized we were spending tens of millions of dollars a year on blueprint costs,” Doherty says, adding that the process was also very inefficient for both Hovnanian and its subs.
Before Plan Express was brought on, subs would go to Hovnanian job trailers and request the plans, the supers would call an administrative assistant in a regional office, who would then call the blueprint shop to get the plans made. The blueprint shop would send the plans to the regional office, and the administrator would then send them out to the jobsite—for final pick-up by the sub—or directly to the sub's office, which increased mailing and courier costs.
“All of this was only for the bidding process,” says Doherty. “When we released work orders and were ready to start building, we went through the same thing,” he explains.
The solution was to require all subs to access plans over the Web via Plan Express. Subs can either access the Plan Express service online at planexpress.net or on a special vendor portal Hovnanian set up for its subs on its own Web site.According to Doherty, having plans reproduced typically costs about 30 cents per square foot of print paper. Hovnanian's subs are printing out plans via Plan Express for roughly half that price. Subs can print out plans in 11x17, which is the standard format used in residential construction. For those who don't have access to a PC with a Web browser, the subs can go to a local Kinko's, present the sub's Plan Express number, and have the plans printed there.
Another important feature the Plan Express service offers is that subs can print out precisely the sheet they need. It's no longer necessary for the electrician or plumber to wade through an entire set of plans to get to the specific detail that relates to their part of the job.
“While we've asked the subs to pick up this cost, printing out plans over the Web saves our subs millions of dollars in time and travel costs,” Doherty says. “Our subs used to have to drive several miles to go to our local offices or job trailers just to pick up plans. We've eliminated all that,” he explains
BuildingGreen Announces Top-10 Green Products
List stresses energy-saving, recycled content.
by Nigel Maynard
Green builders everywhere rejoice-the list of green building products has just grown longer thanks to the release of BuildingGreen's 2007 Top-10 Green Building Products. Brattleboro, Vt.-based BuildingGreen, publisher of the GreenSpec Directory and Environmental Building News, announced the list at GreenBuild 2007, the world's largest conference and exposition dedicated to sustainable and energy efficient construction.
"Our selections of the Top-10 Green Building Products represent a wide range of product types in many different application areas," so they appeal to a wide range of audiences in the building community, GreenSpec co-editor and BuildingGreen president Alex Wilson said at the show in Chicago.
According to BuildingGreen, a big driver in the development of green products is the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Rating System, which awards points for the use of certain product types or for the energy or water savings that green products can achieve.
Spurred by LEED, manufacturers have been working hard to develop products that address environmental concerns, higher energy costs, health concerns, and predicted water shortages in the future. As a result, the list includes four products that save energy; two products for water saving; three products are green in part because they are made from recycled or recovered material; and two avoid hazardous manufacturing or disposal of materials. "Most of the Top-10 products this year have multiple environmental attributes," said Wilson.
The list includes products that will be relevant to the residential building community, including FSC-certified Collins Pine Freeform particleboard that does not contain urea-formaldehyde; the Bosch Evolution 800 Series dishwasher that is 148 percent more energy efficient than the federal standard and 73 percent more than Energy Star; Alpen Energy Group's Alpen fiberglass window-a product that can achieve an astonishingly high R-20; EnOcean wireless controls that integrate radio-frequency communication to use just one-tenth the power of most controllers; and energy-saving LED down lighting from LED Lighting Fixtures.
by Nigel Maynard
Green builders everywhere rejoice-the list of green building products has just grown longer thanks to the release of BuildingGreen's 2007 Top-10 Green Building Products. Brattleboro, Vt.-based BuildingGreen, publisher of the GreenSpec Directory and Environmental Building News, announced the list at GreenBuild 2007, the world's largest conference and exposition dedicated to sustainable and energy efficient construction.
"Our selections of the Top-10 Green Building Products represent a wide range of product types in many different application areas," so they appeal to a wide range of audiences in the building community, GreenSpec co-editor and BuildingGreen president Alex Wilson said at the show in Chicago.
According to BuildingGreen, a big driver in the development of green products is the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Rating System, which awards points for the use of certain product types or for the energy or water savings that green products can achieve.
Spurred by LEED, manufacturers have been working hard to develop products that address environmental concerns, higher energy costs, health concerns, and predicted water shortages in the future. As a result, the list includes four products that save energy; two products for water saving; three products are green in part because they are made from recycled or recovered material; and two avoid hazardous manufacturing or disposal of materials. "Most of the Top-10 products this year have multiple environmental attributes," said Wilson.
The list includes products that will be relevant to the residential building community, including FSC-certified Collins Pine Freeform particleboard that does not contain urea-formaldehyde; the Bosch Evolution 800 Series dishwasher that is 148 percent more energy efficient than the federal standard and 73 percent more than Energy Star; Alpen Energy Group's Alpen fiberglass window-a product that can achieve an astonishingly high R-20; EnOcean wireless controls that integrate radio-frequency communication to use just one-tenth the power of most controllers; and energy-saving LED down lighting from LED Lighting Fixtures.
Strong Foundations: America's Best Builders
Winning builders stand firm in recession and sputtering recovery, supported by sophisticated systems, dedication to detail, and buyer-friendly approaches.
By Alison Rice
Think you're among the best? Here's a quick self-test. Could you keep your variances under 1 percent on your next house? Have you met every one of your settlement dates for the past 30 years? Who exactly purchases your homes? (And, no, "first-time buyers" doesn't count.) How many of you, in this age of NIMBYism and public fights over planning and zoning proposals, have had a day named in your honor by your city council?
If you can answer yes to these questions, congratulate yourself, for these are the hallmarks of America's Best Builders (ABB): Sattler Homes, Thompson Homes, Don Simon Homes, and Pardee Homes.
They are the best because they excel at everything they do: finance and operations, marketing, construction, customer satisfaction, and community service. As such, they share other characteristics, too. Three of the four are family-owned companies, two of which are now run by the second generation. They value their employees and know how to retain them: Thompson and Don Simon provide profit-sharing programs, and the average tenure among Pardee's senior management is 17.25 years.
These builders also aren't afraid to innovate: Pardee has developed a "LivingSmart" program that features homes with energy-conserving appliances and green products, and Don Simon builds all its homes to Wisconsin's Green Built standards.
America's Best Builders continue this practice of innovation long after the awards plaque has been hung on the wall. This year, we're honoring our first ABB alumnus--Wayne Homes, which was named an America's Best Builder in 1995--for its move toward a paperless office.
Such success doesn't surprise us. Each of these award-winning companies has based its business not on the energy of a dynamic owner or executive (as charismatic as these leaders might be), but on a strong foundation of systems: schedules, procedures, measurements. They use them daily, not just when time or inclination allows, because they know that systems--the cornerstone of a well-run home building company--can make or break the quality of a home, the trust of a customer, or the profitability of the business
By Alison Rice
Think you're among the best? Here's a quick self-test. Could you keep your variances under 1 percent on your next house? Have you met every one of your settlement dates for the past 30 years? Who exactly purchases your homes? (And, no, "first-time buyers" doesn't count.) How many of you, in this age of NIMBYism and public fights over planning and zoning proposals, have had a day named in your honor by your city council?
If you can answer yes to these questions, congratulate yourself, for these are the hallmarks of America's Best Builders (ABB): Sattler Homes, Thompson Homes, Don Simon Homes, and Pardee Homes.
They are the best because they excel at everything they do: finance and operations, marketing, construction, customer satisfaction, and community service. As such, they share other characteristics, too. Three of the four are family-owned companies, two of which are now run by the second generation. They value their employees and know how to retain them: Thompson and Don Simon provide profit-sharing programs, and the average tenure among Pardee's senior management is 17.25 years.
These builders also aren't afraid to innovate: Pardee has developed a "LivingSmart" program that features homes with energy-conserving appliances and green products, and Don Simon builds all its homes to Wisconsin's Green Built standards.
America's Best Builders continue this practice of innovation long after the awards plaque has been hung on the wall. This year, we're honoring our first ABB alumnus--Wayne Homes, which was named an America's Best Builder in 1995--for its move toward a paperless office.
Such success doesn't surprise us. Each of these award-winning companies has based its business not on the energy of a dynamic owner or executive (as charismatic as these leaders might be), but on a strong foundation of systems: schedules, procedures, measurements. They use them daily, not just when time or inclination allows, because they know that systems--the cornerstone of a well-run home building company--can make or break the quality of a home, the trust of a customer, or the profitability of the business
Steel Floors
For residential applications, steel flooring systems require new tools, attention to fastening, and a detailed plan for mechanicals.
By Matthew Power
Illustrations by Harry Whitver
Look around virtually any new subdivision, and you're likely to spy the glint of galvanized metal. Steel floors have been gaining market share in the last couple years, with good reason. They address many of the seismic, termite, and quality control problems that have complicated the lives of builders in recent years. And they allow homeowners to create the big, open floor plans they want.
Nader R. Elhajj, a project manager at the NAHB Research Center, says that adding steel flooring capability to your next project will require about 20 percent more labor time on the first job as workers learn the ropes. And you'll need to buy some new, relatively inexpensive tools. But after the first time, the steel floor process takes no longer than a solid-sawn wood or engineered I-joist floor.
Steel joists weigh less than solid-sawn wood. Typically, they are sized and cut in the factory, so you should end up with minimal waste. But there's a catch: The steel industry's distribution network is far from complete.
"You still have to contact a drywall supplier, a commercial building material supplier, or go direct to the steel supplier," notes Elhajj.
Steel floors are covered in the new International Residential Code (IRC) and currently cost about 3 percent or 4 percent less than dimensional wood floors. That could change, Elhajj adds, as new tariffs take effect. "In a lot of jurisdictions, like Hawaii and parts of the West, codes won't let you build everything with wood any more. Something like this is a good solution."
Gear Up
To work with steel, you need to assemble a collection of basic metalworking tools, including hand clamps, a chop saw with carbide blade, an electric "power nibbler" (along with hand-powered aviation snips), a screw gun with adjustable clutch and 6.5 amp motor, and a heavy duty 1 1/4-inch hole punch. Finally, don't forget gloves. Metal not only responds sharply to cold or heat, but it also has unforgiving edges.
Share the load
Whenever possible, steel joists should break at load-bearing walls. For interior walls, they must have a minimum 1 1/2 inches of bearing support, and 3 1/2 inches where they rest on exterior walls. Overlap joists back to back by at least 6 inches. Fasteners must clamp the joists together, plus attach them to the track or top plate. Where continuous joists end, they should be anchored to load-bearing walls with clip angle or bent stiffener.
Lock down
When installing metal joists, try proprietary systems that offer easy solutions, such as the TradeReady Joist Rim Track. Joists simply slot into pre-machined fittings and screw into place. When installing joists at the first-floor level over a wood sill, remember that the key to a sturdy structure is linkage. Each component attaches to the one below it. The sill is anchor bolted to the foundation. The foundation is screwed to the rim track by way of flat metal plates, and joists attach to the rim plate. Be sure to insulate or caulk gaps between sill and concrete, and rim track and sill.
Plan penetrations
Most steel joists include standard punched web holes at 24-inch intervals. Make a detailed layout of plumbing, HVAC, and wiring in advance. Be certain that holes line up precisely. If you must cut holes larger for plumbing or ducts, they may need a reinforcement patch. Holes should not be located within 10 inches of the edge of a load-bearing wall. If they are, they will need to be patched for strength. Flanges on joists should never be cut, but screw-sized holes are allowed anywhere in the web.
Sound Control Tips
Steel floors can get noisy. Keep unwanted noise down by:
Insulating between joists. (Use wire hangers as shown.)
Providing air chambers in water plumbing to prevent pressure "hammering."
Specifying oversized water pipes to reduce pressure.
Using duct liners to quiet air noise.
Boxing all recessed ceiling fixtures.
By Matthew Power
Illustrations by Harry Whitver
Look around virtually any new subdivision, and you're likely to spy the glint of galvanized metal. Steel floors have been gaining market share in the last couple years, with good reason. They address many of the seismic, termite, and quality control problems that have complicated the lives of builders in recent years. And they allow homeowners to create the big, open floor plans they want.
Nader R. Elhajj, a project manager at the NAHB Research Center, says that adding steel flooring capability to your next project will require about 20 percent more labor time on the first job as workers learn the ropes. And you'll need to buy some new, relatively inexpensive tools. But after the first time, the steel floor process takes no longer than a solid-sawn wood or engineered I-joist floor.
Steel joists weigh less than solid-sawn wood. Typically, they are sized and cut in the factory, so you should end up with minimal waste. But there's a catch: The steel industry's distribution network is far from complete.
"You still have to contact a drywall supplier, a commercial building material supplier, or go direct to the steel supplier," notes Elhajj.
Steel floors are covered in the new International Residential Code (IRC) and currently cost about 3 percent or 4 percent less than dimensional wood floors. That could change, Elhajj adds, as new tariffs take effect. "In a lot of jurisdictions, like Hawaii and parts of the West, codes won't let you build everything with wood any more. Something like this is a good solution."
Gear UpTo work with steel, you need to assemble a collection of basic metalworking tools, including hand clamps, a chop saw with carbide blade, an electric "power nibbler" (along with hand-powered aviation snips), a screw gun with adjustable clutch and 6.5 amp motor, and a heavy duty 1 1/4-inch hole punch. Finally, don't forget gloves. Metal not only responds sharply to cold or heat, but it also has unforgiving edges.
Fasten to Last
Get an organizer to store the lengths and types of fasteners needed to assemble a steel floor platform. Learn the difference between self-drilling and self-piercing screws. Use appropriate screws for each task, as directed in the "Builders' Guide" (see "Helping Hand," below). Screws should penetrate through the steel a minimum of three exposed threads. Screws that connect pieces of steel should go through the thinner piece first.
Share the loadWhenever possible, steel joists should break at load-bearing walls. For interior walls, they must have a minimum 1 1/2 inches of bearing support, and 3 1/2 inches where they rest on exterior walls. Overlap joists back to back by at least 6 inches. Fasteners must clamp the joists together, plus attach them to the track or top plate. Where continuous joists end, they should be anchored to load-bearing walls with clip angle or bent stiffener.
Block or rock
Like engineered wood I-joists, steel joists require lateral bracing. This can be accomplished by combining a 1 1/2-inch-by-33-MIL steel strap screwed to the bottom of the joists with a section of solid blocking on either side of the strap at the end of the joists. This arrangement can be repeated at a maximum 12-foot interval. Another alternative that greatly simplifies blocking: Attach gypsum board directly to the underside of joists. This method also meets typical fire protection requirements in conditioned living spaces.
Lock down
When installing metal joists, try proprietary systems that offer easy solutions, such as the TradeReady Joist Rim Track. Joists simply slot into pre-machined fittings and screw into place. When installing joists at the first-floor level over a wood sill, remember that the key to a sturdy structure is linkage. Each component attaches to the one below it. The sill is anchor bolted to the foundation. The foundation is screwed to the rim track by way of flat metal plates, and joists attach to the rim plate. Be sure to insulate or caulk gaps between sill and concrete, and rim track and sill.
Plan penetrationsMost steel joists include standard punched web holes at 24-inch intervals. Make a detailed layout of plumbing, HVAC, and wiring in advance. Be certain that holes line up precisely. If you must cut holes larger for plumbing or ducts, they may need a reinforcement patch. Holes should not be located within 10 inches of the edge of a load-bearing wall. If they are, they will need to be patched for strength. Flanges on joists should never be cut, but screw-sized holes are allowed anywhere in the web.
Sound Control Tips
Steel floors can get noisy. Keep unwanted noise down by:Insulating between joists. (Use wire hangers as shown.)
Providing air chambers in water plumbing to prevent pressure "hammering."
Specifying oversized water pipes to reduce pressure.
Using duct liners to quiet air noise.
Boxing all recessed ceiling fixtures.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
