In 1936, a team of @NIST researchers, including optical physicist Irvine Gardner, joined National Geographic Society to observe June solar eclipse with a 9-inch astrographic lens Gardner designed. He has 9 patents, including for the wide-angle binocular telescope & range finder. pic.twitter.com/BblX8FnTBL
…When we talk about standards in our personal lives, we might think about the quality we expect in things such as restaurants and first dates. But the standards that exist in science and technology have an even greater impact on our lives. Technical standards keep us safe, enable technology to advance, and help businesses succeed. They quietly make the modern world tick and prevent technological problems that you might not realize could even happen…”
“Eco-friendly”, “Green”, “Bio”… Companies are increasingly using those tags as a signal to consumers of their environmental awareness. Yet also on the rise is a public concern about potential corporate lies in this subject, a phenomena labelled as “greenwashing”.
According to IESE professor Pascual Berrone, “many companies highlight one green positive aspect of their product or service, and hide the true impact that its production has on the environment”. With more and more NGO’s act as public watchdogs, “the consequences of getting caught can be, in terms of reputation but also economically, severe”, he says.
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The authorship of the hymn “What Wondrous Love Is This?” is unknown, and it is believed to be a traditional American folk hymn that emerged in the early 19th century. The hymn is sometimes attributed to American composer and music educator William Walker, who included it in his songbook “Southern Harmony” in 1835. It has become a beloved hymn in many Christian traditions, particularly during the season of Lent and Holy Week, as it helps worshippers reflect on the depth and meaning of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice.
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“Buildings, too, are children of Earth and Sun.” — Frank Lloyd Wright:
Harvard University Dormitory Room | Smithsonian Museum | Thomas Warren Sears Collection
Today we sort through the best practice literature for designing and building education settlements with brick — the world’s oldest construction material. Masonry is a term used to describe the construction of structures using individual units that are bound together with mortar. Brickwork is a specific type of masonry that involves the use of bricks as the primary building units.
We use the terms interchangeably reflecting vernacular use in the literature. Brickwork in building construction lies in its ability to provide structural strength, fire resistance, thermal and sound insulation, aesthetic appeal, low maintenance, environmental friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and versatility.
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The genius of bricklayers on view here. A wonderfully ornamental effect is achieved almost entirely through ingeniously combining 228*108*54mm cuboids of baked mud. No sculpted mouldings, no fine imported materials, just brilliant and thoughtful craftmanship. pic.twitter.com/KxZw2HmFLD
Masonry is a construction technique that involves the use of individual units, typically made of materials like brick, stone, concrete blocks, or clay tiles, which are bound together with mortar to create walls, columns, or other structural elements. Masonry has been used for thousands of years and remains a popular method for building various structures, including houses, commercial buildings, bridges, and more.
The key components of masonry construction are:
Masonry Units: These are the individual building blocks or pieces, such as bricks or stones, that form the structure. They come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, depending on the specific requirements of the project.
Mortar: Mortar is a mixture of cement, sand, and water that is used to bind the masonry units together. It acts as both an adhesive and a filler between the units, providing strength and stability to the structure.
Masonry Workmanship: Skilled craftsmen, known as masons, are responsible for arranging and securing the masonry units with mortar. Their expertise ensures the structural integrity and aesthetic quality of the finished product.
Masonry construction offers several advantages:
Durability: Masonry structures are known for their longevity and resistance to fire, weather, and pests.
Aesthetic Appeal: Masonry can be used to create intricate designs and patterns, making it a popular choice for architectural and decorative elements.
Energy Efficiency: Masonry walls have good thermal mass, which can help regulate indoor temperatures and reduce energy costs.
Low Maintenance: Masonry structures typically require minimal maintenance over the years.
Masonry can be categorized into different types based on the materials and methods used. Some common forms of masonry include:
Brick Masonry: This involves using clay or concrete bricks to build walls and structures. It is widely used in residential and commercial construction.
Stone Masonry: Natural stones, such as granite, limestone, and slate, are used to create walls and structures in this type of masonry. It’s often used for historical or architectural projects.
Concrete Block Masonry: Concrete blocks are used to construct walls in this form of masonry, and it’s commonly seen in industrial and commercial buildings.
Reinforced Masonry: Steel reinforcement is incorporated into masonry walls to enhance structural strength.
Masonry is a versatile construction method that can be used in various applications, and it continues to be a fundamental part of the construction industry.
Founded in 1904 in Farmington Hills, Michigan, the ACI has the most widely adopted catalog of consensus-based standards for design, construction, educational programs, certification programs, and proven expertise for individuals and organizations involved in concrete design, construction, and materials, who share a commitment to pursuing the best use of concrete — the most widely used construction material in the world.
Q. How is brickwork different from masonry? A. Brickwork and masonry are related terms in construction, but they are not exactly the same.
Masonry refers to the broader practice of building structures using a variety of materials like stone, brick, concrete blocks, or tiles. It encompasses all forms of stonework, brickwork, and blockwork. Masonry is a general term for the craft and the materials used in creating walls, structures, and even decorative elements in construction.
Brickwork, on the other hand, is a specific subset of masonry that involves the use of bricks as the building material. It focuses solely on the techniques and practices of laying bricks to build walls, arches, and other structural or decorative elements.
While all brickwork is masonry, not all masonry is brickwork. Masonry can also involve stone or other materials, whereas brickwork is specifically about bricks.
Q. What is the difference between cement and concrete? A. Cement and concrete are two different materials, although they are often used together in construction projects. Cement is a powdery substance that is used as a binder in building materials, while concrete is a composite material made up of cement, water, and aggregates (such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone).
Cement is produced by grinding clinker (a mixture of raw materials such as limestone, clay, and iron ore) with gypsum and other additives, to produce a fine powder. This powder is then mixed with water to create a paste that can be used to bind building materials together, such as bricks or blocks, or to create mortars and grouts for masonry work.
Concrete, on the other hand, is a mixture of cement, water, and aggregates. The aggregates are typically added to provide strength and bulk to the concrete. The type and size of aggregates used can vary depending on the desired strength, texture, and other properties of the concrete.
Q. What skill standards are required of certified practitioners? A. Concrete work requires knowledge of materials, tools, techniques, safety practices, and local building codes. The specific skill standards may vary depending on the scope and complexity of the concrete work, as well as the location and applicable regulations. Some of the common skills and knowledge required for managing or installing concrete include:
Knowledge of materials: Understanding the properties of cement, aggregates, admixtures, and other materials used in concrete, as well as their interactions and effects on the final product.
Ability to read plans and specifications: Being able to interpret blueprints, drawings, and other project documents to understand the scope of work, the required concrete mix design, and any special requirements or constraints.
Concrete mixing and placement techniques: Knowing how to properly mix concrete ingredients, and how to place and finish concrete using various techniques and tools, such as screeds, trowels, and floats.
Safety practices: Understanding and following proper safety practices when working with concrete, such as wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), using proper lifting techniques, and ensuring proper ventilation.
Knowledge of local building codes: Being familiar with local building codes and regulations related to concrete work, such as minimum thickness and strength requirements, reinforcement specifications, and other standards.
Q. What other organizations are involved in standards setting in this domain? A. There are several organizations that develop standards for concrete construction. These standards are used to ensure that concrete structures are safe, durable, and meet the requirements of building codes and regulations.
ASTM International: ASTM International is a global organization that develops and publishes technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services. ASTM has published many standards related to concrete materials and construction, including specifications for concrete mix design, testing methods for concrete strength and durability, and guidelines for concrete repair and maintenance.
National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA): The NRMCA is a trade association that represents producers of ready-mixed concrete and provides education and resources on the use of ready-mixed concrete. The NRMCA develops standards and guidelines related to concrete mix design, quality control, and sustainability.
International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI): The ICRI is a professional association that focuses on concrete repair and restoration. The ICRI develops standards and guidelines for concrete repair and maintenance, including guidelines for surface preparation, repair materials, and application techniques.
New update alert! The 2022 update to the Trademark Assignment Dataset is now available online. Find 1.29 million trademark assignments, involving 2.28 million unique trademark properties issued by the USPTO between March 1952 and January 2023: https://t.co/njrDAbSpwBpic.twitter.com/GkAXrHoQ9T
