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September 5, 2011 7:00 AM CDT

MCAA fall webinar schedule announced

Earn Certification credits from the comfort of your office

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The Live Webinar Series will feature courses on BIM, restoration, seismic requirements, and more.

The Live Webinar Series will feature courses on BIM, restoration, seismic requirements, and more.
The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) has announced the fall MCAA Live Webinar schedule. Courses include:

Restoration Masonry

Wednesday, September 7, 2011
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM CDT

When designed, detailed and constructed correctly, masonry materials can last forever. However, rarely do the design assumptions, detail and construction happen in a perfect world. This leads to the need for repair and restoration of existing masonry structures. This course discusses how to identify when masonry structures need to be fixed, how to fix them, and how to prevent these issues from reoccurring.

Discipline: General
Credits: 1.5
$75 MCAA Members / $100 Non-members

View more information or register for Restoration Masonry

Seismic Requirements of the Building Code

Wednesday, September 14, 2011
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM CDT

In most places, earthquakes don't happen very often, but they can happen anywhere. Alaska and the West Coast of the United States are notorious for moderate to major earthquakes, but we are also aware of significant earthquakes in Missouri, Texas, Maine and Illinois. In fact, there are 34 states that have experienced earthquakes of at least a 5.0 Richter Magnitude.

This presentation will show where the hot spots are and provide some insight on why the codes are requiring seismic consideration in design and construction. It will also show some basic methods on how to simplify construction when obstacles, such as reinforcement, are required in masonry walls. Most important, the presentation will provide some insight on what inspectors should be looking for when observing masonry construction.

Discipline: Codes & Standards
Credits: 1
$75 MCAA Members / $100 Non-members

View more information or register for Seismic Requirements of the Building Code

Introduction to Building Information Modeling

Wednesday, September 21, 2011
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM CDT

In this hour webinar, attendess will learn about the origins of BIM, how it is being used in the construction industry today, the benefits of BIM (what's in it for me) and making the transition from traditional CAD (or hand drafting) to BIM. The webinar will be open to questions and answers at the conclusion of the presentation.

Discipline: Bidding Practices
Credits: 1
$75 MCAA Members / $100 Non-members

View more information or register for Introduction to Building Information Modeling

Job Site Scheduling

Wednesday, September 28, 2011
9:00 AM - 1:30 PM CDT

Learn from those who have already implemented a variety of effective programs to put the mason contractor in the driver's seat on the job site. With the competitive pricing in today's marketplace, one area contractors can edge their margins higher is through productivity. Influencing the schedule is one move that will help your company increase productivity levels and the bottom line.

This course will be conducted by a small panel of mason contractors, lead by MCAA President Mackie Bounds, who have taken back their job site scheduling. You don't want to miss this unique opportunity to learn from peers who have already implemented successful programs.

Discipline: Ethics & Business Practices
Credits: 4.5
$125 MCAA Members / $200 Non-members

View more information or register for Job Site Scheduling

How to Become an Equal Partner with the General Contractor

Wednesday, October 5, 2011
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM CDT

Commercial projects may have over 15 specification sections listed and many times there will be more than one trade in a specification section. General contractors or project managers often find themselves as the administrator, or bosses, of all the different trades.

This presentation will attempt to provide ways that the masonry contractor can help the general contractor or project manager understand and appreciate the details of masonry. In return, the masonry contractor needs to understand and appreciate the needs of other trades, particularly those that interface with masonry. In doing so, the masonry contractor has a better opportunity to participate in communication with the general contractor or project manager, thereby working together in moving the project to completion.

Discipline: Ethics & Business Practices
Credits: 1.5
$75 MCAA Members / $100 Non-members

View more information or register for How to Become an Equal Partner with the General Contractor

How to Develop and Implement an Effective Quality Control Program

Wednesday, October 12, 2011
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM CDT

Current code requires development and implementation of a Quality Assurance program developed by the design professional and implemented by the contractor. Quality Assurance is not the same as Quality Control. This program will show the difference between Quality Assurance and Quality Control and offer suggestions on items that should be included in an effective Qualify Control program.

This program will also provide suggestions for an appropriate Quality Control program that addresses overall compliance with the Quality Assurance requirements and conformance to the Quality Control requirements providing for improved aesthetic appearance and structural performance of masonry.

Discipline: Codes & Standards
Credits: 1.5
$75 MCAA Members / $100 Non-members

View more information or register for How to Develop and Implement an Effective Quality Control Program

How Codes Change the Way We Construct Masonry

Wednesday, October 19, 2011
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM CDT

Historically, building construction provided basic shelter with little consideration for construction efficiency and building performance.

In today's economic climate, construction efficiency can make the difference between the loss or gain of profitability. Knowing the requirements of the current building code can positively impact construction means and methods. Additionally, provisions for the performance of a building (green efficiency, sustainability) are becoming code requirements.

This program will reveal some changed and new code requirements and offer suggestions on construction compliance.

Discipline: Codes & Standards
Credits: 1.5
$75 MCAA Members / $100 Non-members

View more information or register for How Codes Change the Way We Construct Masonry

Indiana Limestone Issues and Answers

Wednesday, October 26, 2011
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM CDT

Indiana Limestone (and stone in general) is a natural material that has been used successfully in many types of buildings for over 175 years. But like all products, it can be misused if proper attention isn't paid during design and construction.

The first section of this course will take a look at quarry and mill practices, including the latest equipment and how it has changed the way we do business. This section is important, because it shows how the stone is quarried and fabricated and stresses the need for attention in the design phase on, in particular, piece sizes for efficient fabrication and handling.

The course will continue with a look at the recommended relationship between thickness and panel face size, along with illustrations of anchors and supports and a recommended anchor pattern. Attendees will also be shown a mock-up wall and taught when one of these might be advisable.

The next section will cover various failures - from the use of expanding grouts in anchor slots to joint sealants that bleed into the joint surfaces to water problems, salt problems, design problems that led to failures, contractor goofs, etc. Examples are utilized to show where dampproofing is needed, need for (and more often lack of same) sealers on the face of the stone and problems they can cause, poor storage practices, use of pry bars on stone and what can happen, as well as good and bad patches. Common stains that occur, their causes and give tips on how to prevent them will also be covered - exception is quarry sap which can't be prevented in all cases but illustrations will be shown how, if that occurs, it will go away on its own.

The course will wrap up with a look at durability and various projects dating from the 1800's to present day. Examples will be used to emphasize that natural stone in general, and Indiana Limestone in particular, lasts forever if it is taken care of.

Discipline: Masonry Products
Credits: 1
$75 MCAA Members / $100 Non-members

View more information or register for Indiana Limestone Issues and Answers

Webinars allow attendees to earn Masonry Certification credits from the comfort of their home or office while attending the best masonry seminars that will improve productivity and profitability. Attendees will be able to ask questions and have access to handouts just as they would in a classroom setting.

Visit www.masoncontractors.org/live for more information about each webinar and to purchase your tickets today.


About the Author

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is the national trade association representing mason contractors. The MCAA is committed to preserving and promoting the masonry industry by providing continuing education, advocating fair codes and standards, fostering a safe work environment, recruiting future manpower, and marketing the benefits of masonry materials.

 

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Grant Contracting Co., Inc.
MCAA member since 1996

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