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View or download past issues of The Clipper newsletter, our Felt Tips and our blogs here.

May 01, 2018

May 2018 Constellation

March 01, 2017

Building Envelope Theory and Practice

February 01, 2017

Parkway Theater Rebirth

The adaptive reuse of the historic Parkway Theater and adjacent buildings in the heart of the Station North neighborhood will house year-round film and digital movies, and a live-music center for the Maryland Film Festival. The transformation includes two adjoining buildings to house ground-level ticketing and concessions for the main 350-seat theater, two 90-seat screening rooms that double as classroom space for JHU and MICA, and a lounge.

January 01, 2017

Legal Update: What's New and of What Do Need to be Aware

As our industry evolves, the legal relationships between it's participants change. New technologies, services, and project delivery methods have emerged in the past few years which created need for adjusting the balance of risks and rewards among the construction community's members. Additionally, judicial decisions on disputes have added nuance to those of us not involved, but who face similar circumstances.

December 01, 2016

Duck Pin Bowling: A Baltimore Tradition

It is time for our Chapter’s annual December Duckpin Bowling Event! A Chapter tradition since 2009, we're heading back to Stoneleigh Lanes at 6703 York Road, between Towson and Northern Parkway. Look for the entrance at the "right end" of the building while standing on York Road.

November 01, 2016

Acoustical Performance of Buildings

Sound transmission within and into buildings affects occupant comfort. Jurisdictional zoning regulations address sound issues around airports and industrial facilities, by keeping residential land uses away from these sources of sound.

October 01, 2016

Acoustical Performance of Buildings

Sound transmission within and into buildings affects occupant comfort. Jurisdictional zoning regulations address sound issues around airports and industrial facilities, by keeping residential land uses away from these sources of sound.

September 01, 2016

Volatile Organic Compound Limit Changes

If you specify or use architectural and industrial maintenance coatings, regulations affecting their volatile organic compound content have been part of their manufacture and use for many years. The regulations have been confusing at times.

August 01, 2016

CSI's "Summer" has arrived!

CSI's "Summer" has arrived! So we won't be having a regular meeting. The Chapter's Officers, Directors, and Committee Chairs will be meeting to plan events for this Fiscal Year. All members are welcome to attend, and become involved.

July 01, 2016

Programs

Normally we list September and October programs here, but we haven't finalized arrangements for them. At the current time, the program schedule is still in development. We are evaluating the following programs for this year's lineup:

  • Acoustical Design Issues for Buildings.

  • Construction Administration Practice Issues.

  • Construction Labor Availability and Training - Discussion of Practical Issues.

  • Facility Security, Defensible Space, and Safe Rooms.

  • Introduction of Robots and Drone Aircraft on Construction Sites.

  • Legal Update.

  • Specification Practice Issues.

  • Subtleties of ADA Architectural Guideline Compliance.

  • Theater Design and Tour.

  • VOC Regulation Changes Effective in January 2017.

  • Bowling! Duckpin style, in December!

June 01, 2016

The Simple and Complex Aspects of Doors and Hardware: A Panel Discussion

Securing spaces relies on doors and hardware. Depending upon the individual opening's needs, the solution can be simple or complex. Hanging, securing, operating, and protecting doors in openings involves many decisions that mix and balance programmatic needs, aesthetics, and various code requirements.

May 01, 2016

Symbiosis: A Relationship of Mutual Benefit or Dependence

Using real world examples, Region Director Marvin Kemp will present ways that point to specific “red flags” that project participants should have seen that pointed to potential problems coming to the project. Other examples will point to behaviors that participants engaged in to create collaboration and understanding, which led to better results in the project.

April 01, 2016

See the Light: Lighting Concepts and Solutions

You have seen the language of lumens, footcandles, dark sky, photometrics, and Kelvin color temperature. But, do you know what they mean, and how lighting designers mix them together to create ambiance?

March 01, 2016

Fire-Rated Glazing and Framing

Once relegated to small vision panels in fire-rated doors, glass which has a fire rating can now be large expanses of interior and exterior walls. Depending upon the expanse of the glass, the fire testing protocols will change. With those changes, come terminology differences (from fire-protective glass to fireresistive glass) which can be confusing. 

February 01, 2016

From Project Manager to Project Leader

This month we will take a look at the effect of project management affecting how we manage tasks and activities. With the reality that those activities must be performed by people, those people need to be led. Attendees will learn how to get the most from project team personnel by focusing on key attitude changes. 

January 01, 2016

Enhanced Storm Water Management In Vegetated Roofing

Vegetated roofing has been used as a method of managing storm water for many years. Traditionally consisting of a plants and a growth media (soil), it has its limits on how much water can be held by the growth media.

December 01, 2015

Duck Pin Bowling A Baltimore Tradition

It is time for our Chapter’s annual December Duckpin Bowling Event! A Chapter tradition since 2009, we're heading back to Stoneleigh Lanes at 6703 York Road, between Towson and Northern Parkway. Look for the entrance at the "right end" of the building while standing on York Road.

November 01, 2015

Signs and Light Emitting Diodes

As the usage of Light Emitting Diode lamps has been slowly replacing incandescent, fluorescent, and high intensity discharge lamps for conventional lighting in buildings, they are transforming the sign industry. Traditionally the domain of fluorescent or cold cathode (think neon) lamps, the need for longer lasting light sources has come to dominate the industry's needs. Most new signs are now equipped with LED lamps because of their long life and color stability.

October 01, 2015

Glass Performance and NFRC Ratings

In the realm of fenestration systems (doors, storefronts, curtain walls, windows, and skylights) glass plays a large role in their performance. During the past 12 years, the energy performance of fenestration systems have been challenged by Energy Code revisions to reduce their energy transmission. 

September 01, 2015

Stormwater Management in Maryland

In the construction industry, the regulation and management of stormwater issues are a big concern.

 

The Clean Water Act (CWA) establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States and regulating quality standards for surface waters. 

August 01, 2015

CSI's "Summer" has arrived!

CSI's "Summer" has arrived! So we won't be having a regular meeting. The Chapter's Officers, Directors, and Committee Chairs will be meeting to plan events for this Fiscal Year. All members are welcome to attend, and become involved.

July 01, 2015

Programs

Normally we list September and October programs here, but we haven't finalized arrangements for them. At the current time, the program schedule is still in development. We are evaluating the following programs for this year's lineup:

  • Improving Energy Performance of Existing Buildings.

  • How to Get Your Work Published in National Publications.

  • CSI Certifications: What is the Benefit to You?

  • IgCC vs LEED Version 4.

  • Product Rep Speed Dating

  • Construction Labor Availability and Training - Discussion of Practical Issues.

  • Construction Labor Availability and Training - Maryland Center for Construction Education & Innovation.

  • Bowling! Duckpin style, in December!

June 01, 2015

Scaling Up Net Zero From Buildings to the Campus

The goal of net-zero energy is an absolute and measurable outcome that focuses attention on real energy performance. The challenge of net-zero energy is achieving the required performance with high performance building systems and renewable energy systems within the limitations of most project budgets.

May 01, 2015

University of Maryland - Baltimore's Health Sciences Facility Phase 3: Project Update

At 430,000 square feet and $220 million in construction costs, UMB's Health Sciences Facility Phase 3 is one of the largest projects ever undertaken by the State of Maryland. With a dense site in an urban environment, it presents a number of challenges to the users, designers, and builders. 

April 01, 2015

Gatehouse Restoration

You may recognize this building on Charles Street in Towson. In 2012 and 2013, the Sheppard Pratt Health System restored its landmark gate house.

March 01, 2015

Recent Developments in Maryland Lawn

The construction industry relies on contracts and other legal documents to conduct it's business. Interpretations of the those documents and their underlying principles are constantly in flux as disputes are resolved in the various court systems in our area.

February 01, 2015

Facade Design Challenges

Just what do you do when you are tasked with designing and constructing a new facade to be installed over an old one to remain, and that old facade wiggles and jiggles in and out randomly? The design and documentation team from Ayers

Saint Gross will present the story design decisions and how new technologies aided in innovative approaches to recladding the Nelson/Harvey Building at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

January 01, 2015

Tales From the Field

Those of us that spend time on construction sites have seen the "not quite right" installations, the design failures, and the outright misuses of products and systems. But, we've also seen the ingenious lengths that contractors and designers sometimes go to get the right look, the right performance, and the right value.

December 01, 2014

Duck Pin Bowling A Baltimore Tradition

It is time for our Chapter’s annual December Duckpin Bowling Event! A Chapter tradition since 2009, we're heading to a new venue and changing the night from Thursday to Tuesday.

November 01, 2014

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Structural Repairs

This month we bring you a case study of a project which was to address what on the surface appeared to a be a simple structural repair, but it became complicated quickly.

October 01, 2014

Tales From the Field

Those of us that spend time on construction sites have seen the "not quite right" installations, the design failures, and the outright misuses of products and systems. But, we've also seen the ingenious lengths that contractors and designers sometimes go to get the right look, the right performance, and the right value.

September 01, 2014

We're Goin' Cruisin'!

With the second Thursday of September coinciding with CONSTRUCT 2014 and the annual CSI Convention, we're meeting on the evening of Wednesday, September 10th, on the Spirit of Baltimore. We'll be dining, enjoying music, and dancing as we host members from all of CSI's Chapters. 

August 01, 2014

CSI's "Summer" has arrived!

CSI's "Summer" has arrived! So we won't be having a regular meeting. The Chapter's Officers, Directors, and Committee Chairs will be meeting to plan events for this Fiscal Year. All members are welcome to attend, and become involved.

July 01, 2014

Let's Go Cruisin'!

With the second Thursday of September coinciding with CONSTRUCT 2014 and the annual CSI Convention, we're meeting on the evening of Wednesday, September 10th, on the Spirit of Baltimore. Join us for dinner, music, and dancing as we host members from all of CSI's Chapters.

June 01, 2014

Stump the Specifier

You have probably encountered one sometime in your career. They amaze you with the tiniest bits of information

they know.

May 01, 2014

Availability of Skilled Construction Site Labor

It has been a quiet conversation that has grown louder over the past few years. As the post World War 2 "Baby Boomer Generation" started to retire a few years ago, concern was raised about a loss of skilled construction labor.

April 01, 2014

Design-Assist Project Delivery

Okay, so we were snowed out in February. What would you expect for winter? Its April now and the Chapter will be holding its monthly meeting at The Engineer’s Club at 11 West Mount Vernon Place in Baltimore.

March 01, 2014

BIM and Virtual Construction

Building Information Management or BIM is no longer a growing trend in the construction industry but a fact of life that

permeates most parts of the design and construction phases. The new CSI tag line acknowledges this reality by proclaiming "Building Knowledge, Improving Project Delivery."

February 01, 2014

Design-Assist Project Delivery

Building Information Management or BIM is no longer a growing trend in the construction industry but a fact of life that

permeates most parts of the design and construction phases. The new CSI tag line acknowledges this reality by proclaiming "Building Knowledge, Improving Project Delivery."

January 01, 2014

11th Hour Simulation What is a "Hard Bid?

Many industry professionals have at least some hand in submitting or evaluating a type of proposal that is often called a "hard bid." This type of proposal typically requires that the general contractor prepare a single lump sum bid for an entire project that is then submitted to a project owner in a sealed envelope by a certain time on a certain day — known

as Bid Day.

December 01, 2013

Duck Pin Bowling A Baltimore Tradition

It is time for our Chapter’s annual December Duckpin Bowling Event! A Chapter tradition since 2009, we're heading back to one of the last bastions of duckpin bowling at the Patterson Park Bowling Center.

November 01, 2013

CSI Certifications What's the Benefit to You?

You have seen those acronyms after people's names. Architects, Engineers, Interior Designers, Contractors, Owners, Specifiers, Product Representatives, and Construction Administrators have them. You know what we're taking about. It's those CSI Certifications.

October 01, 2013

Flashing and its Importance in All Buildings

It mostly lurks hidden from view, silently doing its job of keeping water from entering buildings. How do you ensure it does it's job?

September 01, 2013

Preservation for Owners, Designers, Contractors and Product Representatives

As the stock of our built environment ages, more of our buildings, structures, and sites become eligible for being declared "historic." How does a building, structure, or site become historic?

August 01, 2013

CSI's "Summer" has arrived!

CSI's "Summer" has arrived! So we won't be having a regular meeting. The Chapter's Officers, Directors, and Committee Chairs will be meeting to plan events for this Fiscal Year. All members are welcome to attend, and become involved.

July 01, 2013

The Role of the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Historic Preservation in Rehabilitating Buildings, Structures, and Sites

As the stock of our built environment ages, more of our buildings, structures, and sites become eligible for being declared "historic." How does a building, structure, or site become historic?

June 01, 2013

CSI and Social Networking

If you have been to CSI's web site, you may have noticed the logos: The F, the T, the In, the Y, and the Fr. What are they?

May 01, 2013

ASHRAE 189.1

It lurks in the gray hazy background behind programs like LEED and Green Globes. It isn't mandated by the International

Energy Conservation Code. What is it?

April 01, 2013

Baltimore Transit

Green Line, Orange Line, Blue Line, Red Line. New York's Subway? Nah! DC Metrorail? Nope! It's Baltimore's mass transit, of the future.

May 01, 2018

May Constellation

May 2018 Constellation Newsletter

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January 01, 2020

Write a catchy title...

What's this item about? What makes it interesting? Write a catchy description to grab your audience's attention...

June 18, 2015

Collaboration Part 7 - Change, Change, Change

We've had two collaboration meetings since my last blog posting on the collaboration effort I'm participating in. To recap, our firm is involved in a very large, biomedical research building project at a local public university. The delivery method is CM-at-risk with design-assist for major trades. Looking back through this blog, you can read about the entire process. It all started here. 

June 01, 1996

Revenge of the M-Word

The metrication bandwagon rolled on during the last year. In this Felt-Tip, we follow-up on some recent developments

discussed in last year's Felt-Tip on metrication. We also highlight how the steel industry is metricating.

April 01, 1996

ASCE 7 Revised New Emphasis

New Emphasis on the Effect of the Building Form on Envelope Design for Wind Resistance

March 01, 1996

Cementitious Waterproofing

This Felt Tip discusses waterproofing manufactured from materials containing portland cement. Cementitious waterproofing materials are intended for use on concrete and masonry substrates.

February 01, 1996

New ASTM Standards Update

As promised, here is our fourth annual installment of new ASTM standards. The following construction-related standards were adopted by the American Society for Testing and Materials in 1995.

January 01, 1996

Withdrawn ASTM Standards Update

This month we present our fourth installment of ASTM standards which are being discontinued (without change, revision, re-approval, or editorial change). This does not mean they won't be of use in the future, but they won't be revised.

November 01, 1995

CHAPTER BBS STATUS and other Electronic Communication Topics

During the past year, Baltimore Chapter CSI has made an electronic bulletin board system (BBS) available for use by Chapter members. Responses to a questionnaire distributed last year to Chapter members indicated that the majority do not presently utilize electronic communication.

September 01, 1995

Fire Safing Curtainwall Systems

Many types of curtainwall construction have a serious short coming—fire may go through it and around it; through the horizontal space between the edge of the floor slab and the curtain wall or around the exterior of the building through the curtain wall system.

June 01, 1995

The M-Word Strikes Back

The progress toward a metricated construction industry marches forward. The primary force behind the metrication process continues to be the Federal Government. If you are doing projects for federal agencies, you are probably preparing documents describing construction with metric units of measurements.

April 01, 1995

Expansion Joint Covers

They have to resist some tough conditions and must always work, yet be hardly noticed. They result when new buildings are constructed next to existing buildings, or when a building is very long (usually more than 100 m (300 feet)). They occur in hospitals, schools, airports, and shopping malls.

March 01, 1995

Mod Bit Tidbits

A-P-P, S-B-S, S-E-B-S, C-T-P-M-B, poly, glass, foil clad, cap sheet, base ply, mop-grade, torch-down, cold process, granule surfaced . . .

February 01, 1995

New ASTM Standards Update

As promised, here is our third annual installment of new ASTM standards. The following construction-related standards were adopted by the American Society for Testing and Materials in 1994.

January 01, 1995

Withdrawn ASTM Standards Update

This month we present our third installment of ASTM standards which are being discontinued (without change, revision, re-approval, or editorial change). This does not mean they won't be of use in the future, but they won't be revised.

November 01, 1994

BALTIMORE CHAPTER CSI BBS GRAND OPENING

Ever wanted to send a document you created on your computer to somebody else? You can do this, if you work for a company that has "networked" computers. But what if the computer you want to send the document to is not located at your company?

October 15, 1994

CONSTRUCTION CHEMICALS - 4

Now for our fourth installment of multisylabbic tongue-twisting chemistry terms used in construction and related industries. This time we concentrate on acrylic and acrylic-based chemicals.

October 01, 1994

CONSTRUCTION CHEMICALS - 3

Now for our third installment of multisylabbic tongue-twisting chemistry terms used in construction and related industries.

April 01, 1994

Evolving EIFS

If you remember looking at the December 1993 issue of The Construction Specifier, you were treated to a series of advertorials on Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems, commonly called EIFS [pronounced EeeeFffSss]. Disregarding the articles's contents, it was a masterpiece of slyly hidden advertising by the four major EIFS manufacturers.

March 01, 1994

What is Wrong with Brick Masonry Veneer Over Steel Studs?

In keeping with CSI's purposes and objectives we present a paper originally presented in the February 1992 edition of The Masonry Society Journal. C layford T. Grimm has written articles on masonry which have appeared in numerous publications. Mr. Grimm's opinions are sometimes controversial. The Baltimore Chapter CSI makes no endorsement of the opinions contained within this article.

February 01, 1994

ASTM Standards Update

Put your spectacles away! We have four pages of space this time! As promised, here is our third annual installment of new ASTM standards. The following standards were adopted by the American Society for Testing and Materials in 1993.

January 01, 1994

ASTM Standards Update

This month we present our second installment of ASTM standards which are being discontinued (without change, revision, re-approval, or editorial change). This does not mean they won't be of use in the future, but they won't be revised.

December 15, 1993

CONSTRUCTION CHEMICALS - 3

Now for our third installment of chemical terminology (used in constructiion) that is easily misunderstood.

December 01, 1993

Toiling with Tolerances

If you have watched commercial television during that past twelve months, you have probably seen the commercial for a certain Japanese automobile touting the high degree of alignment tolerances between the many body components.

November 01, 1993

Construction Chemicals - 2

Now for our second installment of chemical terminology (used in construction) that is easily misunderstood.

October 01, 1993

ASTM C90, A White Paper Type I vs. Type II Block

The decision of whether to specify Type I or Type II concrete masonry units per ASTM C90 has long been a dilemma for both the concrete masonry producer and the design professional. On the surface, it would seem that to specify a Type II unit would be to specify an inferior block.

September 01, 1993

Insulation Evolution

How does your choice of roof insulation affect the environment? Probably just thinking about the subject weren't you? Most likely not, but this Felt Tip will get you thinking [hopefully] about it.

June 01, 1993

New Resilient Flooring Work Practices

Okayyy, so much for disclaimers! Why a disclaimer, you ask? We're going to discuss the "A-word". Yes! Asbestos. Asbestos in resilient flooring. Specifically, the removal of resilient flooring containing asbestos.

May 01, 1993

De-Bugging Your Buildings

Bugs been getting to you? No, not Bugs Bunny, Doc! Were not referring to those bugs in your computer, or those very discrete listening devices, either. Bugs — as in insects, microbes, fungi, and bacteria. Stuff that's icky and yucky. Things which can make you sick. Stuff that can make the buildings you design (and work in) sick.

April 01, 1993

Construction Chemicals -1

If you read the article "Architects, Chemistry, and Construction" on page 27 of the July 1992 Construction Specifier we hope you will appreciate the following attempt to ease those pangs of not knowing something. So, if you are confused by the multi-syllable words being used today to describe the many compounds used in today's construction chemicals [besides being difficult to pronounce], here are some of them, what they mean, what their purpose is, and where they are used.

March 01, 1993

ASTM Standards Update

Grab your specticles, we only get two pages of space. As promised, here is our second installment of new ASTM standards. The following standards were adopted by the American Society for Testing and Materials in 1992.

February 01, 1993

ASTM Standards Update

Well, wouldn't you know it! Somebody suggested that since we are letting you know of the new ASTM Standards, we should let you know of ASTM standards which are being discontinued (without change, revision, re-approval, or editorial change). This does not mean they won't be of use in the future, but they won't be revised.

November 01, 1992

The Painted Glass Blues

You have probably seen it without recognizing it. It is done to hide the unoccupied spaces behind the storefronts of many buildings. In fact, it can become "art".

October 01, 1992

ASTM Standards Update

Regularly [most likely once a year, but you never know, we might change our mind] we will provide you with a list of new [not revised, re-approved, nor renamed] ASTM Standards, so that you can stay aware of the newest material and test standards from the American Society for Testing and Materials.

September 01, 1992

Wood Design Values Change

We're baaaack! Many [actually most] things have changed since the last Felt-Tip was published in December 1980. For those of you who remember them you are excused to feel your maturity. This month's Felt-Tip is concerned with something which is changing now.

December 01, 1980

Improvement Durability of Concrete Paving

Concrete pavements, curbs, and similar horizontal exterior concrete work are from subjected to frequent cycles of freezing and thawing, wetting and dying, excessive use of de-icing agents, and extreme variations in temperature. These conditions of severe exposure contribute to surface scaling and disintegration.

November 01, 1980

Effects of Insultation on Fire Rated Assemblies

Underwriters Laboratories fire resistance classifications are developed for complete assemblies, such as roofs, floors, beams, columns, walls, partitions, ceilings, and similar combinations of building components.

November 01, 1979

Resilient Flooring

In the floor covering trade, the term "resilient" flooring refers to smooth-surfaced tile and sheet material whose resilience is measured by the ability to recover from impact or pressure. 

October 01, 1979

Economies in Concrete Formwork

Formwork, by definition, is a temporary structure used to contain fresh concrete to form it to the required shape and dimensions, and support in until it is able to support itself. Formwork includes the surface in contact with the concrete and all necessary supports.

September 01, 1979

Sealant Glosary

The following information was provided by Baltimore Chapter member, Robert N. Reigel, in cooperation with the Tremco Manufacturing Company.

April 01, 1979

Sound and Vibration Isolation

Airborne sound transmission is generally reduced by two methods. One is to increase the mass of the walls, floors, or ceilings separating spaces from each other and the other is to introduce an air gap between relatively airtight constructions.

March 01, 1979

Portable File Extinguishers

Airborne sound transmission is generally reduced by two methods. One is to increase the mass of the walls, floors, or ceilings separating spaces from each other and the other is to introduce an air gap between relatively airtight constructions.

February 01, 1979

Plywood Grade Guide

Plywood is graded and classified by the American Plywood Association, P.O. Box 2277, Tacoma, WA. 98401.

January 01, 1979

Concrete Admixtures

Definition: An admixture is any substance, other than cement, aggregate and water, added to the concrete mix for the purpose of altering any of the properties of the concrete.

December 01, 1978

Soil Preparation and Sodding

The Cooperative Extension Service of the University of Maryland and Virginia Polytechnic Institute has published guideline specifications for soil preparation and sodding applicable to most installations in the Maryland–Virginia–District of Columbia region.

November 01, 1978

Materials for Setting and Grouting Ceramic Tile

Portland Cement Mortar: A mixture of portland cement and sand, roughly is proportions of 1:6 on floors and of portland cement, sand, and hydrated lime in proportions of 1:5:1/ to 1:7:1 for walls. Bed thickness varies from 3/4" to 1-1/4".

October 01, 1978

Evaluation of Lamps for Energy Conservation

Twenty percent of all electricity generated in the United States today is use for lighting.

September 01, 1978

Hot Mix Asphalt Pavement

Compact subgrade to 95% of dry weight density as determined by AASHO Designation T-99, Method A.

May 01, 1978

Floor Prep for Resilient Flooring

Never use oils or solvents on the surface or integrally mixed in any concrete intended as a base for adhesive applied resilient flooring.

April 01, 1978

Choices in Carpet

Tufted carpet is constructed on a machine with numerous needles extending the full width of the machine inserting the carpet fiber through a fabric backing on the principle of a sewing machine.

February 01, 1978

Sound Rated Drywall Partitions

Sound Transmission Class, abbreviated as STC, is simply a numerical index evolved from a complex mathematical model which indicates how well a wall or floor-ceiling member functions in preventing the transmission of airborne noise from one space to another.

February 01, 1977

SPEC News_February '77

Thermal Properties of Walls.

January 01, 1977

SPEC News_January '77

Glazing Systems Recommendations

December 01, 1976

SPEC News_December '76

Maryland State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Regulations Relating to Transparent Glass Doors in Mercantile Establishments and in Public and Commercial Buildings and Structures.

April 01, 1976

Fire Retardant Coatings

Fire retardant coatings will not prevent a fire from starting and they will not put out a fire. They will minimize the effects of flamespread and flashover, reduce the amount of smoke developed and allow additional time to safely evacuate people from an area under fire attack.

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June 18, 2015

Collaboration Part 7 - Change, Change, Change

We've had two collaboration meetings since my last blog posting on the collaboration effort I'm participating in. To recap, our firm is involved in a very large, biomedical research building project at a local public university. The delivery method is CM-at-risk with design-assist for major trades. Looking back through this blog, you can read about the entire process. It all started here. 

June 01, 1996

Revenge of the M-Word

The metrication bandwagon rolled on during the last year. In this Felt-Tip, we follow-up on some recent developments

discussed in last year's Felt-Tip on metrication. We also highlight how the steel industry is metricating.

April 01, 1996

ASCE 7 Revised New Emphasis

New Emphasis on the Effect of the Building Form on Envelope Design for Wind Resistance

March 01, 1996

Cementitious Waterproofing

This Felt Tip discusses waterproofing manufactured from materials containing portland cement. Cementitious waterproofing materials are intended for use on concrete and masonry substrates.

February 01, 1996

New ASTM Standards Update

As promised, here is our fourth annual installment of new ASTM standards. The following construction-related standards were adopted by the American Society for Testing and Materials in 1995.

January 01, 1996

Withdrawn ASTM Standards Update

This month we present our fourth installment of ASTM standards which are being discontinued (without change, revision, re-approval, or editorial change). This does not mean they won't be of use in the future, but they won't be revised.

November 01, 1995

CHAPTER BBS STATUS and other Electronic Communication Topics

During the past year, Baltimore Chapter CSI has made an electronic bulletin board system (BBS) available for use by Chapter members. Responses to a questionnaire distributed last year to Chapter members indicated that the majority do not presently utilize electronic communication.

September 01, 1995

Fire Safing Curtainwall Systems

Many types of curtainwall construction have a serious short coming—fire may go through it and around it; through the horizontal space between the edge of the floor slab and the curtain wall or around the exterior of the building through the curtain wall system.

June 01, 1995

The M-Word Strikes Back

The progress toward a metricated construction industry marches forward. The primary force behind the metrication process continues to be the Federal Government. If you are doing projects for federal agencies, you are probably preparing documents describing construction with metric units of measurements.

April 01, 1995

Expansion Joint Covers

They have to resist some tough conditions and must always work, yet be hardly noticed. They result when new buildings are constructed next to existing buildings, or when a building is very long (usually more than 100 m (300 feet)). They occur in hospitals, schools, airports, and shopping malls.

March 01, 1995

Mod Bit Tidbits

A-P-P, S-B-S, S-E-B-S, C-T-P-M-B, poly, glass, foil clad, cap sheet, base ply, mop-grade, torch-down, cold process, granule surfaced . . .

February 01, 1995

New ASTM Standards Update

As promised, here is our third annual installment of new ASTM standards. The following construction-related standards were adopted by the American Society for Testing and Materials in 1994.

January 01, 1995

Withdrawn ASTM Standards Update

This month we present our third installment of ASTM standards which are being discontinued (without change, revision, re-approval, or editorial change). This does not mean they won't be of use in the future, but they won't be revised.

November 01, 1994

BALTIMORE CHAPTER CSI BBS GRAND OPENING

Ever wanted to send a document you created on your computer to somebody else? You can do this, if you work for a company that has "networked" computers. But what if the computer you want to send the document to is not located at your company?

October 15, 1994

CONSTRUCTION CHEMICALS - 4

Now for our fourth installment of multisylabbic tongue-twisting chemistry terms used in construction and related industries. This time we concentrate on acrylic and acrylic-based chemicals.

October 01, 1994

CONSTRUCTION CHEMICALS - 3

Now for our third installment of multisylabbic tongue-twisting chemistry terms used in construction and related industries.

April 01, 1994

Evolving EIFS

If you remember looking at the December 1993 issue of The Construction Specifier, you were treated to a series of advertorials on Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems, commonly called EIFS [pronounced EeeeFffSss]. Disregarding the articles's contents, it was a masterpiece of slyly hidden advertising by the four major EIFS manufacturers.

March 01, 1994

What is Wrong with Brick Masonry Veneer Over Steel Studs?

In keeping with CSI's purposes and objectives we present a paper originally presented in the February 1992 edition of The Masonry Society Journal. C layford T. Grimm has written articles on masonry which have appeared in numerous publications. Mr. Grimm's opinions are sometimes controversial. The Baltimore Chapter CSI makes no endorsement of the opinions contained within this article.

February 01, 1994

ASTM Standards Update

Put your spectacles away! We have four pages of space this time! As promised, here is our third annual installment of new ASTM standards. The following standards were adopted by the American Society for Testing and Materials in 1993.

January 01, 1994

ASTM Standards Update

This month we present our second installment of ASTM standards which are being discontinued (without change, revision, re-approval, or editorial change). This does not mean they won't be of use in the future, but they won't be revised.

December 15, 1993

CONSTRUCTION CHEMICALS - 3

Now for our third installment of chemical terminology (used in constructiion) that is easily misunderstood.

December 01, 1993

Toiling with Tolerances

If you have watched commercial television during that past twelve months, you have probably seen the commercial for a certain Japanese automobile touting the high degree of alignment tolerances between the many body components.

November 01, 1993

Construction Chemicals - 2

Now for our second installment of chemical terminology (used in construction) that is easily misunderstood.

October 01, 1993

ASTM C90, A White Paper Type I vs. Type II Block

The decision of whether to specify Type I or Type II concrete masonry units per ASTM C90 has long been a dilemma for both the concrete masonry producer and the design professional. On the surface, it would seem that to specify a Type II unit would be to specify an inferior block.

September 01, 1993

Insulation Evolution

How does your choice of roof insulation affect the environment? Probably just thinking about the subject weren't you? Most likely not, but this Felt Tip will get you thinking [hopefully] about it.

June 01, 1993

New Resilient Flooring Work Practices

Okayyy, so much for disclaimers! Why a disclaimer, you ask? We're going to discuss the "A-word". Yes! Asbestos. Asbestos in resilient flooring. Specifically, the removal of resilient flooring containing asbestos.

May 01, 1993

De-Bugging Your Buildings

Bugs been getting to you? No, not Bugs Bunny, Doc! Were not referring to those bugs in your computer, or those very discrete listening devices, either. Bugs — as in insects, microbes, fungi, and bacteria. Stuff that's icky and yucky. Things which can make you sick. Stuff that can make the buildings you design (and work in) sick.

April 01, 1993

Construction Chemicals -1

If you read the article "Architects, Chemistry, and Construction" on page 27 of the July 1992 Construction Specifier we hope you will appreciate the following attempt to ease those pangs of not knowing something. So, if you are confused by the multi-syllable words being used today to describe the many compounds used in today's construction chemicals [besides being difficult to pronounce], here are some of them, what they mean, what their purpose is, and where they are used.

March 01, 1993

ASTM Standards Update

Grab your specticles, we only get two pages of space. As promised, here is our second installment of new ASTM standards. The following standards were adopted by the American Society for Testing and Materials in 1992.

February 01, 1993

ASTM Standards Update

Well, wouldn't you know it! Somebody suggested that since we are letting you know of the new ASTM Standards, we should let you know of ASTM standards which are being discontinued (without change, revision, re-approval, or editorial change). This does not mean they won't be of use in the future, but they won't be revised.

November 01, 1992

The Painted Glass Blues

You have probably seen it without recognizing it. It is done to hide the unoccupied spaces behind the storefronts of many buildings. In fact, it can become "art".

October 01, 1992

ASTM Standards Update

Regularly [most likely once a year, but you never know, we might change our mind] we will provide you with a list of new [not revised, re-approved, nor renamed] ASTM Standards, so that you can stay aware of the newest material and test standards from the American Society for Testing and Materials.

September 01, 1992

Wood Design Values Change

We're baaaack! Many [actually most] things have changed since the last Felt-Tip was published in December 1980. For those of you who remember them you are excused to feel your maturity. This month's Felt-Tip is concerned with something which is changing now.

December 01, 1980

Improvement Durability of Concrete Paving

Concrete pavements, curbs, and similar horizontal exterior concrete work are from subjected to frequent cycles of freezing and thawing, wetting and dying, excessive use of de-icing agents, and extreme variations in temperature. These conditions of severe exposure contribute to surface scaling and disintegration.

November 01, 1980

Effects of Insultation on Fire Rated Assemblies

Underwriters Laboratories fire resistance classifications are developed for complete assemblies, such as roofs, floors, beams, columns, walls, partitions, ceilings, and similar combinations of building components.

November 01, 1979

Resilient Flooring

In the floor covering trade, the term "resilient" flooring refers to smooth-surfaced tile and sheet material whose resilience is measured by the ability to recover from impact or pressure. 

October 01, 1979

Economies in Concrete Formwork

Formwork, by definition, is a temporary structure used to contain fresh concrete to form it to the required shape and dimensions, and support in until it is able to support itself. Formwork includes the surface in contact with the concrete and all necessary supports.

September 01, 1979

Sealant Glosary