Tag Archives: Construction Materials

Builders, Construction, Construction Materials, Environmental Construction, Environmentally Safe Materials, Green Building, Home Improvement, Products, Walls

Acoustical Solutions, Inc. Works with DIY Network’s Man Caves

In the past two years, Acoustical Solutions, Inc. has teamed up with Jason Cameron and Tony ‘The Goose’ Siragusa of the hit DIY Network television show Man Caves to transform ordinary spaces into a masculine refuges – in the most recent project, Acoustical Solutions, Inc. worked to transform a storage basement into a recording studio for Charm City Cakes’ Chef Duff Goldman.

During the two-day renovation, Acoustical Solutions, Inc. installed Sonex® acoustical foam into the 14’ by 25’ storage basement with the help of hosts Jason Cameron and Tony Siragusa.

Goldman had been using the storage basement as a rehearsal space for his band, “Soihadto,” but said, “We have big amps, and we’re a loud band. When we’re playing, my staff has to pretty much leave.” Show producers called on Acoustical Solutions, Inc. to design a solution that would allow the Food Network host’s band to practice without disrupting the staff in the bakery, which is located directly above the rehearsal area.

Going into the two-day project, Acoustical Solutions, Inc. Sales Manager, David Ingersoll said, “we really have our work cut out for us. There are a lot of different contractors all working in the basement at the same time and the two day deadline will be approaching before any of us know it.” Ingersoll continued to say,“that there was plenty of recording and application equipment in the space.” When the project was completed, Ingersoll mentioned that “…with the equipment paired with Sonex® acoustical foam and a few big screen TVs, the space had become so nice [he] didn’t want to leave.”

The featured episode is scheduled to air on the DIY Network on October 19th, at 8:30pm ET and will run nightly until October 23.

For more information Sonex® acoustical foam, please contact Acoustical Solutions, Inc. by calling 1-800-782-5742 or by visiting www.AcousticalSolutions.com.

For more information on the DIY Network, Man Caves and show times please visit:
www.diynetwork.com/mancaves

Via EPR Network
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Construction, Construction Consultant, Construction Materials, Services, Steel

New ShapeBook 2009 With 2D3DSteel 2009 Software Announced By South Fork Technologies, Inc.

South Fork Technologies, Inc. (SFT) releases the new ShapeBook 2009 with 2D3DSteel 2009 software for steel construction professionals. ShapeBook is a tool for estimating cost per weight and surface area, a quick reference to dimensions and design properties, and parametric AutoCAD 2D and 3D drafting for structural steel design and detailing. ShapeBook is based on the AISC Steel Construction Manual 13th Edition. In addition we have added large pipe sizes, small bar size materials, plate, flat bar, round bar, and square bar. To download a free 30 day trial, please visit our website at http://www.southforktech.com.

ShapeBook is now a powerful tool for estimating the cost of steel, and coatings. The “Calculator Material List” calculates the weight, surface area, and costs for all material. Material lists can be easily edited. List items can be re-priced, inserted, deleted, sorted, or dragged to a new location. Lists can be saved and loaded into ShapeBook as needed or imported into spreadsheet or database software. Lists are printed with a user title, date, page numbers, line numbers, and column & row outlines.

Dimensions and design properties are displayed in ShapeBooks’ corresponding display tabs. ShapeBook displays the detailing dimensions in fractional inches. Design properties are shown in decimal format according to the tool tip definition available by hovering over any of the values. A dynamic user interface provides fast shape selections. Shape selection lists can be saved to a file, and the current selection list can be automatically saved when you exit and automatically restored next time you run ShapeBook.

Structural steel shapes are available in US Imperial and Metric units. Your shape selection list and the currently selected shape are converted to metric, or US Imperial format, whenever units’ mode is changed. You can search and select shapes using up to three different search keys, each with a separate property with minimum and maximum values. ShapeBook provides hard copy output to your printer, all on one sheet including a diagram.

2D3DSteel 2009 is an AutoCAD VLX application that draws 2D and 3D steel shapes in AutoCAD 2000 through 2010. 2D3DSteel now includes many new specialized tools for drawing and dimensioning steel. 2D3DSteel will run in any version of Full AutoCAD f r o m 2000 through 2010. All shapes available in ShapeBook can be quickly and accurately added to your drawings. Using 2D3DSteel 2009 with AutoCAD, you will have powerful tools to draw steel details, connections, and model structural steel framing. 

2D3DSteel 2009 has pull-down menus and 6 tool bars. The list below gives a short description of the commands on each 2D3DSteel 2009 tool bar.

– 2D3DSteel Main tool bar has six fly out tool bar buttons on it providing access to all of 2D3DSteels’ commands on one tool bar to save screen space if needed.

– 2D3DSteel Settings tool bar controls 2D3DSteel layer and linetypes, centerline modes, node point modes, and dimension text lock colors. This toolbar has two commands for saving and restoring your object snap settings. It also includes commands for fast centerline and node point mode changes.

– 2D3DSteel Shape tool bar commands draw the shape selected in the ShapeBook dialog as 3DSolids, 2D Cross sections, and 2D Web and Flange Views. New cope commands draw a cope pline that can be used as the end of a 2D member or to cope a 3DSolid.

– 2D3DSteel Lines tool bar is a powerful set of tools for line work in your drawings. Line commands for the 2D3DSteel object lines, hidden lines, centerlines, and dimension lines. Line commands can also be used to quickly change to a 2D3DSteel layer/linetype setting. All of the commands in 2D3DSteel except for these line commands save and restore your current layer and linetype settings. Commands on this toolbar include drawing offset rows of centerlines, centered rows of centerlines, centerlines at equal spacing, centerlines at maximum spacing, and an intelligent handrail picket tool.

– 2D3DSteel Holes tool bar has four types of 2D holes, round holes, edge holes, slotted holes, and elliptical holes. Each of these four types can be drawn filled, open, or hidden. 3D Hole command is used to add holes in 3DSolids and the Polyline cut command can change any shape created with a closed polyline into a cut out in a 3DSolid with a specified depth. Two bolt group commands draw a single row of holes and a double row of holes.

– 2D3DSteel Dimension toolbar includes a transparent command for fast 10 key XX.YYZZ feet, inches, and sixteenths input at any AutoCAD distance prompt, a transparent command for metric input in millimeters at any AutoCAD distance prompt. Special dimensioning commands are included for horizontal or vertical dimensions with automatic .Y & .X point filters to quickly line up dimensions, rotated dimension commands that remember your rotation angle, and commands to lock and unlock associative dimension text with text color id for easy member shortening and un-shortening.

– 2D3DSteel Plate tool bar has five commands for drawing 2D plates that are used in addition to the commands on the 2D3DSteel Shape tool bar.

ShapeBook with 2D3DSteel is a time locked 30 day free trial. To continue using the program you can purchase a permanent registration key for ShapeBook 2009 with 2D3DSteel 2009 or just for ShapeBook 2009.

Here are some key features of ShapeBook with 2D3DSteel:

– A quick reference to dimensions and design properties of steel.
– Based on the AISC Steel Construction Manual 13th Edition.
– Includes large pipe sizes, small bar size materials, plate, flat bar, round bar, and square bar.
– Dynamic hierarchical shape selection and selection list save and load features.
– Calculator Material List for estimating the cost of steel, and coatings.
– Search and select shapes using up to three different search keys.
– 2D3DSteel AutoCAD VLX application that draws 2D and 3D steel shapes
– New specialized 2D3DSteel tools for drawing and dimensioning steel.

What’s New in This Release?

– New AISC Steel Construction Manual 13th Edition data.
– New large pipe sizes, small bar size materials, plate, flat bar, round bar, and square bar.
– New Calculator Material List for estimating steel and coatings.
– New centerline and node point options in 2D3DSteel.
– Many new features and improvements in 2D3DSteel for modeling and drawing steel details.
– New automated setup for the 2D3DSteel application in AutoCAD.

About South Fork Technologies, Inc.:
South Fork Technologies, Inc. is a steel detailing and software company, based in Toutle, Washington. We provide quality detailing and consulting services to steel fabricators. South Fork Technologies is also a developer of computer software for the steel construction industry. We are celebrating our tenth year in business serving the steel construction industry.

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Builders, Construction, Construction Materials, Environmental Construction, Environmentally Safe Materials, Green Building, Home Improvement, Products, Walls

Military Troops Benefit from Acoustical Solutions, Inc. Involvement With the DIY Network Television Series Man Caves

Acoustical Solutions, Inc. works with the DIY Network Television Series Man Caves, to create a dream theater and quite-rooms for the United Service Organization center at Camp Virginia. Episode will air multiple times On DIY Network between March 7 and May 23, 2009.

In its fourth project with Man Caves, Acoustical Solutions, Inc provides expert soundproofing and noise control advice and supplies EcoSorpt™ acoustical wall panels and Green Glue® sound damping compound to the United Service Organization center at Camp Virginia.

The DIY Network’s Man Caves television series transforms the United Service Organization center at Camp Virginia, to include a state-of-the-art movie theater and video-gaming station, as well as several quiet-rooms that troops can use to record audio and video messages to send to friends and family.

In order to create an environment for the military personnel to enjoy, Acoustical Solutions, Inc. recommended and supplied EcoSorptâ„¢ acoustical panels, which are made of at least 85% post-industrial recycled content. The EcoSorptâ„¢ acoustical panels were used to control noise levels in the military dream theater and quite-rooms. National Sales Manager for Acoustical Solutions, Inc., David Ingersoll said, “The eco-friendly sound panels absorb approximately 85% of harsh noises that bounce between the walls, ceiling and floor. Reducing the amount of excess noise from the theater increases the sound clarity, and allows the troops to really enjoy their movie.”

Acoustical Solutions, Inc. also provided Green Glue® sound damping compound, which is used to block outdoor noise from passing through the interior walls, effectively soundproofing the different spaces. Green Glue® sound damping compound is an inexpensive, yet highly effective solution for soundproofing new and existing walls, floors and ceilings.

For more information about EcoSorpt™ acoustical panels or Green Glue® sound damping compound, please contact Acoustical Solutions, Inc. by calling 1-800-782-5742 or by visiting www.AcousticalSolutions.com For more information on the DIY Network, Man Caves and show times please visit: www.diynetwork.com/mancaves

About Acoustical Solutions, Inc:
Acoustical Solutions, Inc. works with a wide variety of customers from worship facilities and office buildings to home theaters and construction companies looking for noise management. For 20 years, Acoustical Solutions, Inc. has provided the detailed expertise needed to serve the sound management community. Acoustical Solutions offers a full line of indoor and outdoor industrial, commercial, environmental and architectural noise control products.

For more information please visit www.AcousticalSolutions.com or call 1-800-782-5742.

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Builders, Building, Construction, Construction Materials, Contractors, Electricians, Products, Supplier

XHHW Wire Preferred by Many Electrical Contractors Verse THHN Wire

HHW, an electrical copper building wire, is proving to be a favorite over the more standard THHN building wire by many electrical contractors and installers.

XHHW stands for Cross-Linked High Heat Water Resistant Insulated Wire. Today’s XHHW is manufactured to XHHW-2 standard meaning it is rated in wet and dry environments up to 90C. XHHW is found both in stranded and solid constructions and various jacket colors.

THHN stands for Thermoplastic High Heat-resistant Nylon-coated. THHN is also found in both stranded and solid copper conductors but uses a nylon coating for mechanical and protection for gas and oil.

The key difference between the two building wires is XHHW utilizes cross-linked polyethylene (XPLE) and THHN uses a poly-vinyl chloride (PVC) as the insulation over the conductor. XHHW performs better in the low temperature environments and has a higher K Value, or better electrical properties.

“We continue to see more and more customers request XHHW over THHN now that copper prices have dropped again. XHHW has better current carrying capacity giving it the ability to withstand meltdown better, and even with its marginal price increase, many customers make it their choice over THNN,” remarked Bryce Huett, President of Distributor Wire & Cable in Denver, Colorado.

XHHW typically cost 10-20% more than THHN but that gap is closing as cross-linked polyethylene becomes more and more available. It is worth noting that the nylon coating on THHN wire makes it stiffer than its building wire counter part. Installers always prefer a more pliable product when trying to pull their runs throughout a structure.

Distributor Wire & Cable is a nationwide electrical wholesaler for all types of wire and cable including XHHW and THHN building wire. For more information on their products and services, call 888-439-2947 or visit www.distributorwire.com.

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Building, Cement, Construction, Products, Supplier

Cement Central Announced Today That It Has Partnered With Its Current Suppliers To Offer Cement Starting As Low As US$60MT

Cement Central announced today that in an aggressive move to combat the ever increasing cost of cement to Dubai, it has partnered with its current suppliers to offer cement starting as low as US$60MT, a major offset from the current price of US$90MT which seems to have become the norm.

From the Middle East to Russia, the cement industry is witnessing global robust growth amid a massive international construction boom. Cement & concrete companies are facing bigger challenges and higher demand by the day with companies continuing to invest in increasing capacity and sustainable technology.

With countries like Egypt & India suspending their cement exports the increasing demand is outpacing the supply from the UAE to Qatar to East Africa. In a region where $1.7 trillion worth of real estate is being constructed or being planned, price trends in the cement industry take on heightened significance.

The bad news for local property developers and contractors is that the price of cement in Dubai is constantly increasing according to figures published by Emirates Industrial Bank. This year alone, bills for bulk cement shot up by around 20 per cent – reaching more than Dh330 per tonne earlier this month, say cement buyers. While cement factories enjoy profitable times – some say they are taking advantage of high demand – the trend is putting strain on the construction industry.

Carlos Perez said “Even government projects are being affected” and quoted, Ebrahim Al Shehhi, director, UAE Ministry of Public Works as saying “As a ministry we are tendering two or three times for a project. Contractors are not coming forward because they don’t know what the price of steel, cement and electrical cable will be the next day.”

“A number of mega projects in infrastructure, tourism and real estate are currently in various stages — from designing, tendering to construction — and the same trend is likely to continue in the coming years and it will create regular demand for cement in the country,” said Carlos Perez, Managing Director of Cement Central. The massive scope of these projects and the fast pace of expansion is giving rise to high demand for various building and construction materials, especially cement. As local cement producers are unable to keep up with demand, more and more cement is being imported from other countries. This is where companies like Cement Central can aid with cement importing needs.

Cement imports have soared during the past three years as a result of the unprecedented construction activities here that accompanied the overall economic boom in the UAE and the region. The sharp increase in oil prices is a major reason for this boom.

A Cement Central client was quoted as saying “the shortage in cement had already caused an increase in operating costs, which had forced most companies to increase prices of concrete by an extra Dh40 per cubic metre and it was difficult to increase prices where contracts with clients exist, and that in such situations, ready-mix companies are taking on all the losses.” Being aware of the crisis facing contractors and builders in Dubai, Cement Central and its suppliers felt the need to step in and offer cement at competitive prices that wouldn’t break their budgets.

“Even though we distribute globally, our immediate focus is on emerging Middle Eastern and European markets” says Carlos Perez. We currently have a 60 million MT allocation geared towards helping the ever growing expansion in Dubai. Cement Central provides up to date pricing and procedures on its website www.CementCentral.com and welcomes broker inquiries. Our supplier’s contract will reflect their firm intent and ability to do business. We deal directly with large allocation holders and as a result, we pass along our competitive advantage and savings to you! Our clients and suppliers span the globe from the Americas to Europe and Asia and our extensive product and marketing knowledge make us the obvious choice.

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