Hello, my name is Brad Dressler,
and I am a journeyman bricklayer. It is my distinct pleasure to be a member
of BAC, Local #45, which, in my opinion, contains the finest examples of professional
masonry mechanics anywhere in the world. I have been in the trade for (15) years
and its because of this day-to-day experience that I am happy to introduce to
you, "The Original Telescoping Rebar Positioner"® (TRP),
and the "STEEL-WICH METHOD". I consider this unique patented device
and method to be the next generation of total concrete masonry unit (CMU) applied
steel rebar reinforcement.
Today's accepted (CMU) rebar reinforcement
techniques generally diminish the overall wall strength of the entire structure,
thereby limiting the system's capability. Consequently, wall or system integrity
is only as strong as the weakest point. The loss of system's total wall strength
is attributable to the current method employed in the positioning of rebar reinforcements.
I maintain that this antiquated method has the following shortcomings:
| SHORTCOMINGS
OF CURRENT METHODS |
- Rebar (both capped and
uncapped) is currently positioned in a raised, stationary and exposed
manner. More often than not, this obstructs the mason's field of view.
- Workers are subjected
to increased jobsite hazards resulting from the spear-like exposed rebar.
- Workers experience extreme
back and lower back and shoulder stress resulting from material positioning
over the stationary rebar. This uses unnecessary repetitive motion.
- Decreased productivity
and increased material and labor cost (including workman's compensation)
are experienced.
- "Silica" exposure
is increased at the jobsite.
- Overall rebar reinforcement
design cannot be achieved and safety of the finished product cannot
be guaranteed.
|
Experience in the trade kept nagging
me that there has to be a better way to position rebar reinforcement. My system
and (TRP) advances the use of technologically applied steel reinforcement to
hollow-core (CMU) walls. This system allows for rebar installation on a continuing
rather than stationary application. The rebar can now be adjusted, above (6')
six foot and thereafter as each level or course of (CMU) is installed. "The
Original Telescoping Rebar Positioner"® & "STEEL-WICH METHOD"
gives the owner, contractor, and mason the following advantages:
ADVANTAGES
OF THE "STEEL-WICH METHOD" |
- Allows telescoping rebar
installation safely from the ground up to the top of the wall translating
into superior wall integrity.
- Increased productivity
and lower material and labor costs.
- Loss time injuries will
decrease.
- Workman's compensation
insurance experience factors will decrease, lowering related costs.
- Promotes Ergonomics,
increases jobsite safety, and helps prevent impalement injury.
- An enhanced system which
gets the job done in a safer and more efficient manner applying the
best technological methods available today.
- Achieve Shift Load Transfer,
with state of the art hooked bond beam configuration.
- Vertically adjust the
hooked rebar into place over the horizontal bond beam rebar and lock
it down.
- Exceeds existing building
codes for (CMU) rebar placement top to bottom.
|
The TRP's design looks deceptively
simple. However, in reality, its exceedingly complex function stretched the
technological limits of the Spring Wire Forming Industry. One year of development
elapsed from the inception of the idea to the highly specialized spring wire
product developed. The TRP provides a function not matched by any product in
the market, or on the planet, today! It literally levitates (6') six foot lengths
of steel rebar. This allows the rebar to be telescoped (lengthened) up through
the hollow (CMU) wall, while increasing the concentric, concentrated weighted
downward pressure (on/TRP) while maintaining total rebar control.
The TRP is currently available
in either plated or untreated models (stainless steel model is under development).
The plated model conforms to ASTM B 633 Standard Specification for Electrodeposited
Coatings of Zinc on Iron and Steel.
My experience has taught me that
today's construction industry is becoming increasingly costly and complex. Integrating
optimum performance with increased efficient building execution is a key factor
to survival! The STEEL-WICH® Telescoping Rebar Positioner can help you realize
your construction goals. Our patented rebar positioner and the STEEL-WICH METHOD,
provide superior steel rebar placement in an extremely safe and cost-effective
manner. Let us help you in your efforts to building safely today and well into
the new millennium.
Brad Dressler
New
York State Office of General Services
Design and Construction
Apprival / Master Specifications / (2000)
Division 4 - Masonry
04220 / Concrete Unit Masonry
See section 2.03 Accessories STEEL-WICH® U.S. Patent No. 6,240,688/6,141,937
Foreign Patents Applied for |
