Message from Brad Dressler - STEEL-WICH® Inventor.

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

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