Masonry Magazine May 2008 Page. 37
When to ask for help
WHEN A CONSULTANT should be brought into a job really depends on who is asking for the consulting. According to Johnson, the contractor should call in a consultant when the architect or engineer doesn't understand masonry, or the architect or engineer is no longer willing to negotiate with the contractor.
"If the discussions are broken down to 'my way or the highway," Johnson says, "the contractor might want to get an opinion from someone with enough experience in masonry to give an alternative suggestion."
An architect or engineer may decide to call a consultant when he recognizes masonry is different from other materials he uses, and admits he doesn't know enough about masonry to give the design details enough justice.
Another advantage to hiring a masonry consultant is that the consultant is the person who not only knows current codes, but also knows when the codes are changing.
"Code is changed every three years," says Johnson. "Nine times out of 10, the average architect is not going to know what those changes are and how it is going to affect his design. But a consultant who has been in the process of helping to develop the codes will have a good handle on what they are and how it will affect the design.
"Code is a live safety document," Painter continues. "Even though masonry has been around forever and has been done essentially the same way since the beginning, the codes are always changing. Someone has to keep up with all that information."
He also points out that ever-changing technologies will not only do a better job at assuring contractors and designers are following regulations, it may deter those who try to cut corners.
"With forensics and cheaper infrared cameras and radars, work will be looked at much closer," Painter says.
Field testing
FIELD TESTING, or inspection, is another important area that may require the use of a consultant. An inspector is brought in from an independent testing lab, typically by the building owner or the architect to examine the job.
"Most engineering offices don't have testing equipment in them," Miller explains, "so the person from the test lab will go in and test the site."
The inspector may take test cylinders of the grout or other materials to test the strength or make sure it meets the specifications laid out by the architect or engineer. Local governments also can request an inspector visit sites within its jurisdiction. He would be considered a consultant, as well, with a specialty in testing masonry construction.
"The field inspector is a knowledgeable set of eyes, on the field, looking to see that the construction is going per the plans and specifications," Miller says.
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