Masonry Magazine December 1999 Page. 42
Average wall height: 49'
Average exterior wall cost: $15.78
Average interior wall cost: $14.02
Average job time: 3 1/2 months
These three theaters represent the state of the art in modern cinema. These structures place extreme demands on the building envelope. Architects, Kip E. Daniels, Architect and TK Architects, Inc. displayed a thorough knowledge of masonry design. The use of tall reinforced concrete masonry walls as the structure and finish proved to be an attractive solution both esthetically and economically.
The theater industry is highly competitive. To draw customers, theater must boast several screens, huge capacities, and even IMAX screens. Simply the fact that the owner, Cinemark, decided to use concrete masonry not once, but three times in succession, proves the viability of this system.
The Mason Contractors, Mulligan Masonry Co. Inc. and G. Porter & Co. deserve the highest praise for their efforts in these projects. The skill that goes into planning the job schedule, coordinating multiple crews, managing tall scaffolding safely, and bracing walls during construction is no small task. These projects show that the masonry industry is ready to meet any challenges that the new millennium may present.
The efforts of the General Contractors in these three projects must not be overlooked. The site preparation and trade coordination is critical to keep the job on schedule. Capitol Construction (Woodridge 17) has a wide spectrum of experience with theater projects, and welcomed the challenge of this type of new construction. Schwendener (Melrose 10, Tinseltown 16) showed that they too have the experience and know-how to orchestrate such a project.
The precast and tilt-up industries boast "supposed" economy and speed of construction as their major advantage over masonry structures like these. Given the required lead time for these systems (16 to 20 weeks) and the lack of design flexibility, Concrete Masonry was the first choice. The lead time from bid date to start of masonry work can be as little as one week!
These three projects show how economical and speedy Concrete Masonry construction can be when all parties understand the material and use it's many inherent qualities to the fullest.
DISCLAIMER NOTICE
This guide contains technical information on masonry wall systems. It provides some of the basic information required to property design and detail these systems. This booklet does not cover all designs or conditions. The information presented illustrates only the principles that are involved.
The information contained in this booklet is based on the available data and experience of the technical staff of the Masonry Advisory Council. This information should be recognized as suggestions which, if followed with good judgement, should produce positive results. Final decisions on the use of information, details and materials as discussed in this booklet are not within the purview of the Masonry Advisory Council, and must rest with the project designer, owner, or both.
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