It’s only been a few weeks since IMI unveiled new structural design software, but it is already spurring interest in masonry. Developed in partnership with Bentley Systems, Ryan Biggs Associates and the National Concrete Masonry Association, the software performs a whole building analysis of both load bearing masonry buildings and the new “hybrid” concept of masonry/steel design. That dramatically cuts design time and makes masonry more attractive than ever.

To make it even easier, IMI launched a seminar series that lets designers test drive the software and better understand the structural concepts. The more they learn, the greater their interest, with the popular seminars leading to plenty of software orders.

 “We’d prefer to use masonry,” says engineer Tim Gettelfinger from Structural Services in Louisville, Kentucky. The software “is going to integrate nicely, and will be a plus” for selling masonry design ideas, he says.

IMI also worked with the firm to address their concerns about manpower issues in the traditionally non-union area, providing a list of BAC contractors and demonstrating the union training difference. A particular hit was the grout training and certification provided to Local 4 INKY apprentices and journey-level members. “That’s encouraging,” says Gettelfinger, who wound up adding IMI grout certification to his structural specification notes.

The software is proving useful with other projects, too, including an 80,000 s.f. rehabilitation center in Wisconsin. IMI is now preparing a custom design software seminar for the designers, Flad & Associates.

To make sure that the next generation of designers understands and appreciates the software’s benefits, IMI is collaborating with Bentley on college-level outreach.

In New England, the BAC Local 3 MA/ME/NH Training Center hosted a regional expo featuring two track systems, Arriscraft’s ARRIS clip and the Redland Thin Brick Clip. The hands-on approach helped contractors learn how to bid and install the work. “The contractors went out of there a lot more confident,” says BAC Local 3 President/Secretary-Treasurer Charles Raso. Connecticut contractors and craftworkers got a similar introduction to stone panels.

In Pittsburgh, where restoration is big, IMI and BAC Local 9 PA teamed up with ProSoCo to update contractors and craftworkers on the latest trends in masonry exterior cleaning.

In Illinois, IMI brought together contractors and manufacturers to learn about ventilated masonry facades and proper training. A January 2009 session will educate area architects and engineers. New Jersey will learn about new products early in the new year as well.

In Michigan, contractors gathered at the training center to practice laying out and installing Boston Valley’s terra cotta rain screen system. “We have to prepare ourselves for technology,” says contractor Ed Davenport. Davenport Masonry now has a large project with the system.

The winning masonry solution for the 911 centers included self-consolidating grout (SCG) and a new application using single length rods from footer to parapet. IMI designed and built some test panels featuring both, and Hofstra won the engineers’ approval on the spot. IMI also offered job-specific grout certification and flashing training for the project, which is expected to serve as the prototype for others. An added bonus was the general contractor’s comment that his opinion of working with union firms changed for the better.

For the challenging project, which included a stack bond, Kinateder Masonry of Waukesha worked with the architects to create life-size templates to shape the bricks precisely, like a mosaic. A total of 4700 bricks were used to spell out the famous company name in letters ranging from nine to fourteen feet.

“We had never done something quite of this magnitude,” says Fred Kinateder, Jr. “It took a high degree of craftsmanship to pull it off.” He applauds members of BAC Local 8 WI for the great results, including keeping on schedule and budget.

The three building complex, which includes a museum, shops, dining and event spaces, opened this summer.