Woo-hoo! Only three hours of continuing education left to obtain by the end of September!
Today's topic was a scintillating discussion of precast concrete panel systems. Actually, it really IS an interesting topic, especially when you get into the part with thin-brick cladding and insulation and these new carbon-fiber shear ties and stuff.
Well, okay, maybe not.
As always, much more interesting as a character study of people and their minor failings. Especially those of a grammatical nature. Such as, did you know some people mistake the word "model" for the word "mottle"? That's distracting to see on a slide.
Also, the idea of using the Socratic method to teach is an interesting one, but you have to remember that Socrates probably concentrated on asking questions that would guide his students to a better understanding of the topic and wouldn't ask stupid, obvious questions that only serve to waste time and obscure the point he was trying to make.
Then again, he's dead, so what does HE know!?
Anyway, I got a somewhat cool beverage coaster made out of concrete for correctly identifying an FBI building. It said "Federal Bureau of Investigation" on the big sign in front of it. "Anyone tell me what this building is? Anyone?"
It was also fun because My Friend Jefftm and John the Earthworm Boy showed up. They're always good for some snide impertinence. Such as was directed at our box lunch, which had apparently been made up ahead of time. By approximately three weeks. The concrete beverage coaster was softer than the bread on the sandwiches.
BUT, it was all free, aside from having to sit and listen, and I actually did learn some things, I think, so all in all, a good day away from the office.
HOWEVER, it didn't leave a lot of time for coming up with nifty questions for the Thursday Three, so if any of you have any ideas, e-mail them to me. Quickly.
Posted by Terry Oglesby at December 6, 2006 03:20 PMSeptember of what year?
Posted by: steevil (Dr Weevil's bro Steve) at December 6, 2006 03:38 PMSeptember of Twenty Ought Seven. Last year's work was done at the very last minute. Not gonna procrastinate THIS year, by golly!
Posted by: Terry Oglesby at December 6, 2006 03:45 PMI'm working on a total lifecycle costing of precast w/insulation vs permanent wood w/site applied insulation (foam and batt) for some townhomes slated for low income use. I know siting will be a issue but the group putting these together is real strong on TCO.
Posted by: Chef Tony at December 6, 2006 04:33 PMThese guys were really on top of this for large scale residential use such as college dorms and such. Low maintenance plus no place for mold to hide plus quick installation plus good marks for LEED/green building plus tremendous resistance to storm-driven projectile impacts all add up.
The drawbacks I saw were incredibly long lead times. The actual construction time is about 20% of traditional multi-trade exterior walls, but the design-fabricate-deliver cycle is on the order of 9 months. All part of that horrible Bush economy, you know--everyone is building and it really is a push for everyone to get these things worked into any sort of schedule.
Go to gateprecast.com for some examples of their work. THIS IS NOT A COMMERICIAL ENDORSEMENT, by the way; I'm just noting who gave the presentation.
Posted by: Terry Oglesby at December 6, 2006 10:46 PM