Third Quarter 2001

Concrete Masonry, A Proven Winner for Correctional Institutions
Isabella County Courthouse

Concrete masonry provides flexibility, durability, security and cost-competitiveness for correctional facilities.

Design flexibility is achieved when building with concrete masonry units, which can be used for interior and exterior walls. A masonry wall can be easily adapted into a facility during construction.

Security bars and security systems are easily installed when using concrete masonry. A concrete masonry wall that has been constructed with rebar and grout offers the benefits of a strong, secure building that is virtually indestructible.

Other benefits of concrete masonry include durability and low maintenance. Buildings constructed of concrete masonry can handle extensive abuse and still maintain a stellar appearance.
As a result, the life span costs of the facility are reduced.

Concrete masonry units were chosen for the Isabella County Courthouse in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, because they met the two primary design goals: security and economy. Fire resistance, low maintenance and beauty were also qualities that fed into the decision to use concrete masonry.

The selection of colors in a variety of textures allowed the architect to design the building with personality and to forego the giant box image. According to Jack Jones, architectural sales representative for 4D, Inc., in Midland, Michigan, "County officials are thrilled with the economy of masonry and the final project appearance for the cost. They truly feel that they now have the most attractive building in downtown Mt. Pleasant.

Approximately 34,000 concrete masonry units, primarily 4" (100 mm) split face and 4" (100 mm) smooth face, were used to construct the Isabella County Courthouse in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Concrete masonry gave the architect freedom to place openings in the most desirable locations. The design flexibility offered by the concrete masonry units also expedited construction.

Architect:
Otto-Dufty-Bensinger and Dice, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan
Contractor:
Three Rivers Construction, Midland, Michigan
Masonry Contractor:
Straus Masonry Inc., Weidman, Michigan
Concrete Masonry Unit Supplier:
4D, Inc., Midland, Michigan

Inside This Issue

Concrete Masonry, A Proven Winner for Correctional Institutions

World Center for Concrete Technology:
New Courses

Setting the Groundwork for a New Facility

The Evolution of Segmental Retaining Wall Units

Concrete Masonry Can Take the Heat

Production Tip: Tips to Produce Desirable Concrete Masonry Units

Besser Block Talk: 13-5/8" (340 mm) and 15-5/8" (390 mm) Concrete Masonry Units

Batching and Mixing Technology for All Concrete Industries

A New Look for Besser.com

Concrete Masonry Units: Construction and Landscape

Service Tip: Prevent Block Cracking in the Center Web

New Product: Automatic Kiln Doors

Product Enhancement: Crowned Height Pins