Going green, what do you think about it?

Combination of waste/plant fiber and cement, Photo thanks to: EcoBuilt Efficient Buildings

Recently, a Pennsylvania-based company called EcoBuilt Efficient Buildings received a $20,000 grant from Green Building Alliance. They plan on using that money to further its research on a new type of masonry block called MaqCrete and to determine if these blocks can be mass produced cost effectively. The blocks use a mix of plant fiber and cement. To figure out the best binder combination, EcoBuilt Efficient Buildings partnered with Drexel University to further its research. Ebuild.com recently wrote an interesting article further explaining the technology and the company‘s plans.

Would you use these blocks on your projects? Tell us what you think about new green technologies and products. Are you going green?

About BeThePro Staff

BeThePro.com is a construction industry information source for professionals working in the North American market. It provides access to how-to, best practices and best new materials details from experts in a variety of disciplines.

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Save Your Hearing on the Job

Hearing is one of the most important elements of being a functioning, contributing human being. So why wouldn’t you take the extra time to protect such an important element of your human skill set, out in the high-decibel environment of concrete and masonry construction and repair? We all know people who don’t take precautions necessary to protect their hearing, their eyes and their lungs — and pay the high price. Here’s a story from the Jan/Feb issue of Concrete Repair Bulletin that provides chapter and verse about the perils of not taking precautions to protect hearing on the concrete/masonry job site. Regulations, exposure levels and hearing protection are all covered in detail. You can find the story here. It’s worth the investment to read this in-depth story.

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“Concrete” facts in the Idea Box

Concrete, granite or other masonry, Gerald Taylor works them all.

Decorative concrete is all the rage, whether you’re talking contractors, public artisans or homeowners. One of the great tradesmen in the arena for concrete art is Gerald Taylor, who blends art and hands-on power tool application to create functional art out of concrete, granite and other materials. One design he’s become adept at applying in a variety of masonry materials is the iconic fleur-de-lis.

In addition to its comparatively recent connection to the New Orleans Saints football team, the design has existed for hundreds of years and appears on everything from a king’s sash to a family coat of arms. This is one of the iconic designs Gerald has used in his work. And now he’s showing you how it’s done.

Check out the Idea Box to learn some of the master secrets to building incredible concrete and masonry artifacts that are both beautiful and functional.