july 22nd july csi houston chapter program “building ... · by holly a. jordan, csi, ccs, leed ap...

CSI Houston ChapterThe Construction Specifications Institute

July 2013

Inside this issue:CSI Houston Program 1

Leadership Directory 2

President’s Message &2013 Golf Classic 3

CSI CDT Prep Classes &Houston Code Changes 4

CSI SponsorAdvertisements 5, 7

Board Meeting Minutes 6

Strictly Smith-ly 8

CSI Houston Chapter Officersand Directors 9

Awards Program Photos 10,11

CSI Houston Calendar 12

CSI Houston Website:http://www.csihouston.org

July 22nd

meeting:PLACE: H.E.S.S. Building5430 Westheimer Road

TIME:

5:30 P.M. (Registration andmixer)

6:00 P.M. (Evening Meal andMeeting)

COST:

Gratis to CSI members;$35.00 to non members atthe door.

RESERVATIONS: Go to:http://www.csihouston.org

July CSI Houston Chapter Program

“Building Information Modeling/Management (BIM)”

Building Information Modeling/Management, or more commonly referred toas BIM, is not simply a better drafting tool for the design professional, ra-ther it is a tool that far outreaches the design practices of the traditional A/E firm beyond the obvious benefits of 3D imaging and clash detection. BIMis a technology that in the past few years has shaken up the constructionindustry and is rapidly changing how projects are delivered and is aimingto provide true Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) by considering the entirepotential life cycle of a project from inception through decommissioningrequiring a re-thinking of delivery methods, documentation, responsibilitiesand expectations.

The evening will not be about any specific software and its capabilities,rather, the panel discussion will attempt to bring to light and bring aboutconsensus the challenges that currently exist across disciplines in the con-struction industry as it relates to the exchange and use of information anddata and seeks to provide the opportunity for a dialog among contractors,architects, specifications writers, building managers, manufacturers and soon.

Panelists

David Baldacchino – BIM Manager with HOK

Alex Bernard, AIA, CSI – Moderator and Sr. Project Architect with HOK

Other panelists will include leading professionals from Industry

Please join us at our July 22, CSI Houston Chapter meeting for an inter-esting and informative evening of discussion with industry leaders.

SPEC.TECTONICS

2013—2014 COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Programs J. Peter Jordan, FCSI, AIA, CCS, LEED AP(281) 366-0320

jpjordan@jordanconsultants.com

Membership Joey Penna, CSI, CDT, LEED Green Associate(813) 514-5914

josephpe@nationalgypsum.com

Certification Tim Wilson, CSI(832) 289-6765

twilson@weatherizationpartners.com

Technical J. Peter Jordan, FCSI, CCS, LEED AP, SCIP AIA(713) 366-0320

jpjordan@jordanconsultants.com

Awards Amy Salmeron, CSI, CDT713-460-5216

asalmeron@assaabloydss.com

Scholarship Frank Bain, CSI(713) 827-8844

fbain@wallcoveringsintl.com

Continuing Education Mark Koehler, CSI(713) 781-6006

mkoehler@siplast.com

Academic Affairs

Public Relations Don Vernon, CSI(713)-520-0155

don@aiahouston.org

Product Show (CTE) Di Ann Reid, CSI, CCS, CCCA, LEED AP(713) 844-0091

diann_reid@gensler.com

Golf Tournament Sindee Gillespie, CSI

(281) 712-7035SL.Gillespie@GOAenterprises.com

Table Top Amy Peevey, PE, RRO, CDT(713) 467-9840

apeevey@besgrp.com

CIC Delegate Di Ann Reid, CSI ,CCS, CCCA, LEED AP(713) 844-0091

diann_reid@gensler.com

2013—2014 CSI HOUSTON WEBSITE

Webmaster Logan Vits, CSI, CCPR, LEED AP

(281) 703-5201lvits@assaabloydss.com

2012—2013 CSI HOUSTON FOUNDATION

President, Greg L. Roberts, FAIA,FCSI, CCS, ACHA,LEED AP(713) 665-5665

GRoberts@whrarchitects.com

Past President Frank Bain, CSISecretary Bill Fairbanks, CSI, CCPRTreasurer Brett Wilbur, CSI, CCS, RADirector 1 Tom Atwell, CSI CDT, AIADirector 2 Al Pasek, CSI, CCPRDirector 3 Don Ude, CSI

JULY 2013 - PAGE 2 CSI HOUSTON

CSI HOUSTON CHAPTER

2013—2014 CHAPTER OFFICERS

President Robert P. Byrne, CSI(713) 464-4491

rbyrne@ampbrick.com

Past President Holly Jordan, CSI, CCS, LEED AP, SCIP(713) 366-0320

hjordan@jordanconsultants.com

President Elect Neil Byrne, CSI, CDT, CPA(713) 354-1100

npbyrne@byrnemetals.com

VP Finance/ Admin. Chuck Vojtech, CSI(281) 227-3577

chuck@rpcinc.com

VP Professional Development Tim Wilson, CSI(832) 289-6765

twilson@weatherizationpartners.com

VP Member Services Tom Atwell, CSI(713) 783-6768

tat10706@aol.com

VP Public Services Don Smith, CSI, CCS, RA, LEED AP(713) 688-0092

don.smith315@sbcglobal.net

Secretary Betsy Finch, CSI(713) 806-3401

betsy.finch13@gmail.com

Treasurer Robert M. Cook, CSI, AHC(832) 496-9507

Robert.Cook@sbdinc.com

2013—2014 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Director through 2015 Amy Salmeron, CSI, CDT713-460-5216

asalmeron@assaabloydss.com

Director through 2015 Grant Groeschel, CSI, AIA, LEED AP(713) 934-4891

grant.groeschel@assaabloy.com

Director through 2014 Amy Peevey, PE, RRO, CDT(713) 467-9840

apeevey@besgrp.com

Director through 2014 Bill Fairbanks, CSI, CCPR(281) 227-3577

fairbanks@rpcinc.com

Director through 2013 Don Ude, CSI(281) 685-0164

dude127@sbcglobal.net

Director through 2013 Logan Vits, CSI, CCPR, LEED GA(713) 703-5201

lvits@assaabloydss.com

Board Advisory Director Doug Frank, FCSI, CCS(281) 660-6246

specman.doug@gmail.com

2013—2014 CSI HOUSTON SPEC.TECTONICS

SPEC.tectonics Editor Don Smith, CSI, CCS, RA, LEED AP(713) 688-0092

don.smith315@sbcglobal.net

CSI SOUTH CENTRAL REGION (http://www.scr-csi.org) / INSTITUTE LEADERS (http://www.csinet.org)

SC Region President Holly Jordan, CSI, CCS, LEED AP, SCIP Institute Director Kirby M. Davis, CSI, CDT(713) 366-0320 (203) 671-7210

hjordan@jordanconsultants.com kirby-davis@hotmail.comSC Region President Elect Bruce Stone, CSI, CDT, AIA Institute President Gregory Markling, FCSI, CCS, CCCA, AIA, LEED AP

(918) 361-2427 IBMsolutions, Highlands Ranch, CObstone@specificationsolutions.com ibmsolutions@msn.com

SPEC.TECTONICS JULY 2013 - PAGE 3 CSI HOUSTON

July 2013

President’s Message

by Robert P. Byrne, CSIPresident, CSI Houston Chapter

First of all I would like toagain thank those thatsupported the decisionto ask me to volunteerfor the President Electposition last year andultimately for my Presi-dent’s position now.

Hopefully all of ourmembers are seeing theincreased activity in theirrespective fields as

compared to the lingering past. Everyone I talkto is getting very busy again. The heat is on,literally. As we move forward let’s rememberhard work and focus on doing things right thefirst time will help us recover faster from thepast and benefit the future.

Continuing to expand upon last year’s accom-plishments will be our obvious goal. There isstill much work to be done increasing our mem-bership with our younger and emerging profes-sionals. We need their fresh ideas and theyneed our experience and knowledge. Togetherthis will allow all of us to achieve our goals of agreat Chapter, healthy career and the best builtenvironments.

I encourage anyone who has an idea to makeour Chapter better to contact me and share.

Things are looking up!

2013 Brian Harrington GolfClassic

By Joey Penna, CSI, CDT, LEED AP

Save the Date: The 2013 CSI Brian HarringtonGolf Classic will be held Monday, October 21,2013.

Golf Course: Falcon Point Golf Club, Katy, TX

Entry Forms & Sponsorship Forms: Go to theCSI Houston Chapter website ay http://www.csihouston.org. Forms will be availableshortly for you to attend and support the CSI Hou-ston Golf Classic.

We hope to see you there!

SPEC.TECTONICS JULY 2013 - PAGE 4 CSI HOUSTON

CSI CDT Prep Classes for Spring 2013

by Holly A. Jordan, CSI, CCS, LEED AP BD+C,SCIP, President CSI Houston Chapter

In preparation for the CSI CDT Exam during themonth of April 2013, CSI-Houston will once againbe sponsoring a CDT Prep Class this spring. Theeleven week course is scheduled to begin onThursday, January 17, 2013 at 6:00pm. The classis scheduled for two hours every Thursday evening,concluding on the week of March 25, 2013. Clas-ses are scheduled to be held at Building ExteriorSolutions, LLC; 6975 Portwest Dr., Suite 100; Hou-ston, TX 77024

This is conveniently located near the intersection ofthe Katy Freeway and the West Loop. The cost forstudents attending will be $75.00 for CSI membersand $100.00 for non-CSI members. Checks mustbe made payable to ‘CSI-Houston.’ In addition, CSI-Houston is also offering to order all study materialsfor prospective students as a group. This will ena-ble all who order this way to receive a “group dis-count” and save some money on study materials.Please inform us upon sign-up that you wish to or-der your materials with the group.

New for this session is that the final class will be held onMonday March 25, 2013 at 4:00pm. This will be just be-fore our monthly CSI-Houston Dinner. All prospectivestudents are invited to join us for dinner without charge

that evening. Individuals that would like to sign-up forthe CDT Prep Class should contact the local Certifi-cations Chairman, Tim Wilson. His contact infor-mation is Cell (832) 289-6765; Email twil-son@weatherizationpartners.com

Houston Code News and Events

By Di Ann Reid, CSI ,CCS, CCCA, LEED AP

New Electrical Code - Effective 09/01/2011.On August 10, City Council approved the adoption ofthe 2011 National Electrical Code and local amend-ments.

New Commercial Energy Codes - Effective09/02/2011.

September 2, 2011, commercial buildings and struc-tures shall comply with the 2009 IECC or 2007ASHRAE 90.1, pursuant to Section 19.53 of Chapter34, Texas Administrative Code. In accordance with thisprovision and the rules thereto, the City has reviewedthe codes and has proposed amendments for review bythe Energy Systems Laboratory.

Please visit the City of Houston Form & PublicationsPage at http://www.houstonpermittingcenter.org/code-enforcement/code-updates.html to access the newCommercial Energy Codes

New Construction Codes–Effective 12/31/10.On November 3rd, City Council approved the 2006Code Package to adopt updated Construction Codes.The new amendments are available at our Forms &Publications page.

Texas Adopts New Energy Code 2009 IECC effectiveApril 1st, 2011. The major points to be guided by forthe building envelope are:

All commercial projects will need insulated glass. Nomore monolithic exceptions for small window to wallratios.

All commercial projects will need to exhibit an SHGC(Solar Heat Gain Coefficient) of .25 or less. This is amajor revision and improvement to save energy for ourbuilding owners. There are exceptions for projectionfactors i.e. shading.

As published in the Texas Register today: ADOPTEDRULES June 4, 2010 35 TexReg 4727

Current codes in the City of Houston include:

Building Code: 2006 IBC with Houston Amendments.

Residential Code: 2006 IRC with Houston Amend-ments.

Electrical Code: 2011 NEC with Houston Amend-ments—1st Printing.

Mechanical Code: 2006 UMC with Houston Amend-ments.

Plumbing Code: 2006 UPC with Houston Amend-ments.

Fire Code: 2006 International Fire Code

SPEC.TECTONICS JULY 2013 - PAGE 5 CSI HOUSTON

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FEATURE YOUR PRODUCTS WITH A

TABLE TOP DISPLAY

At each monthly meeting, the Chapter encourages Indus-try Members to provide a table top display of their prod-ucts and services for the inspection and education ofthose attending the meeting.

The table top display is also encouraged to be presentedduring the social hour and after the program for anyquestions by attendees.

The presentation fee for this time is $200 for membersand $250 for non-members, or free with a Golf Sponsor-

SPEC.TECTONICS JULY 2013 - PAGE 6 CSI HOUSTON

Finance/Administration: Neil ByrneRobert asked Chuck to complete a Texas Sales andTax Use certificate form and turn into the HESSClub. Robert reported he will sign the current HESScontract and submit to HESS.

Treasurer's Report: Chuck VojtechChuck reported the chapter finances are in goodcondition.

Table Top Display: Amy PeeveyAmy reported three tabletops scheduled for the Maychapter meeting.

Publications and Public Services: Don SmithGolf Tournament: Tom Atwell/Sindee GillespieSindee will follow up with Wade Arnold to finalizethe arrangements with Falcon Point for the 2013tournament. Sindee will coordinate with Loganabout posting information on the website concerningthe golf tournament.

Spec.tectonics: Don Smith Don reported the Maynewsletter was posted to the website.

Electronic Communications: Logan VitsHolly reported the website had been updated andLogan had done a good job

Public Relations: Don VernonNo report.

Professional Development: Logan Vits

Continuing Education: No report.

Academic Affairs: No report.

Certification: Tim Wilson Tim reported he emailedCDT candidates regarding attending the June chap-ter meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m.

Betsy Finch, CSIChapter Secretary

CSI Houston Chapter Board Meeting MinutesLocation: HESS Building5430 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TXMay 20, 2013

Present: Amy Peevey, Betsy Finch, Bill Fairbanks,Chuck Vojtech, Don Smith, Doug Frank, Holly Jordan,Neil Byrne, Robert Byrne, Tim Wilson, Tom Atwell,Sindee Gillespie

President Holly Jordan called the meeting to order at4:15 p.m.

The March 2013 Board Meeting Minutes were ap-proved.

REPORTS

MEMBER SERVICES:Holly reported that Mark Koehler sent her a letter ofresignation resigning from his position as Vice Presi-dent of Member Services effective immediately. Holly“moved to accept Mark Koehler’s resignation.” Themotion was seconded and approved. The board dis-cussed appointing Tom Atwell to fill the position of VicePresident of Member Services. Don Smith “moved toaccept Tom Atwell as Member Services Vice Presidentthrough June 2014. The motion was seconded andapproved.

Programs: J. Peter Jordan; No report.

Membership: Sindee GillespieSindee reported membership is up by seven new mem-bers since she has taken over Membership.

Awards: Amy SalmeronHolly reported she has a meeting scheduled with Amyand Robert Byrne to discuss awards. Holly mentionedthe Hall of Fame Award and the Craftsman Awardswould be more of the focus at the awards dinner. TheBoard discussed presenting the Hall of Fame MemberAward to Don Ude. Bill Fairbanks “moved to inductDon Ude into the Hall of Fame.” Motions was second-ed and approved.

June Planning/Board Meeting: The June Planning andBoard Meeting will be combined on June 11,2013. Thelocation will be Crisp, 2220 Bevis.

June Speaker/Presentation Discussion: Bil Fairbanksdiscussed his tour of the Texas Asia Society Building.The tour was conducted by Norm Molen, the construc-tion supervisor. The Board discussed asking Norm ifhe would speak at the June meeting about the con-struction process. Bill will discuss with him.

Foundation Scholarship: There are five scholarshipcandidates.

SPEC.TECTONICS JULY 2013 - PAGE —7 CSI HOUSTON

SPEC.TECTONICS JULY 2013 - PAGE 8 CSI HOUSTON

“Strictly SMITH-ly”

Geotechnical Reports as a ContractDocument

By Donald F. Smith, Jr., CSI CCS RA LEED AP

I keep getting questions on use of geotechnical reportsas a Contract Document.

The reason geotechnical reports and availability of ge-otechnical information are listed as information availa-ble to bidders is that it contains limited facts, multipleopinions, and multiple recommendations that are notthe actual structural or paving designs for the Project.The geotechnical report is usually commissioned bythe Owner as site information, similar to a site survey.The design team is not in a position to sign and sealthese document and assume the errors and omissionsrisks that may occur in them.

That it is that the geotechnical investigation is:

1. Not prepared by the project architect, nor is the Ge-otechnical Engineer the Architect’s consultant.2. The geotechnical report is usually commissioned bythe Owner for the limited purpose of providing infor-mation and design options to the structural and civilengineers for foundation, paving and other earthworkdesign options and choose project structural and civildesign schemes.3. The information given in the geotechnical reportis limited to specific locations, boring depths, and istime sensitive and may quickly become obsolete.4. Geotechnical reports normally contain opinions andrecommendations to the structural and civil engineersthat are not designs, but are a discussion of options,costs and anticipated consequences.

The only actual factual information is contained in thereport is the testing methodology and the boring logs.

Until the engineers actually select a design option,which by the way does not have to include one of theoptions presented, and include it in the signed andsealed structural drawings and civil drawings, it is notpart of the Contract Documents.

To list the geotechnical report as a Contract Documentis to state that the information and opinions containedin it are correct, even though they may not be used inthe actual project as the basis of designs for the pro-ject.

Similarly, it is also unwise to use the geotechnical re-port as a specification. Notes such as "Prepare sub-grade soils in accordance with the Contract Docu-ments," clearly shows a lack of understanding that all

or some of the recommendations in the geotech-nical report may be correct for all or even some ofthe project requirements and that the design deci-sions as to exactly what is required is delegatedto whomever is reading the note!

Geotechnical Engineers usually want to inspectthe subgrade soils at the bottom of each footingor excavation because even they are not sure asto the uniformity of the natural subgrade soilsacross the project site. They need confirmationof their own recommendations to be sure of suc-cess. The need to make sure that their materialrecommendations and procedures are being fol-lowed.

"If you don't know where you're going,you might wind up someplace else."

Yogi Berra

… Just my opinion,

Donald F. Smith, Jr., CSI, CCS, RA, LEED™AP

SPEC.TECTONICS JULY 2013 - PAGE —9 CSI HOUSTON

2013-2014 CSI Houston Chapter Officers and Directors. Left to right: Robert P. Byrne, President; Logan Vits, Di-rector; Neil Byrne, President Elect; Holly Jordan, Past President; Chuck Vojtech, VP Finance and Administration;Amy Salmeron, Director; Tom Atwell, VP Member Services; Doug Frank, Board Advisory Director; Don Smith, VPPublic Services and Newsletter Editor; Bob Cook, Treasurer; Don Ude, Director; Bill Fairbanks, Director.

Missing from photograph: Tim Wilson, VP Professional Development; Betsy Finch, Secretary; Amy Peevey, Direc-tor; Grant Groeschel, Director.

SPEC.TECTONICS CSI HOUSTONJULY 2013 - PAGE 10

President Robert P. Byrne and Past President Holly Jordan

Holly Jordan and Carl Metzroth

CSI Houston Foundation President Greg Roberts and Foun-dation Director Al Pasek presenting five scholarship awards

2013 Craftsmanship Award winner Norm Molen of W. S.Bellows for the construction Texas Asia Society Building

President Holly Jordan presenting Chapter President’s Cita-tions to Neil Byrne and Chuck Vojtech

Doug Frank presenting Chapter Hall of Fame plaque to longtime CSI Chapter member Don Ude

SPEC.TECTONICS CSI HOUSTONJULY 2013 - PAGE 11

President Holly Jordan presenting Don Smith withHouston Chapter Service Trophy as SPEC.tectonicsEditor

President Holly Jordan presenting Doug Frank withHouston Chapter Whatzit Boat Anchor trophy forChapter Services Rendered

President Holly Jordan presenting Chapter Certificate of Merit

and Appreciation to Amy Salmeron as Awards ChairmanPresident Holly Jordan presenting Chapter Certificate of Merit

and Appreciation to the HESS Club services to the Hou-ston Chapter

SPEC.TECTONICS is a monthly publication of the Houston Chapter, Construction Specifications Institute. CSI HOUSTON does not approve, disap-prove, sanction, or guarantee the validity or accuracy of any date, claim, or opinion appearing herein. Republication rights are granted to the CSIand its chapters for original articles printed herein, provided proper credits are given. The Houston Chapter is incorporated under the laws of theState of Texas, and is chartered by the Construction Specifications Institute.

CSI HoustonConstruction Specifications InstituteP.O. Box 79285Houston, TX 77279-9285(713) 627-2283, Ext. 319

www.csihouston.org

Visit CSI Houstonon the Web

www.csihouston.org

July 2013 Through Aug 2013

SPEC.TECTONICS JULY 2013 - PAGE —12 CSI HOUSTON

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

June 30 July 1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 Planning Mtg2:30 pm, 9434Katy Fwy, Ste 170

16 17 18 19 20

21 22 CSI HoustonBoard / ChapterMeeting—HESS

23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30 31 August 1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 Planning Mtg2:30 pm, 9434Katy Fwy, Ste 170

13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 CSI HoustonBoard / ChapterMeeting—HESS

27 28 29 30 31