BAC Cement Masons Benefit From Latest Laser Technology
Wisconsin Locals Launch New Upgrade Training

Locals 3, 9, and 11 members train with the latest model of the Copper Head Laser

The latest technological advances don’t mean a thing without the proper training. With that in mind, Wisconsin District Council Field Representative Wynn Jones launched a two-day upgrade training program earlier this year to familiarize Locals 3, 9, and 11 WI cement masons with the latest model of the Copper Head Laser Screed. Informed use of the new machine, which takes advantage of the latest advancements in laser technology, adds up to cost savings for employers and a more uniform installation by skilled BAC craftworkers.

“Contractors are being required to make flatter and flatter floors,” says Wisconsin District Council President Tim Ihlenfeld. “The machine eliminates a lot of interior setup, and enables a flat floor. But it doesn’t finish the floor. That’s why we train.”

The training was a team effort from the start — Jones promoted and coordinated the sessions, ably assisted by the Locals’ apprenticeship coordinator and IMI instructor John Zellner. IMI provided the funding, and the Lakeshore Technical College provided the space free of charge — in exchange for a new concrete floor.

Members at Lakeshore Technical College. In exchange for a new concrete floor, the College allows Locals 3, 9, and 11 to use one-third of the facility for training purposes.

With 17 journey-level cement masons in attendance, the first segment focused on controlling cracking in concrete and proper placement of expansion joints in concrete floors. New types of concrete reinforcement and the proper applications suited for these alternate and specialized types of reinforcement were demonstrated. Participants also had a chance to discuss concrete curling problems, slump solutions, and other concrete additives. WI DC Cement Mason Representative Kirby Knapp spoke on the proper finishing tools and techniques to use when making pours containing shakes as a surface hardener. Depending on the type of shake surface hardener, surfaces can be made between 4 and 11 times more resistant to traffic wear and damage.

The last half of the first day was spent training on the Copper Head Laser Screed, courtesy of Miron Construction and Greg Kipenhan. Each student had the opportunity to set up the laser, receivers, set the screed to height, and get the feel of the controls and machine by operating the machine in dry sand before using it in the concrete pour the following morning.

The next day was spent pouring a 50’ X 25’ two inch thick topping pour with the shake surface. After each student had the opportunity to use the Copper Head Laser Screed in an actual pour, attention was then turned to concrete shakes. Bill Butler of Euclid Chemical explained the different types of shake hardeners and their applications, and demonstrated the best practices that can save time and labor when applying concrete shake with a shake machine.

“Advanced training is what it’s all about when you’re a journey-level craftworker,” says Jones, “our members and employers are always asking for more!”