WEB SITE OFFERS TOOLS AND RESOURCES
Waukesha, Wis.-based Metal-Era Inc. has redesigned its Web site, www.metalera.com, which includes many innovative tools. A submittal builder allows users to collect multiple files in a shopping cart and download them all simultaneously. The Ventilated Roof System Calculator determines ideal air space relative to a project’s ventilation needs, and the Net Free Area Calculator helps calculate NFA and necessary vent width.
REPORT DISCUSSES ERGONOMICS
The Roofing Industry Alliance for Progress, Rosemont, Ill., has released a report that identifies best practices for reducing repetitive-stress injuries in roofing workers through education; redesign of work activities; and improved design of tools, equipment and materials. Titled “Identification and Management of Musculoskeletal Disorders,” the report’s research was conducted by Thomas E. Glavinich, D.E., P.E., associate professor for the Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering at the University of Kansas, Lawrence. The report can be ordered from www.nrca.net/rp/pubstore.
BIM COMMITTEE GUIDES INITIATIVES
The new Building Information Modeling Committee, formed by the Alexandria, Va.-based Construction Specifications Institute, will guide initiatives within CSI to advance the use of BIM in the planning, design, construction and operation of the built environment. One of the first actions of the new committee is to form a BIM Practice Group to gather practitioners inside and outside of CSI that are dealing with information-management aspects of BIM implementation. A BIM roadmap will identify requirements and define programs CSI will pursue to meet industry needs. For more information, visit www.csinet.org.