>>>>>>>>>>> <<<<<<<<<<<<

CRAC Industry Profiles

ACME BRICK COMPANY

Acme Brick Company has a 110 year old tradition in brick making and is the largest US-owned brick-making company in the world. Acme operates 22 plants and 36 sales offices in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri and New Mexico. Acme Over 100 distributors also sell Acme brick nationally. Products include brick, tile, pavers, glass block, masonry supplies, and the IBP Glass Block installation system. The company employs approximately 2200 workers, including three full time registered engineers that provide technical assistance and training for customers and employees and that promote masonry education at universities and vocational schools.

AMERCIAN ENGINEERING ASSOCIATION

American Engineering Association specializes in foundation design for new residences and light construction throughout South Texas and performs construction, framing, code compliance and final inspections on new and existing homes and light commercial buildings. As a consulting firm, forensic analysis on foundation failures and distresses is a specialty. Clients include builders, large and small companies, law firms, insurance companies, adjusting firms, individuals and realtors. Remedial foundation repair designs are developed for foundation repair companies, insurance adjusters, attorneys, and individuals including the performance of construction and final inspections.

BBS Consultants, Inc., is a consulting engineering firm providing structural investigations and analysis dealing with distressed building structures, foundation failures, and drainage related problems. We also provide structural design for residential and commercial projects.

BILL BAILEY MASONRY CONSULTING

G.R. BELL AND ASSOCIATES, INC.

G.R. Bell and Associates, Inc., Fire Protection Engineers designs and installs fire alarm and fire sprinkler systems throughout Texas. Service, inspection and testing of fire systems including fire extinguishers and extinguisher systems are included.
Bell and Associates, Consulting Engineers specializes in engineering for building construction. Structural and equipment inspection of residential and commercial buildings, as well as contract municipal construction inpections, are provided along with plan review and structural design.
Mr. Bell is certified by the Texas Association of Real Estate Inspectors and is a senior member of the American Society of Home Inspectors.

BILL D. BENNETT CONSTRUCTION, INC.

A respected name in the home-building community, Bill D. Bennett Construction builds only first-class homes in which quality will not be sacrified. Over the years, Bill has earned the distinction of being a first-class builder whose home buyers don't have to keep a constant eye on the project to make sure that the right materials are being used and that they are getting what they expect in the construction of their home. Bill Bennett Custom Homes takes great pride in offering a whole home-building system, from lot selection to financing and construction, with aesthetically pleasing results.

BRICK INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION--SW REGION

The Brick Industry Association--SW Region provides technical information as a regional office of the Brick Institute of America. Its primary purpose is to encourage the proper use of clay brick and tile by publishing, distributing, and making technical information available to architects, engineers, builders, and building owners. Some of the more well known publications are Technical Notes on Brick Construction, Brick in Architecture, and Builder Notes.  Other programs advocate proper training of masons, workshops and round tables for university professors, and an 800 hotline to answer inquiries about brick.

DEE BROWN, INC.

Dee Brown, Inc. is a subcontracting firm specializing in conventional brick and block masonry construction. Products include brick panel, glass block, masonry systems, handset granite, marble and limestone wall systems, architectural precast panel erection and granite, and marble limestone panel systems. The company has the ability to provide owners, developers, architects, engineers, and general contractors with design-build support for their wall systems. The Dee Brown, Inc., companies are rated as one of the nation's largest specialty contractors performing masonry work in the continental U.S. and Hawaii. They belong to the Mason Contractors' Association of America, Associated General Contractors of America, American Subcontractor Association, Quoin, and numerous other professional organizations.

BUILDING OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS (BOAT)

The Building Officials Association of Texas (BOAT), a Department of the Texas Municipal League, is a professional association of 400 members including building officials, municipal inspectors, plans examiners, fire marshals, code enforcement officers, directors of planning and public works, housing authorities, and a variety of companies that deal with them including builders, architects, engineers, building supply companies, and real estate inspectors. BOAT's goals are to establish higher standards of uniformity and efficiency in administering and enforcing model building codes, to create and establish better public relations and understanding at the local level of the Inspection Department with the community, and to educate and inform the membership of new code developments, legislation and events that affect Building Inspection Departments.

The City of Arlington is located in the middle of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. The City covers 96.3 square miles, with a population exceeding 338,000. Arlington maintains a diverse economy evidenced by thriving retail shopping centers, active industrial districts, and entertainment opportunities anchored by the Six Flags Over Texas Amusement Park, Hurricane Harbor Amusement Park and the Texas Rangers Baseball Club.

CITY OF CARROLLTON

The City of Carrollton straddles the Dallas and Denton County boundary lines in North Central Texas. Carrollton residents are relatively young and well educated with 68 percent of the adult population with post high school education. The current population is about 111,400. The household per capita mean income is $62,4000 - well above the Dallas and Denton County averages. Interstate 35E intersects the City with George Bush Tollway which is about to join at IH-35 in the center of Carrollton. Carrollton has exceptional public schools and is very accessible to higher education opportunities. There are approximately 960 acres of park land within the City of a total of 38 square miles. Seventy-six percent of available land in Carrollton is developed.

CITY OF DUNCANVILLE

The City of Duncanville is located in the southwest portion of Dallas County. The City covers 12 square miles and has a population of about 36,000. Just 10 miles from downtown Dallas, Duncanville offers the advantage of Metroplex life while maintaining the lifestyle of the small community. A shining example of Duncanville's community spirit is our Kidsville Project. Built in 1989, Kidsville is the largest volunteer-built crative playground in the world. A strong per capita household income provides the community with one of the elements which make up a strong pride in the quality economic base. Duncanville takes great pride in the quality of our educational system and our successful athletic programs. The Texas Historical Commission has designated the City of Duncanville as an official Main Street City.

CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH

CITY OF GARLAND

The City of Garland is located in the heart of North Central Texas, and it is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Metroplex. Covering 57 square miles in northeast Dallas County, Garland is the 84th largest city in Texas. With a population of over 200,000, Garland has an environment very conducive to family living. Sports attractions include softball complexes, soccer fields and swimming centers. Firewheel Golf Park, with two 18-hole courses and a third in the planning stage, has been consistently rated one of the best municipal golf courses in Texas. For outdoor enthusiasts, Garland offers over 2,000 acres of parks, forests and open space, while nearby Lake Ray Hubbard provides boating and fishing.

CITY OF IRVING

The City of Irving is centrally located between Dallas and Ft. Worth on the eastern boundary of DFW International Airport. Irving was founded in 1903 and has a current population of approx- imately 190,000 with a land area of 69.3 square miles. The property tax rate in Irving is one of the lowest in the area at 48.8 cents per $100 valuation. Irving is one of only 18 cities nationwide that enjoy a AAA bond rating from two major Wall Street investment firms. The total property tax value in Irving is $12.5 billion with building permits being issued for five consecutive years with annual construction valuation in excess of $500 million. Irving is the owner of Texas Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys, and is also home to the annual Verizon Byron Nelson Classic.

CITY OF PLANO

The City of Plano, a northern suburb of Dallas, has a population of 237,000 and a land area of 75 square miles. Plano is home to many prestigious corporate campuses including Electronic Data Systems (EDS), J.C. Penney Corporation, Frito-Lay, Dr. Pepper, Alcatel, Ericsson, Lacerte Software, Texas Instruments, Perot Systems, Cinemark and Rent-a-Center, to name a few. Plano has won numerous awards for its beautiful parks and school system. With its malls, hotels, theaters and restaurants, Plano has become a popular destination for North Texans.

CITY OF ROWLETT

Situated on the shores of Lake Ray Hubbard in Northeast Dallas County, Rowlett is an exciting and energized community of nearly 50,000 residents. A multitude of transportation options provide for a short 19 mile drive to Downtown Dallas and 40 minutes to DFW Airport. Rowlett's tremendous growth over the last ten years offers potential employers a young, vibrant, highly educated workforce. Quality of life is also at a premium in Rowlett with amenities such as excellent schools, quality housing, Waterview Golf Course, a skateboard park, and family water park.

CITY OF SOUTHLAKE

The City of Southlake is the 4th largest city in Tarrant County with an approximate land area of 22 square miles. Southlake was the fastest growing city in the county over the past 10 years and has a current population estimated at 22,270. The site of the first permanent settlement in Tarrant County, Southlake has a rich history and city leaders strive to maintain the unique charm and beauty that residents have come to expect and enjoy. Nationally recognized projects such as the Southlake Town Square and Sabre's Corporate Campus headquarters symbolize the quality of development characteristics of Southlake. Visit our award-winning website at: www.cityofsouthlake.com for additional information.

Construction Consulting International (CCI) provides assistance to Building Owners and Managers with technical support in the condition analysis, field testing, and remediation of building envelope wall and roof systems. CCI also inspects building davit and tieback systems used in exterior wall building maintenance for compliance with OSHA certification requirements. CCI assists Architects, Construction Managers, and General Contractors with the review of contract document drawing details, specifications, and sub-contractor submittals and shop drawings for Divisions 7 & 8 work items, as well as exterior wall and roof system design. Additionally, CCI provides forensic analysis of damaged and failed building envelope components, due diligence condition surveys of the building envelope, budget estimates for building envelope construction and maintenance, and project management and quality control during new construction, restoration, and remediation projects.

CONSTRUCTIVE ENGINEERING

Constructive Engineering applies forensic-civil engineering technology skills to a wide range of project problem-solving needs including those related to construction, materials and structural performance problems, and inspection services for residential, commercial, and industrial facilities. In addition, technical services are provided for construction materials and construction product research and development, production studies, QC/QA program development and evaluations, personnel training, product use troubleshooting and marketing assistance. Related litigation case fact study, site investigations, strategic planning and expert witness testimony are also provided.

EDWARDS CONSULTING INC.

Edwards Consulting, Inc., provides the following services: plan review, inspections - commercial & residential, municipal inspection department evaluations, review, update & establish municipal building codes & amendments, construction consultation between developer, builder & the cities, interpretation of the international, uniform and standard building codes, lending institution loan inspections, construction management, executive search - building officials & inspectors, seminars, expert testimony on building code issues, security surveys and plan review, computer programming-desk top database, and property management.

GREATER FT. WORTH BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

The Builders Association of Fort Worth and Tarrant County, a non-profit organization, is a trade association organized and developed to promote the Building Industry. Our primary purposes are to: 1) provide information exchange, communication, and education for members, 2) interact with local, state and federal legislative bodies to foster a positive building climate, 3) provide a forum to implement policies that affect the building industry, and 4) promote professionalism among its members. The association operates for the benefit of builders and persons, firms and corporations engaged in allied trades, industries, businesses, and professions in the counties of Tarrant, Wise, Johnson, Parker, Hood, and Palo Pinto, of the State of Texas.

HAAG ENGINEERING CO.

Haag Engineering is one of the oldest firms in this country specializing in the analysis of failure and damage. Haag Engineering serves clients throughout the world, including large and small companies, corporations, major insurance and adjusting firms, law firms, and individuals. More than a consulting firm, Haag has extensive information resources and maintains its own laboratory and testing facilities. Haag has a close working relationship with other specialized testing labs, on-line weather data services, and other technical services. Haag's offices are located near major international airports and telephones are answered 24 hours a day to ensure that clients' needs are met on a timely basis.

HANSON PLC, BUILDING MATERIALS AMERICA

Hanson Company produces and sells bricks, ready mix concrete, aggregates, cement and concrete products, including concrete pipe and boxes, prestressed and precast bridge sections, and retaining wall panels. Hanson's Technical Services Department operates a laboratory which provides technical support and customer service to Hanson operating units. These services include testing and evaluation of construction materials, problem solving, and assistance in quality control/quality assurance programs.

The Home Builders Association (HBA) is an industry trade group of 2000+ members. The HBA was chartered in 1994 as an affiliate of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), and today ranks one of the largest in the nation. HBA encompasses a seven county area including Dallas, Collin, Denton, Ellis, Hunt, Kaufman and Rockwall Counties. It is additionally affiliated with the Texas Association of Builders (TAB). This means that members of the Greater Dallas Association automatically are also members of NAHB and TAB. Builder members are engaged in single and multifamily building, land development, remodeling and rehab and general light construction. Associate members are companies and individuals who provide materials, products, financing and many other services, including subcontracting, to builders and developers. The association has numerous geographic and specialty divisions to serve its members. It conducts educational programs, holds special events, and has a semi-monthly newspaper that reports activities and news events to its members. The association is also strongly involved in government relations at the local, state, and national levels to protect the interests of its members.

HUCKABEE & ASSOCIATES, INC.

Huckabee is a 75-person architecture, engineering and program management firm that was founded in 1967. The firm focuses solely on educational facilities from K-12 to Higher Edu- cation. During the firm's 35 years Huckabee has completed over 1,000 educational facilities. Huckabee is focused on building High Performance Schools built of all masonry construction.

Roof Technical Services, Inc. (Rooftech) is an architectural and engineering firm specializing in roofing and waterproofing. Rooftech was established in 1983, offering a broad scope of services including testing, inspection, analysis, maintenance, design, and quality assurance programs. Rooftech's projects include some of the most prestigious projects in the Metroplex, including the Kimbell Art Museum, Infomart, the Dallas General Mail Facility, TCU's Daniel Meyer Coliseum, and American Airline's Alliance Maintenance Base.

SIMPSON STRONG-TIE CO., INC.

Speed Fab-Crete is celebrating 50 years of service as a design-build general contractor and a precast concrete products manufacturer. The firm produces produces precast load bearing, high strength concrete walls for all types of construction and highway retaining walls at manufacturing plant in Fort Worth, Texas, then delivers the panels to the project site for erection. This process allows site preparation and foundation elements of the construction process to occur simultaneously, accelerating owner occupany. The concrete walls of five Speed Fab-Crete buildings stayed intact during an F-2 category tornado that struck Fort worth in 2000 with winds up to 157 mph!.

TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF REAL ESTATE INSPECTORS (TAREI)

The Texas Association of Real Estate Inspectors (TAREI) is a statewide organization located in Austin representing licensed real estate inspectors. TAREI is committed to the highest quality in real estate inspection services and education. TAREI is dedicated to exerting a beneficial influence upon the real estate industry by uniting those in, or interested in, the profession to provide a strong voice in matters affecting the inspection industry; and by promoting and maintaining high standards of conduct in the profession as expressed in the TAREI Code of Ethics. The Association holds seminars, maintains an ongoing public relations program, publishes a quarterly newsletter and is involved in government relations on the state level. TAREI was founded in 1977 and is the oldest inspection association of its kind in the U.S.

TURK ENGINEERING CORPORATION

TURK Engineering Corp. is a consulting engineering firm established in 1980 specializing in structural engineering. The company is owned and operated by Jo Ann Turk, P.E. who has over thirty years experience in the design of masonry, timber, steel, and concrete structures for the government, industrial, and private sectors.

UNIFIED BUILDING SCIENCES & ENGINEERING, INC.

Unified Building Sciences & Engineering, Inc., is a professional engineering firm providing services to industry, contractors, architects, municipalities, other engineers, and the insurance industry. The company specializes in structural engineering design and analysis as well as providing construction management services. We strive to stay abreast of the current technology and automation in an effort to professionally address our clients' needs. We are located in Richardson, Texas, at Apollo and International Parkway.

WEATHERIZATION SYSTEMS, INC.

Celebrating its 200th birthday in 2002, Dupont® is a leader in both science and technology. A multinational company, Dupont® employs thousands of people around the world and is involved in almost every industry from medical, petroleum, packaging, and absolutely the construction industry. Dupont® is broken into many parts, one being Dupont® Tyvek®. Dupont® Tyvek®, manufactured in Virginia, is the only finished product Dupont® manufactures. Dupont has positioned over 100 "Tyvek Specialists" throughout the U.S. to serve as educators. All of the specialists are certified to teach to AIA-registered seminars and educate building officials, builders, and students throughout the country.

WISS, JANNEY, ELSTNER ASSOCIATES

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates is an inter-disciplinary engineering, architectural, and construction materials science firm specializing in the investigation and remediation of commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings and all types of structures and pavements. Since its establishment in 1956, WJE has provided a wide range of consulting, research, and design services for all areas of construction technology. WJE resources include a headquarters office and laboratory facility in the Chicago area, and branch offices in most major U.S. cities. WJE services include assessment of existing structures, failure analysis, instrumentation, construction materials evalutaion, historic preservation, research and development, and specialized design and problem solving services for new construction.

CRC Home