Water is a Critical Environment, Really?

As a kid, I loved to swim. After several hours in the pool though, my skin would look like a prune and my eyes were as red as Dracula’s.

Some experts believe pruning of skin is a result of the outer layer of skin absorbing more water than the inner layers. When the outside layer expands more than the inner layer, it causes the skin to wrinkle. No kidding? Well, that explains the wrinkled skin, but what about red and sore eyes?
Working on an expansion of an indoor swimming facility, I have learned new things about pool water treatment. My misconception was that red eyes and a strong chlorine smell to the water is the result of too much chlorine. Actually, the cause can be not enough chlorine! Really? But how can that be?

According to poolcenter.com, the combined chlorine compounds, called chloramines, are produced when a free chlorine molecule combines with a nitrogen or ammonia molecule. These compounds smell bad, irritate the eyes and skin, and get in the way of free chlorine trying to do its job.

There is a better way to treat pool water. The application of UV-C light waves to water reduces the need for chlorine by as much as 75%, and kills some bacteria that are resistant to chlorine. I’ve known about the positive effect of UV light in air filtration systems used in hospitals where very unfriendly bacteria and viruses pose an even bigger threat to the people using the facility.

Because UV disinfection is a physical process, it reduces the need to transport, store, and handle dangerous chemicals like chlorine. UV treatment adds no taste or smell to water. Although direct exposure to UV-C rays is as dangerous to humans as it is to bacteria, a UV disinfection system adds no known carcinogenic or toxic by-product to the water.
These systems require yearly replacement of light bulbs, and they do cost more to install. However, given the benefits I have discussed, UV treatment systems must be considered, especially in a critical environment such as an indoor pool used by so many athletes for swimming competition.

Keeping swimmers safe from bacteria while protecting their eyes from irritation. That’s Critical Environment Construction.

Matt Charvat
Project Manager

Kyle Petty Energizes KBS Ultimate Tailgate Party

Recently, KBS Constructors Foundation sponsored an event at the American Royal Barbecue to benefit our non-profit organization of choice, Victory Junction Camp. A few area celebrities attended the event, which was called the KBS Ultimate Tailgate Party. Kyle Petty was also at the event, signing autographs and thanking people for their support of the camp.

What was especially amazing to me, was the amount of energy Kyle Petty brings to such events. He has time for everyone who helps with the camp. Clearly, the children of Victory Junction have won his heart, and I guess they must help to fill the void left by Kyle’s son Adam who was tragically killed in a racing accident.

If you do not know this story, you owe it to yourself to learn more about Victory Junction. I suggest you visit this ESPN web link and watch the video ABC produced about Adam Petty’s life and the development of the Victory Junction organization. This video is such a fitting tribute to Adam and the family he left behind.

When KBS was named as contractor to build the new camp in Kansas City, Kansas, it was a very proud moment for me personally. I did not know at that time that involvement in this charity would open my heart so wide. One cannot help but be taken in by the work so many people are doing on behalf of others. It’s truly an amazing place. I cannot wait until we open the doors on the latest camp to be located in Kansas City, Kansas. If you would like to help us build the new camp in the Midwest, visit our buildthebodyshop.com web site for more information.

Joseph Bramlage
DIrector of Marketing

Don’t Retire, Recycle

My 27-year career in commercial construction has exposed me to many different situations, both stressful and rewarding. Yet along with the stress of maintaining project schedules comes the wonderful feeling of looking at an impressive structure and knowing that you had a part in making that building possible.

Early in my career, I worked along side a seasoned estimator who was nearly 70 years of age and still working. Let’s say his name was Bill—not to protect his identity but because I have forgotten his name. I suspect that over the years, Bill had forgotten more about the business of construction than I had learned. We watched from his office as the nine-story office building across the street was demolished. It was a building he had helped construct when he was about my age.

Bill said, “You know you are old when buildings you helped build are now being torn down.” Although he laughed, I could see in his eyes that he was not ready to retire yet, even at his age. At the time, I thought it might be nice to be ready to put down your pencil and pick up a fishing pole. I don’t think he saw things that way though.

Now, some 25 years later, I know the feeling he was experiencing. In my case, however, many of the buildings I helped build are not necessarily being demolished, just remodeled. The way I look at things, why throw away what you can recycle? As long as the idea is popular, maybe I’ll go on living forever!

-- Joseph Bramlage
Director of Marketing

Welcome

The Ribbon has Been Cut

Welcome to Knowledge Beyond Structure, the official blog of KBS Constructors, Inc.

We created this blog as an outlet to provide updates on the latest news, opinions, and insight gathered by the KBS team. As a complement to the information presented on our website, this blog will allow us to expand on the story of the work we do and how we do it.

Through articles written by KBS leaders, construction industry experts, and KBS Clients, we will offer various perspectives on the world of commercial construction, particularly as it pertains to the sensitive environments that have made KBS Constructors Leaders in Critical Environment Construction™.

We’ve built many things, but never a blog, so we hope that you will stay posted and follow our progress as we continue to develop Knowledge Beyond Structure, our first virtual construction project.