The practice of blindside waterproofing, where the membrane is pre-applied to an excavation support system outboard of the concrete foundation wall, has a decades-long history of use on commercial building projects, and yet it is not uncommon for contemporary projects to experience unwelcome surprises at the time of a...
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In the architecture, engineering, and construction industry, there can be considerable control over one important aspect of sustainability: greenhouse gases (GHGs). In fact, the built environment accounts for 39 percent of gross annual CO2 emissions.
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A TCP is a document typically prepared by an experienced licensed engineer who is knowledgeable on the thermal behavior of concrete. A TCP provides a foundation to ensure high thermal stresses and cracking of mass concrete will be avoided, and that its long-term durability will not be negatively affected....
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The advent of intumescent fire-resistive materials (IFRMs), which are smooth in appearance, finally allowed for the expression of exposed steel in new and creative ways, and new material innovations continue to support this change. IFRMs allow designers to strip away the unnecessary elements that were common in construction in...
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The latest push toward product transparency is coming from all levels of the government. Starting from the top, in December 2021, the Biden administration issued Executive Order (EO) 14057, Catalyzing Clean Energy Industries and Jobs Through Federal Sustainability. This order sets government-wide goals for federal agencies related to reducing...
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In addition, approximately 3 to 5 percent of all commercial insurance claims involve lightning, which is a reliably preventable issue. A properly designed, installed, inspected, and certified lightning protection and grounding system can virtually mitigate this risk to policyholders and the public.
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Indoor atriums tend to feature many sound-reflective material surfaces, creating a risk of excessive build-up of speech and activity noise. While the dialogue among activity noise, spatial volume, and material reflectivity tends to pose acoustical challenges, it is entirely possible to seamlessly incorporate effective acoustical solutions into the design...
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Corrosion inhibiting admixtures can be an important piece to this puzzle, but their selection should be made while carefully understanding the characteristics of each type. This article discusses some key considerations engineers should make first when choosing whether to use a corrosion inhibiting admixture and subsequently choosing which admixture...
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Inserting an in-floor door operator, with its motorized rotating spindle and conduits for power, into the waterproofing interface increases the degree of difficulty, given tight and small spaces involved and the need to seal all penetrations made in the waterproofing to anchor, drain, and power the closer long-term watertight.
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“Adaptive reuse,” alternatively known as building reuse, is a remarkable approach that injects vitality and purpose into vacant structures, which is different from the design they were intended for. By preserving and repurposing these structures, adaptive reuse projects contribute to preserving local culture, fostering a sense of continuity and...
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