Before the end of the 19th century, wood was commonly used as a primary building material in several types of non-residential structures. Demonstrating the durability and strength of building with wood, many of these timber-built structures remain in use.
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This follow-up to a previous article on the importance of field verification, testing responsibilities, and reporting protocol describes some of the equipment and instruments this author frequently uses when visiting construction sites.
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Two critical aspects of sustainable construction are long-term durability and energy efficiency. The latter is a measure of whole building performance, which depends on the envelope as well as the building systems and occupant behavior.
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Efflorescence is one of the first signs of moisture problems for cementitious materials, especially masonry. A by-product of moisture combining with free salts, this phenomenon is not only just a cosmetic problem—left unchecked during freeze-thaw conditions, it can cause brick to weaken, spall, or crumble in some cases.
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When dealing with efflorescence, there are a few simple rules to remember.
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Providing adequate rainwater management and control for air, vapor, and heat flow through the building enclosure is critical to long-term performance and durability. In contemporary wall assemblies with layered materials, the complexity of coordinating these various demands can be overwhelming.
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Ensuring architectural door hardware conforms to codes and standards has a close connection with the three essential issues in overall openings performance: accessibility, security, and life safety.
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An accelerated schedule for Little Big Horn College’s Health & Wellness Center in Crow Agency, Montana, required the project team to start construction before design completion.
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The exterior walls of ‘historic’ buildings are typically constructed of multi-wythe masonry, which controls rainwater by absorption and evaporation. This type of assembly does not have internal drainage and often lacks flashings at critical locations (e.g. window heads).
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Designing and constructing with structural insulated panels (SIPs) can create a tight, energy-efficient building envelope. As with other high-performance wall and roof assemblies, managing air flow and moisture is necessary for maximizing energy savings, occupant comfort, and building longevity.
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