Failures: Beware of condensation in the attic

Prior to the adoption of the 2015 International Building Code (IBC), vents were required in the roof assembly to allow the “attic” space—between the underside of the roof deck and the top of the ceiling below—to vent to the exterior. However, the volume of air movement provided by these...
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Failures: Persistent water leakage above ribbon windows

When through-wall flashing is not properly detailed or installed in cavity wall construction, the water penetration resistance of the enclosure can be compromised. This was recently observed at a multi-story office building in the southeastern U.S., that regularly experienced water leakage during prolonged rain events above ribbon window assemblies.
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Condensation: Why fenestration component selection matters

In 2022, the authors collaborated with researchers at the University of Massachusetts, Ajla Aksamija, PhD, and Suncica Milosevic, to quantify the potential for condensation on a variety of window systems. Eleven different aluminum architectural window systems spanning a wide range of heat transfer coefficients (U-factors) and CR ratings were...
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Why all components matter in firestopping materials

In the absence of a large-scale fire catastrophe, a sense of complacency may be influencing the specification of firestopping materials. In recent years, North America has seen a trend of pre-insulated back pans coming from overseas which contain foreign mineral wool that has not been tested to ASTM E2307....
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Failures: Rules of (gasket) engagement

A close-range examination revealed the gaskets were not driven to the required depth within the joints to engage the locking barb with the corresponding raceway in the outboard aluminum trim. Instead, they were retained in the joint through compression alone, leaving them susceptible to disengagement over time.
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Failures: What’s sticking out of my slab?

PT tendons are susceptible to corrosion from water and chloride (salt) ingress in similar ways as conventional reinforcing steel. However, unlike conventionally reinforced concrete, the effects of corrosion can result in the tendons losing tension and the concrete losing pre-compression.
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Meeting ceiling requirements in restaurant settings

In the front of house, which includes public-facing areas such as the dining room, bar, and reception area, visual aesthetics are of primary importance, including the ceiling ... In the back of house, comprising the kitchen and other food preparation areas and stations, hygiene and cleanability are key requirements.
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