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| Form + Function |
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| Using metal panels to stand up to hurricanes for an Orlando medical center |
| Hurricane resistance can be important in many applications, but for a 2015 veterans’ hospital project in central Florida, the consideration was critical. Orlando Veteran Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) is located in a region where it is at a 40 percent risk of encountering a hurricane. In response to this, the hospital installed more than 22,761 m2 (245,000 sf) of weather-resistant metal wall panels, tested to withstand the winds of a Category 3 hurricane (ranging from 178 to 208 km/hr [111 to 129 mph]). Pressure-equalized along horizontal joints, the panels feature thermal efficiency, moisture control, and weather resistance suitable for the region’s high winds. |
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| Railings ensure safety and aesthetics for Braves’ new world |
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| When Freddie Freeman swung at this year’s home opener on April 14, he was aiming at some brand-new fences—and some state-of-the-art railings as well. The Atlanta Braves’ new SunTrust Park features more than 11 km (7 mi) of decorative railing. The stadium, located less than 32 km (20 mi) from the team’s prior home at Turner Field, has 12,497 m (41,000 ft) of railings. This means it has as many linear feet of railings as it does seats for its fans. The three-year project was completed in March by Populous and American Builders 2017, a joint venture between Brasfield & Gorrie, Mortenson Construction, Barton Malow, and New South Construction. This article looks at the use of railings, from distributing electric conduit to holding drinks. |
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| Top Trending Articles |
| Protecting concrete infrastructure from floods |
| Concrete is the modern world’s most commonly used building material, employed twice as much as other major building materials combined. Walls of the material naturally protect against structural damage that can be caused by the effects of nature. However, looking back in history, many century-old structures stand longer than those erected in the last 50 years. This is largely due to reinforcement methods—instead of using solid stone, most U.S. infrastructure contains reinforcing steel embedded within poured concrete. As the priorities of construction methods shift to increase productivity and streamline scheduling, long-term durability often takes a backseat. Case studies provide some examples. |
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| When wetter is wiser: Looking at flood vent options |
| When it comes to flooding, protection of human life is always the highest priority. Nevertheless, design/construction professionals must also be concerned with protecting immovable property in the face of flooding disasters. The power of water can overcome buildings, pushing them from their foundations, deforming and even buckling their walls. This article focuses on protecting non residential structures housing businesses, emergency care services, government agencies, water treatment and power generation facilities, and other essential components of our lives. |
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