The Construction Specifier Express

December 28, 2022

425 Park Avenue, a new modernist icon in Central Park area

San Fran music school’s new glass building achieves acoustical efficiency

San Francisco Conservatory of Music’s (SFCM’s) new building features white and transparent double-glazed glass on its facade, pushing the glass’ capacity to achieve optimal acoustical performance throughout.

Nationally recognized Louisiana firm announces principals’ retirement

Following long and celebrated careers over the last four decades, leading EskewDumezRipple, principals Mark Ripple and Tracy Lea will retire at the end of 2022.

Work culminates at $666M interstate highway project in Texas

Fluor Corporation, together with state and local leaders, recently celebrated the completion of the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TXDOT’s) Dallas project rebuilding and widening 16 km (10 mi) of Interstate 35-E (I-35E) and U.S. 67.

Florida's Brazilian plywood ban; fire sprinklers article lead 2022 top 10

The Construction Specifier has delivered an abundance of must-read features and breaking news items; here are the top 10 news and features in 2022.

Features

Dispatch from Alaska: insights on moisture, soil, and material performance

Research conducted by Connor and researcher colleagues at the University of Alaska sought to expand the understanding of how both rigid foam insulations (XPS and EPS) perform over time when confronted by harsh conditions in below-grade applications.

Approaching concrete longevity in corrosive water environments

MCI technology is an important option for concrete structural designers to consider. MCI has shown itself to be a viable tool to reduce corrosion and extend service life. Its benefits in terms of practicality, cost-effectiveness, ease of use, and service life potential make it worthy of further investigation by any engineer, contractor, builder, or construction professional.

DISCUSSIONS OF THE WEEK

POLYETHYLENE VS. POLYPROPYLENE

A contractor is submitting a polypropylene vapor retarder for an insulated roof assembly on a pre-engineered metal building in lieu of the polyethylene vapor retarder that was specified. The performance matches but what are the disadvantages/advantages of either material?

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NON-STRUCTURAL WALL DESIGN BY ARCHITECT - HOW TALL MAXIMUM?

Calling all construction managers, architects, and owner reps for discussion: In this market of continually increasing construction prices, what strategies could we use together as a team during the design phase to minimize the impact of rising costs due to inflation? Working with a CM from the project's onset is already an advantage. Seeking design assisting opportunities through the project's development through constructability reviews and assistance with cost determinations is always a huge help. What are some other strategies that have worked for you?

JOIN THE DISCUSSION!