Tag Archives: failure

Another brick in the wall

Not all bricks are created equal, and not all bricks are even created from the same material. While most bricks are made of fired clay, calcium silicate (or sand-lime) bricks are made by mixing lime with silica sand, which is then pressed into the desired shape. The molded units are then cured in a steam autoclave. Calcium silicate bricks are defined under ASTM C73, Standard Specification for Calcium Silicate Brick (Sand-Lime Brick).

Calcium silicate bricks … Continue reading Another brick in the wall

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When is insulating glass fogging not considered failure?

The appearance of condensation between the panes of an insulated glass (IG) unit is an indication the hermetic seal of the unit has been breached or compromised, thereby allowing outside moist air to infiltrate the air space where it condenses on the interpane surfaces of the glass. One could argue semantics, but this is the generally accepted meaning of the word “failure” as it relates to IG units. In this case, the failure is characterized by an ever-present condensation between the glass panes.

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Predicting façade failures

Building façades are often constructed with materials of variable strength that are constantly exposed to weather and attached with hundreds or thousands of concealed connections that cannot be easily inspected or maintained.

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