Survey: 65% of Built Environment Employees Say It’s Important to Increase Diversity September 19, 2022 Around two-thirds (65%) of employeeshave indicated that it is important or extremely important to increase the diversity of the built environment, according to the 2021 Built Environment Social Equity Survey of the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS). Eighteen organizations participated in the survey, including the American Institute of Architects, American Society of Civil Engineers, […] Read More
The Perils of Undue Structural Reliance on “Lag Screws”: A Case Study September 19, 2022 The terms “lag screw” and “lag bolt” often are used interchangeably in construction and maritime fields. For example, guidance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development1 states, “Lag screws (often called lag bolts) function as bolts in joints where the main member is too thick to be economically penetrated by regular bolts.” However, […] Read More
A New Climate-Resilience Tool for the Commercial Roofing Community September 19, 2022 This paper focuses on the effects of climate change on Canadian low-slope membrane roofs and provides an overview of CSA A123.26, Performance Requirements for Climate Resilience of Low Slope Membrane Roofing Systems,1 a new standard that can help the roofing industry prepare for and mitigate those effects. Although this article is focused on Canada, a […] Read More
Key Design Considerations for Concrete Topping Slabs in Split-Slab Construction September 19, 2022 Split-slab assemblies for plaza decks use a concrete topping slab over insulation, waterproofing, a drainage board, and a structural concrete deck. The topping slab primarily functions as a wearing layer and protects the underlying components. Concrete topping durability can be adversely affected by improper subsurface drainage, inadequate resistance to freezing and thawing, inadequate joint design, […] Read More
Best Practices for the Design and Installation of Thermoplastic Roofing Systems – Part 1: Common Mistakes in Roof Insulation and Membrane Selection September 19, 2022 CLIENT: Siplast JOB#: SIPL-21-001 2021 Ad Resizes TRIM: 8.5″w x 11″h LIVE: 8″w x 10.5″h BLEED: 8.75″w x 11.25h COLOR: CMYK PUB: IIBEC CONTACT: Chris Barnes cbarnes@iibec.org 919-859-0742 RELEASE: 7/12/21 INSERTION: August 43 PM November/December 2021 IIBEC Interface • 35 In the roofing industry, several everyday design practices and jobsite tasks can, and typically do, […] Read More
Sturdy Windows into History at Chicago’s Field Museum September 19, 2022 8 • IIBEC Interface January 2022 Figure 1. The Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago is world famous for its dinosaurs. Chicago’s Field Museum of Natural History was incorporated in 1893 with the following stated purpose: “accumulation and dissemination of knowledge, and the preservation and exhibition of objects illustrating art, archaeology, science, and history” […] Read More
Improper Use of Storefront Window Systems Leading to Costly Repairs: A Case Study September 19, 2022 Building enclosure consultants or experts are often tasked to assist clients with specifying the correct products for their building or conducting peer reviews on products chosen by others for a project. On occasion, professionals with building enclosure expertise are called in after the fact to conduct a leak investigation. Many times, the cause of leaks […] Read More
The Key to Unlocking Door Performance September 19, 2022 While significant time and effort are often put into specifying and reviewing the design and performance of window products on projects, the weatherproofing performance of doors is often overlooked. When designing and installing doors, it can be challenging to balance competing requirements for weatherproofing performance, operability, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, cost, and interior […] Read More
The Role of Thermal Mass in Low-Slope Roof Design September 19, 2022 Thermal mass affects the dynamic flow of heat into or out of buildings. While important, it has not received as much attention as thermal resistance. Building codes continue to increase thermal insulation requirements as the primary method to improve the thermal efficiency of building enclosures. For example, the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) only specifies […] Read More
Intricacies of Water Testing September 19, 2022 Given all the aspects of building enclosure consulting, water testing can provide some of the most stimulating projects. It goes beyond drawing details and specifying products, allowing the consultant to work with hoses, test nozzles, and brass and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) equipment. There is an aspect of hands-on puzzle solving that mirrors the design process […] Read More
