The “Perfect Wall” in Cold Climates: Solutions with Polyiso CI January 10, 2018 ABSTRACT Have you ever viewed certain building code provisions as impediments to an optimum design solution? You likely answered “yes” if you’ve tried to address moisture control for walls in cold climates. One solution to this difficulty is implementing the so-called “perfect wall” approach as described by Joseph Lstiburek.1 A recent study2 from the Applied […] Read More
Project Profile: Preservation of Ruins at Sweetwater Creek State Park Mill January 10, 2018 4 0 • RC I I n t e r f a c e J a n u a r y 2 0 1 8 OVERVIEW NOVA Engineering and Environmental (NOVA) and Stevens & Wilkinson (S&W) teamed up to provide forensic engineering evaluation, repair design, and construction administration services at the historic Sweetwater Creek State […] Read More
Hail Events and Structural Decking: A Case Study January 10, 2018 Reading, Pennsylvania, experienced two hailstorms on May 22, 2014 (Figure 1). These hail events caused significant and widespread damage to property around the area. Damage was reported to vehicles, sheet metal, and windows, as well as roofs and rooftop equipment. ASTM, FM, and UL all provide standards for roofing system hail impact resistance that take […] Read More
Is That Traffic Coating Necessary? Surface Treatments and Parking Structure Protection December 08, 2017 De c e m b e r 2 0 1 7 RC I I n t e r f a c e • 3 1 Elastomeric traffic-bearing membranes are showing up on garages old and new, and their popularity has soared in the past decade. A beautiful coating that locks out harmful moisture and chlorides […] Read More
Traffic-Bearing Coatings and Proper Design December 08, 2017 Traffic-bearing waterproofing coating systems were first developed to protect concrete surfaces from the deleterious effects of water penetration. Materials of varying chemistry have been developed for use in protecting structures used for vehicular and pedestrian service. With so many types of materials available in today’s market, it can be a challenge for anyone to determine […] Read More
Specification and Installation of Cold Fluid-Applied Coatings for Pedestrian Traffic December 08, 2017 There are many factors that must be considered and addressed to achieve a successful application of a cold fluid-applied pedestrian traffic coating. To achieve a successful application, a suitable product must be specified, along with appropriate detailing, and the product installation must comply with the project and manufacturer requirements. PRODUCT SELECTION To select an appropriate […] Read More
Fundamentals of Traffic Bearing Membranes December 08, 2017 Concrete structures such as parking garages and stadiums are sometimes exposed to harsh environmental conditions. Exposure to deicing salts and other chlorides, high humidity levels, and carbonation can lead to corrosion of reinforcing steel (Figures 1 and 2). Traffic-bearing membrane systems (TBMs) are used to protect horizontal concrete surfaces from deterioration by preventing moisture and […] Read More
Publicly Funded Construction December 08, 2017 4 0 • RC I I n t e r f a c e De c e m b e r 2 0 1 7 EVALUATING TWO METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION PROCUREMENT Public procurement of construction projects has evolved into various methods. Not all methods are allowed in all states. This article will examine two options: […] Read More
The Hidden Details of Blindside Waterproofing November 08, 2017 Blindside waterproofing produces numerous challenges to both design and construction teams. Many of these are relatively straightforward. What is the best system to use? How is the membrane applied to the support of excavation (SOE)? How does one protect the membrane as the steel reinforcement is placed? Due to the constraints of the project site, […] Read More
Project Profile: Historic Idaho Capitol Building Expansion November 08, 2017 History Although Lewiston, Idaho, briefly served as Idaho’s capital from the formation of Idaho Territory in 1863, the territorial legislature moved the capital to Boise in December 1864. In 1905, 15 years into statehood, the Idaho state legislature passed a bill authorizing construction of the Capitol Building. The building was designed by John E. Tourtellotte, […] Read More
