Waterproofing Roof Penetrations–New Solutions May 15, 2008 Acombination of drawings and specifications encompass the requirements for a construction project. Although far more like a technical paper than a novel, these combined documents can in some ways be seen as the concise narrative detailing the design and construction of a project. The goal of the designer is to create comprehensive documents telling the […] Read More
Transpired Solar Collector Walls: Use Solar, Save Green May 15, 2008 As green building practices become more important — not only for environmental reasons, but also for cost savings and tax credits — new products supporting this philosophy are popping up everywhere. This wealth of product information and “greenwash” can be tedious for the building professional to sort through. The transpired solar collector, however, is one […] Read More
Deterioration of Reinforced Concrete Elements May 15, 2008 Why is it that buildings constructed with concrete thousands of years ago (Figure 1) have withstood the test of time, while buildings constructed with reinforced concrete within the last 100 years have deteriorated rapidly (Figure 2)? The answer is…corrosion of the reinforcing steel within reinforced concrete. Concrete, by itself, is a material with high compressive […] Read More
An Overview of Diagnostic Water Leakage Testing of Building Facades May 15, 2008 Introduction Over the past several decades, there has been a steady increase in demand for services related to evaluating uncontrolled water leakage through the building envelope (roofs, walls, and foundations), both through enhanced quality control procedures and investigation of water leaks in existing building stock. Many construction professionals have migrated away from more traditional areas […] Read More
More Than Meets the Eye: The Evolution of Curtain Walls Provides Many Benefits to Buildings May 15, 2008 High-security and government buildings need not look like concrete bunkers where workers toil in windowless offices. On the contrary, it may be even more important than ever to ensure these highstress workplaces benefit from the health and productivity attributed to natural light and outside views. In a study presented at the American Council for an […] Read More
Major Building Code Requirements For Impact Resistance of Low-Slope Roofing Systems: A Review and Comparison of Test Procedures May 15, 2008 INTRODUCTION Building codes are intended to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of occupants by regulating construction as well as the building components and materials used.1 In the United States, the history of building codes dates to the earliest settlers of the first American colonies, who brought with them a number of building safety regulations […] Read More
A Flash In The Pan: A Field Guide For Windows And Doors May 15, 2008 WHAT’S NEW The latest standard for window and door installation, ASTM E2112-07, Standard Prac tice for Installation of Exterior Windows, Doors, and Skylights, recommends sill pan flashing under all windows and doors for low-rise residential and light commercial buildings, with a few generalized exceptions. The 2006 International Building Code (IBC) is now generally adopted and […] Read More
