While complete failure of the concrete often is not an issue, degradation and damage which could lead to unexpected expensive repairs is a concern. Nearly the entire concrete infrastructure within a facility is important and encouraging senior managers to adopt a whole of life cycle approach toward these structures is key in providing durable structures.... Read more

During construction of the Flyover, the bridge began to experience cracking from the construction loads – prompting officials to be concerned that the problem would only worsen after it opened to traffic.... Read more

In 2005, a team of engineers, conservators and architects collaborated to extend the life of a Frank Lloyd Wright architectural masterpiece, New York City’s Guggenheim Museum, into the 22nd Century. ... Read more

By definition, “envelope” is an encapsulating covering such as an outer shell or membrane. In simple building terms, it consists of the roof, above-grade wall system and the below-grade wall system. An envelope’s purpose is to provide protection from external elements, which, in building construction, means protection from moisture, air and temperature ingress and egress.... Read more

The adage “time is money” is certainly relevant to many industries as it relates to building renovations and the cost of downtime, interruptions to services or inconveniences to customers. ... Read more

By definition, anchor bolts are typically a headed or threaded metal bolt or stud that is cast-in-place, grouted-in-place, or drilled into finished concrete. They are used to hold various structural members or embedments in the concrete and are able to resist shear, tension and vibration loading. ... Read more

Restoration of the concrete and intricate embedded glass panels of the New York Hall of Science Great Hall. ... Read more

For building owners and managers, one of the biggest issues is a damp or moldy basement area resulting from water intrusion through cracked concrete slabs and foundation walls. This is evidenced by the fact that structural engineers are often asked by architects and building owners about the cost to design crack-free concrete structures.... Read more

The primary reasons for the strengthening of concrete structures are typically to increase existing elements’ capacity to carry new loads or to resolve an existing deficiency. ... Read more

Energy and environmental conservation techniques have brought a heightened awareness to the thermal and moisture protection envelope of a building. Coupled with “green” initiatives, the government is requiring tighter building envelopes to reduce air transport, thus reducing heating and cooling costs. Placement of air barriers and waterproofing layers needs to be carefully integrated with insulation and vapor retarders to ensure good long term performance.... Read more