January 3, 2018

Shear Resistance of Pavement and Waterproofing Systems

By: Philip Moser, Tony Khoury, Jonathan Haydu
Phil Moser and Tony Khoury recently published an article in Civil + Structural Engineer magazine that discusses new testing and research of the interlayer shear strength of asphalt concrete pavement (ACP) and waterproofing membrane systems.
Services:Building Enclosure Investigation
Keywords:Research/Development, Waterproofing
December 21, 2017

Using Thermal Modeling of Fenestration in the Design Process

By: David Artigas

Designers typically have two concerns about thermal performance when it comes to fenestration: energy performance and condensation potential. Thermal modeling standards provide ways to assess the performance of different assemblies and products...

Services:Building Enclosure Design
Keywords:Building Science, Moisture Control, Thermal and Moisture Drive, Walls and Fenestration
December 5, 2017

What Warranties Do (and Don’t) Cover for Below-Grade Waterproofing Systems

By: Matthew Normandeau, Paul Sujka, Alexander Kosis

Matthew Normandeau, Paul Sujka, and Alex Kosis published an article in Building Enclosure magazine article that explores below-grade waterproofing warranties. In “Below-Grade Waterproofing Warranties: The Common Misperception,” the...

Services:Building Enclosure Rehabilitation
Keywords:Below-Grade, Below-Ground Waterproofing, Water Leakage, Waterproofing
December 5, 2017

Building Facades: San Francisco Inspection Requirements

By: Carolyn Searls
​Damaged and deteriorated building facades are a serious public safety concern. The damage also affects the appearance and structure of buildings playing significant roles in San Francisco’s culture and history. When facade elements fail, there is a chance the component could fall — putting people and property at risk. As a result, many cities, including Boston, Chicago, and New York, have adopted facade ordinances.
Services:Building Enclosure Investigation, Building Enclosure Rehabilitation
Keywords:Condition Assessment, Facade Inspection, Facade Ordinance, Ordinance, Preservation Technology
December 5, 2017

An Introduction to Building Enclosure Commissioning

By: Matthew Normandeau

Abstract:
Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx) is most effective when it starts early in the design process, includes meaningful involvement, is completed by qualified firms/staff, and is not oversimplified (using...

Keywords:Building Enclosure Commissioning, LEED Projects
November 20, 2017

Emergent Syntax: Machine Learning for the Curation of Design Solution Space

By: Christian Sjoberg, Christopher Beorkrem, Jefferson Ellinger

The expanding role of computational models in the process of design is producing exponential growth in parameter spaces. As designers, we must create and implement new methods for searching these parameter spaces, considering not only...

Services:Structural Design
Keywords:Computational Design
November 20, 2017

EIFS - Principles and Considerations

By: Eric Olson

exterior insulation and finish systemExterior insulation and finish system (EIFS) is a non‑load‑bearing cladding...

Services:Building Enclosure Design, Building Enclosure Investigation
Keywords:Cladding / Recladding, EIFS
November 13, 2017

Window Walls: Blurring the Line between Glazing Products

By: Philip Frederick, Brian Rose, Bradford Carpenter

Philip Frederick, Brian Rose, and Brad Carpenter recently published an article in Construction Specifier magazine that explores the questions: What is a window wall, and what do I need to know for my project? 

In “Window Walls...

Services:Building Enclosure Design
Keywords:Curtain Wall, Glass and Glazing, Windows
November 13, 2017

Towards Force-aware Robot Collectives for On-site Construction

By: Paul Kassabian, Nathan Melenbrink, Achim Menges, Justin Werfel

Due to the irregular and variable environments in which most construction projects take place, the topic of on-site automation has previously been largely neglected in favor of off-site prefabrication. While prefabrication has certain obvious...

Services:Structural Design
Keywords:Computational Design
November 8, 2017

Some ABCs of Smoke Control

By: Brian Kuhn, Qianru Guo

The biggest threat in a building fire is often the spread of smoke, which can incapacitate victims and prevent them from reaching otherwise accessible exits. This article discusses the various design methods available for smoke control systems,...

Services:Building Enclosure Design
Keywords:Fire Engineering, Fire Safety, Fire/Smoke

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