March 30, 2018

Digital Design, Coordination and Delivery

By: Matthew Johnson
Methods for digital design, coordination, and delivery are prevalent in the building design and construction industry. As tools and knowledge evolve, new software applications present themselves on a broad range of projects. Modeling software is especially relevant to structural designers, who can use the software to optimize material quantities, improve coordination, and streamline execution for project with complex geometry.
Services:Structural Design
Keywords:Computational Design, Digital Fabrication
March 27, 2018

To Repair or Replace: Structural Assessment of Damage at the Steeplechase Pier

By: Kirk Stauffer, Steven Hall, Kevin Poulin
Steeplechase Pier, located in Coney Island, Brooklyn, was damaged by Hurricane Sandy in late 2012. During reconstruction of the pier in 2013, the mooring “spud” of a construction barge failed and the barge rammed into the pier, seriously damaging it. Their article outlines the response to investigate this damage and develop repairs, details the challenges of completing an investigation that determined the condition of the piles, and discusses how the aggressive schedule to reopen the pier ultimately determined the chosen repair scheme.
Services:Structural Investigation
Keywords:Condition Assessment, Damage, Failure Investigation, Pier/Wharf/Boat Ramp, Pile
March 2, 2018

Facade Inspection and Maintenance

By: Peter Babaian
A well-designed, constructed, and maintained building facade protects the building interior from water leakage, air infiltration, and energy loss. However, environmental exposure and time can degrade facade components. Facade deterioration can lead to a range of issues from compromised performance to potential falling hazards.
Services:Building Enclosure Investigation
Keywords:Condition Assessment, Facade Inspection, Ordinance
February 9, 2018

Admixture Compatibility in Metakaolin–Portland-Limestone Cement Blends

By: Behnaz Zaribaf, Kimberly E. Kurtis

Despite potential benefits including enhanced mechanical properties, reduced permeability, and decreased environmental impact, higher rates of metakaolin substitution for cement ([10% MK by mass of cement) have been limited practically because of...

Services:Materials Design
Keywords:Concrete, Concrete Mix Design
January 9, 2018

Developments in Structural Fire Protection Design – a US Perspective

By: Kevin LaMalva

The next edition of the ASCE/SEI 7 standard commences a new and groundbreaking industry-consensus standard of care for structural fire protection in the USA, and other adopting jurisdictions. The default option is termed standard fire resistance...

Services:Structural Design
Keywords:Fire Engineering, Fire Protection
January 8, 2018

Architect's Guide to Structures: Special Structural Topics

By: Kevin LaMalva

To help architects manage growing complexities and partner with project teams, a recent series of practical guidebooks look to outline structural engineering principles in a practical and comprehensive way. Issued by academic publisher Routledge...

Services:Structural Design
Keywords:Fire Engineering
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

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, Ordinance, Preservation Technology
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

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