Components That Insulate Concrete and Steel Penetrations

Structural thermal breaks prevent condensation and mold, reduce heat loss through envelope penetrations, lower energy costs and carbon emissions, and reduce owner liability – while meeting increasingly stringent building energy codes.

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The Case for Flat Roof Applications

Steel bar joists have been and will likely continue to be the primary choice for structural engineers, architects, and building developers/owners in large commercial and industrial building construction – and for a good reason. Steel bar joists have been around for a very long time: a mature industry that is better than 100 years old. The Steel Joist Institute (SJI) was formed in 1928 and has done an excellent job developing and maintaining quality standards for its products. And steel bar joists have typically been readily available for use on projects.

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How Much is Enough?

Structural engineers often get a greater level of comfort by specifying masonry component strengths higher than are needed. However, this can be counterproductive since some masonry components, such as mortar, may sacrifice bond in lieu of strength, leading to cracking and water intrusion into structural masonry walls. Masonry grout may also be considered a form of concrete, which it is not. A better approach is understanding how the individual materials work together based on code requirements supported by extensive research. The ultimate goal should be to specify masonry components that are economical with maximum structural integrity.

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Many engineers consider rectangular structures with light gauge metal deck diaphragms unstable if they are laterally supported on only three sides. Given the standard assumption that light gauge metal deck diaphragms are completely flexible, this type of structure, often referred to as a 3-sided box, would be unstable. While this assumption is often useful for diaphragm design, it is not strictly true. Light gauge metal deck diaphragms have stiffness, and 3-sided box structures are stable when designed properly. A design method for this type of diaphragm was introduced in the Steel Deck Institute’s Diaphragm Design Manual (DDM) 2^nd Edition in 1995. Since then, many single-story structures have been designed using this method, demonstrating its validity. Additional information can be found in the current DDM 4^th Edition in Section 10, Example 7.

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Concrete slabs-on-ground are a prolific part of modern construction. Virtually every project, ranging from small single-family residences to monstrous manufacturing facilities, resort hotels, and everything in between, utilizes a concrete slab-on-ground in some fashion. Not surprisingly, therefore, is the prevalence of these slabs in construction disputes, construction defect allegations, and construction litigation. Unfortunately, the prevalence also creates complacency among design professionals. At times, concrete slabs-on-ground receive little more design attention than the inclusion of boiler-plate general notes and a “standard detail” or two, hastily inserted into construction drawings. In some cases, the notes and details have been a part of a firm’s standards for decades with no updates to account for current technologies, changes in construction methods, or industry standards.

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Although commonly used throughout the building industry, the term “mass timber “will be included in the International Building Code (IBC) for the first time in the 2021 Edition. Mass timber will be defined as structural elements of Type IV construction primarily of solid, built-up, panelized, or engineered wood products that meet minimum cross-section dimensions of Type IV construction. …

Round hollow structural sections (HSS) are used in a plethora of applications – from bridges to transmission towers and stadium roofs, or from handrails to posts. HSS are also used beyond structures. For example, HSS are used as sprinkler pipes, oil transmission lines, and pistons, which can make sourcing a confusing headache. This article assists in navigating it all from a structural engineer’s point of view. …

Canopies can either be free-standing structures or can be attached as a structural component to a main building structure. They can be situated at an entrance of the building, acting as awnings, or they can be located anywhere along the face of the building up to the roof level. Canopies are not only used for protection of the entrance from dust and rain but also to increase the aesthetic appeal of the overall structure by either becoming integrated into the building or by highlighting it. Hence, there is a need to economically design the size and shape of the canopy and its connections. …

Testing, Design, and Specification

A variety of factors influence an engineer’s decision to use  cast-in anchors or post-installed anchors including working principles, installation, and the impact on project timeline and budget. Above all, a licensed engineer shall hold paramount their code of ethics and the safety, health, and welfare of the public. At a time in which budget and scope have tightened for professional engineering work, it is difficult to allocate resources to sift through technical data and footnotes for a comprehensive comparison of post-installed anchoring systems. This article establishes an understanding of the chemical and physical factors that affect the performance of post-installed adhesive anchor systems. It also explains how product testing is incorporated into design calculations and provides suggestions for designing and specifying adhesive anchor systems. …

A Comparison of Three Design Codes

Foundations for a building are required to support the structure so that it remains safe and functional, and so that they meet serviceability limits. Buildings with excessive cracking and movement (e.g. total settlement, differential settlement, tilt, etc.) are alarming and not acceptable. …