Essential structural considerations in roof design

Design professionals often work in isolation, with each discipline (architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical) doing their own thing and only getting together after they have completed most of their individual design contribution to co-ordinate dimensions. Crucial data is unintentionally missed, and this can significantly affect the structural design of roof systems.

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Mould, moisture, and the building envelope

Mould growth in buildings can occur when mould spores, which are always present in buildings, are exposed to wet or humid conditions for a sufficient length of time and on an appropriate surface to support growth. Water sources can include plumbing leaks, spills, foundation seepage, roof or wall leaks, condensation on cool surfaces such as inside ductwork and on windowsills, etc. In the presence of wet or highly humid conditions, mould spores can germinate within 48 to 72 hours (about 3 days).

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Protecting a parking deck from water leakage

Parking decks are costly to build, repair, and replace. Water is the major cause of concrete deterioration and steel corrosion; therefore its management is vital to ensure proper durability. Designing, installing, and testing specialized systems are key steps to ensure water is diverted away from the structural elements of the deck.

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Failures in plumbing pipe due to construction methods

When properly designed and installed, plumbing systems will provide many decades of problem-free service. Careful corrosion engineering management, including attention to details such as materials selection, fluid mechanics, water-chemistry control, protective coatings, cathodic protection, and suitable material corrosion allowance, should ensure these materials comfortably survive their design life. However, actions during the construction or renovation of a building can have unintended consequences that can dramatically reduce the service life of plumbing systems.

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Achieving beauty and durability with continuous insulation

Combining multiple esthetics is the standard rather than the exception in building exteriors. And since the days of monolithic design are long gone, architects are pushing the limits by integrating materials to create a modern, sophisticated look. At the same time, no designer can afford to sacrifice performance for an eye-catching look. Ever-evolving, stricter building codes, and heightened expectations from building owners now demand the right balance between beauty and durability.

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Bird-safe glass: codes and standards to know

Thanks to the pioneering work of dedicated scientists, ornithologists, wildlife associations, and the glass industry, the future is looking brighter for the billions of birds which end up colliding with windows each year. While still in its infancy, the science of bird-safe glazing is emerging with creative new ideas and changing the way birds see and react to building glass.

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