Seismic retrofit of historic courthouse with precast concrete shear walls

The four-storey North Bay Courthouse building in Ontario was retrofitted with a new lateral force-resisting system (LFRS). The interior steel framing and slab connections were structurally strengthened to transfer seismic loading to 13 full-height, reinforced precast concrete shear walls around the building perimeter. Further, cracked masonry joints were repointed, damaged masonry units were replaced, and an elastomeric coating was applied over the entire wall surface.

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Managing the risks of efflorescence

The tile industry has experienced efflorescence for a long time. It occurs when mineral salt deposits that have leached or migrated from cement and masonry materials are carried to the surface. Although poor installation methods can cause it, building design and product selection also contribute to the problem in both interior and exterior applications.

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Advancing the quality of light

Human-centric lighting can help achieve more natural skin tones and warmer wood colours, increased vibrancy of objects, and a pleasant environment for building occupants. This article makes a case for turning the focus on the users of a facility and selecting light sources that will not only be functional, sustainable, and esthetically pleasing, but also enhance occupant experience.

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Architectural zinc roofing considerations

Proper specification, design, and installation of a zinc roof can provide an esthetically appealing, cost-effective, durable system capable of lasting for up to 80 years. To realize the full potential of a zinc roof, it is important to understand not only project-specific conditions, but also the material’s composition and colour palette, seam types, attachment, and installation.

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