Understanding waterproofing

Moisture infiltration can cause serious damage within a structure. When water in liquid form is present, the impact can be catastrophic—the structure can become uninhabitable. There are various methods used to address water penetration within a structure, and two of the most common techniques are waterproofing and dampproofing. Both these options can prevent moisture, but waterproofing will resist the passage of water under hydrostatic head pressure. In other words, it stops liquid water penetration when the water is in contact with the waterproofing material. In comparison, dampproofing only resists water in the absence of this hydrostatic pressure.

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Advantages and disadvantages to fibre-optic communication within buildings

One of fibre-optic cable’s benefits is that it has the highest possible information transmission capacity among all communication cable types with a relatively small cable diameter of typically less than 20 mm (0.8 in.) The main deterrent in deploying fibre cable is the requirement to convert electrical communication signals to optical signals using fibre-optic transceivers. This adds complexity and cost to the communication systems. However, optical transceiver pricing has dropped considerably over the years; this cost can be minimal compared to the overall benefit of fibre-optic cable deployment.

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The rebirth of ceiling fans

Reinvented, resized, and re-engineered, contemporary ceiling fans should no longer be an afterthought when it comes to design and occupant comfort. Innovative modern engineering has re-established ceiling fans as an integral part of comfort and energy conservation. Whether used on their own, employed with natural ventilation, or specified in tandem with air-conditioning systems, achieving proper air circulation with ceiling fans is no longer up in the air.

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Bollard Protection: Specifying a solid strategy for campus safety

With diverse facility types, increased numbers of visitors, and unique traffic flow requirements, architects are tasked with finding ways to incorporate security and safety measures wherever possible. When planning or revitalizing campuses, precautionary measures should be taken to ensure student safety and prevent damage to institutions and businesses. Planning for traffic control and management is necessary. One strategy being put into action is the use of bollards, as they can play a pivotal role in ensuring safety and security when implemented in architectural planning for campus life.

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Reducing energy consumption with exterior sheathing

With the ever-increasing demand for efficiency in new buildings, as well as the retrofitting of existing facilities, exterior sheathing plays an integral role in reducing energy consumption and the associated carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. (This article deals with insulating, not structural, sheathing). Exterior insulation, continuous across all structural members without thermal bridges (other than fasteners and service openings), is the most thermally effective way to insulate a building. The sheathing’s thickness depends on the climate zone.

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