Tag Archives: Division 03

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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Demystifying self-consolidating concrete

Self-consolidating concrete (SCC) is designed to flow and synthesize on its own. Even though the technology has advanced, it retains an air of mystery. This article provides an overview of SCC and explains its many benefits, design, chemistry, plastic performance, production, specification, testing and certification, and construction best practices.

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Employing nondestructive testing technologies throughout concrete’s life cycle

Traditionally, nondestructive testing (NDT) of concrete refers to testing, inspecting, or evaluating concrete materials or components without damaging or destroying the serviceability of the structure or materials. These tests have usually been performed on structures that have been in service for some time, but present-day technology allows the use of NDT methods during the construction of new concrete elements as well.

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Assessing thermal performance and resiliency of contemporary buildings

Energy and thermal performance requirements are growing and playing an increasingly significant role in building codes throughout North America. However, understanding and meeting these requirements has also become complex for designers. At the same time, it is clear important decisions regarding basic enclosure assembly design and window area need to be made early in the project to achieve the most cost-effective, energy-efficient, and comfortable building.

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