Each project is unique, but there are some common mistakes, problems, and inefficiencies that occur on a regular basis, affecting the cost, schedule, or performance of building enclosures. Understanding material qualities and resultant performance is the core of good masonry construction.
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With the COVID-19 pandemic creating a heightened sensitivity to proper hand sanitation, it is more important than ever to implement solutions that mitigate potential health risks in public environments. When one takes into account the fact thousands of users go in and out of public restrooms each day, ‘high-touch’...
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Metal can be formed into several shapes, sizes, colors, and textures to meet almost any aesthetic. If specified correctly, the assembly will last for the life of the building with very few issues. Three broad categories—composites, insulated metal panels (IMPs), and single-skin—of metal rainscreens are widely used.
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The term rainscreen refers to a building system fulfilling one of the main functions of an exterior wall—to screen out rain and keep a wall dry. While at one time that system would have encompassed moisture control alone, the complexity of exterior wall assemblies now requires a more integrated...
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Custom-designed sloped glazing and skylights have long brought a distinctive architectural statement to atriums and other features of commercial buildings. While the framing is essential for supporting the structure and resisting environmental loads, the selection and specification of the overhead glass is of the greatest importance due to the...
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With the variety of cladding materials available today, and designers’ penchants to combine styles and textures, it is essential to specify building envelope controls that are compatible with multiple cladding types. This balancing act between aesthetic preferences and air and moisture management is where gypsum-integrated water-resistive barrier-air barrier (WRB-AB)...
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Pre-panelized assemblies, while different from modular, can provide multiple benefits such as truncated construction time, increased safety, ease of quality control, and reduction of jobsite waste. Both structural steel and cold-formed steel (CFS) elements in these panels provide straight, dimensionally stable substrates for a variety of finishes and construction...
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Electric-powered lift-assist devices are designed to reduce the strain of masonry work. These machines—essentially miniaturized ‘smart’ cranes—are capable of hoisting up to 61 kg (135 lb), allowing masons to lift, move, and place blocks with ease.
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Over the past few decades, construction has taken an increased role in public safety and security. “Use at your own risk” is still true, but good site design is expected to mitigate those risks. Bollards have taken a larger role in offering protection or guidance.
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Unvented roof systems, where the insulation and air barrier are applied directly to the underside of the roof deck, are common in applications where designers are seeking cost-effective and energy-efficient roof assemblies. However, designers of compact roof assemblies must consider vapor permeance and arrangement of the roofing materials to...
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