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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Polished concrete is one of the most widely utilized floor systems. However, a successful outcome with this material in new construction is still unpredictable. It can be difficult to translate the expectations of building owners and designers into results, particularly with the overall ‘look’ of a polished floor and/or its durability.
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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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An unkempt, neglected, or outdated restroom makes people think a business does not go the extra mile for its customers or really care about what people think about its brand. A commercial restroom is an opportunity to separate from the standard, not just the subpar. Building professionals can adopt these design tips to ensure a pleasant customer journey all the way inside a business’s restroom, starting with the handwashing station.
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Completed in the summer of 2018, Valleyview Town Hall in Alberta is the result of extensive collaboration between the municipality, contractor, and a team of designers and consultants working together to achieve the Passive House standard in a northern climate. This structure aims to become the first commercial building to achieve Passive House certification in Alberta and the first commercial building to obtain Passive House Plus certification in the world.
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Accurate assessment of the watertightness of new and existing roofs can potentially save building owners hundreds of millions of dollars annually. The challenge for roofing specifiers is choosing the most effective exterior-to-interior watertightness evaluation techniques because there is no single, straightforward method to accurately assess water ingress. It is, however, possible to obtain reliable information on the watertightness resistance and condition of an existing roof system by combining water-detection methods.
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Even in winter, immediate replacement of roof systems could be an absolute necessity, depending on the severity of leaks and the interior environment the roof is supposed to protect. Contingent on the size of the roof, its complexity, and contractor availability, there may be time to squeeze in the replacement before snow falls. While roofing can be performed during the cold, winter months, there are many challenges that must be addressed by designers, contractors, and owners. These difficulties can be amplified when reroofing over an occupied facility.
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High-volume, low-speed (HVLS) fans are easy to install in open spaces such as libraries, cafeterias, gyms, and school corridors. These cost-effective systems use minimal energy while creating a cooling effect of up to 5.5 C (10 F), thereby improving comfort in learning environments throughout the year.
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To create effective barriers to noise and vibration in buildings, it is essential to clearly define design objectives, carefully select construction materials, choose appropriate finishes, and diligently design the interior space with proper layouts of adjacent areas.
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In cold climates, condensation-resistance performance is expected for standard curtain wall systems. However, occupancy factors, unconventional building geometry, design details, and the design of heating systems and interior finishes may result in the reduction of condensation resistance, as demonstrated by a case study of a 12-storey commercial building in Montréal.
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