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.
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.
A historic landmark in Hamilton, Westinghouse HQ, is set to become an energetic hub for commercial and cultural activities, and a blueprint for urban neighbourhood revival.
The long-term performance of brick masonry enclosures requires technically sound design and quality construction practices supported by diligent maintenance procedures throughout the life of the structure.
The ADHOC architects’ Le Jardinier (“the Gardener”), a multiresidential project in Montréal, has earned the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification. The project also won the 2018 Inova Award by the Urban development institute of Québec (IDU) in the multiresidential projects of $50 million and less category.
Raked joints are commonly used in masonry walls for esthetic purposes. A widespread opinion is they reduce the fire resistance of concrete masonry. However, full-scale experimental tests and numerical studies have now found the fire resistance of walls does not greatly depend on the thickness of the mortar.
Earlier this month, construction was completed on Rigaud City Hall, a new civic administration facility for a small Québec community. Designed by Affleck de la Riva Architects, the urban redevelopment project proposes the reorganization of a section of the historic village centre and the city hall building.
In the Mile End neighbourhood of Montréal, a storefront space and basement was transformed by Thomas Balaban Architect’s (TBA) into a 345-m2 (3714-sf) mixed-use building. The structure is now home to the Pierrefonds Animal Hospital (HVdP), a Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) emergency clinic, and four residential units in and on top of a small, abandoned photo studio.
