Group of West Coast civil engineers developing building standards for tsunamis

A group of civil engineers from around the western U.S. is developing additions to the building code to address the threat of a tsunami. The engineers are taking into account the impact of the tsunami wave itself, as well as debris and the scouring around foundations as the water recedes. Some possible solutions include building on stilts along the coast or including breakaway walls on lower floors to let water flow through.

(http://www.opb.org/news/article/npr-structural-engineers-developing-tsunami-design-code-for-coastal-buildings/)

High-interest topics will be covered in technical seminars, including infrared reflective coatings for heat island mitigation, innovative uses of concrete to provide cooling and stormwater management, environmental benefits of polished concrete, and advancements in functional resilience of architectural concrete.

| Nov 16, 2011

CRSI recommends return to inch-pound markings

The intention of this resolution is for all new rollings of reinforcing steel products to be marked with inch-pound bar markings no later than January 1st, 2014.

| Nov 8, 2011

Transforming a landmark coastal resort

Originally built in 1973, the building had received several alterations over the years but the progressive deterioration caused by the harsh salt water environment had never been addressed.

| Nov 8, 2011

WEB EXCLUSIVE: Moisture-related failures in agglomerated floor tiles

Agglomerated tiles offer an appealing appearance similar to natural stone at a lower cost. To achieve successful installations, manufacturers should provide design data for moisture-related dimensional changes, specifiers should require in-situ moisture testing similar to those used for other flooring materials, and the industry should develop standards for fabrication and installation of agglomerated tiles.

| Nov 2, 2011

CRSI’s Manual of Standard Practice now available

This resource contains information on recommended industry practices for estimating, detailing, fabricating, and placing reinforcing steel for reinforced concrete construction.

| Nov 1, 2011

Holcim awards winners for North America announced

A socio-architectural project to create regional food-gathering nodes and a logistics network in Canada's high arctic territory won the top prize for North America of $100,000.