Steel structural framing has been used for many years in commercial construction. It is only used rarely for residential construction. The main reason appears to be that “it has always been done that way”. Another reason is probably that homebuilders do not have access to subcontractors who are familiar with utilizing steel as a construction material. There are a number of advantages of using steel framing in a structure including…
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Trees are common fixtures around the constructed environment and greatly enhance the livability and value of homes, offices, shopping centers, and other facilities used by man. If you have a shallow soil supported foundation or slab, or other near surface construction such as pavement in conjunction with a high plasticity clay, trees can also be trouble. This trouble can take the form of unexpected bulges in the interior of foundation…
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Wood frame construction is used practically 100% in single family and many multi-family residences. In addition, many smaller commercial structures use wood frame. Poor construction is usually the cause that permits water entry and long term dampness in wood framing. This is especially prevalent at sill plates and lower studs in contact with masonry or concrete, spaces enclosed in masonry or stucco, and balconies with cementitious decks and enclosed framed…
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When has a foundation or any other structural unit failed? There are three categories in which a structure could be placed with regard to structural performance: Obvious failure: Collapse Major distress and distortion Functionality Impairment Obvious non-failure: No distress No distortion Not so obvious: Some distress Some distortion Partial functionality impairment Case I and case II above are clear cut, but case III requires criteria to determine which camp it…
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Shrinkage cracks in concrete slab-on-ground foundations are a significant public relations problem to home builders. All concrete will shrink during the curing process which lasts up to a year after the time concrete is placed in the forms. Curing involves loss of water from within the concrete, both when it is in a plastic state as well as a solid state. The loss of water causes a reduction in volume…
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