SKA Downloads

TECH NOTES | Brief Case Studies Deterioration of Concrete in Building Materials

Concrete is a very durable building material when properly designed, proportioned and constructed. Unfortunately, deterioration can occur if attention is not paid to detail in the design construction phases of a project. One such situation is that associated with Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR). ASR is an expansive process in concrete between alkali hydroxides in portland cement…

TECH NOTES | Excess Salt Not Good for Our Bodies or Buildings

Coastal environments are some of the most severe for building materials such as reinforced concrete. Winds can carry ocean-borne chloride-based salts considerable heights and distances for deposition on structures in their path. Together with moisture, chlorides soak into concrete and stimulate steel corrosion that tears it apart from within, skyrockets maintenance and repair costs, and…

TECH NOTES | You Can’t See What You Can’t See

It’s almost inevitable, roofs and fenestrations are going to leak. Extreme weather conditions, normal wear and tear over time and environmental and foreign intrusions deteriorate and penetrate even the best building envelope solutions on the market. Water leaks not only damage interior finishes, they promote membrane deterioration and decrease the effectiveness of insulation. Often, the…

TECH NOTES | Not Just Another Day at the Beach

Coastal structures have increased susceptibility to corrosion, concrete distress, leaks and safety hazards due to moisture and airborne salts from the ocean. Restoration projects at beach front condominiums can be complex, often necessitating intricate repairs and advanced preservation techniques for meaningfully extending the life of the building. These projects typically require specialty engineers and contractors…

Top 7 Ways To Save Energy Costs In a Home During Winter

Heating and cooling costs are one of the most expensive utilities in every home. No matter where you live, the conservation of energy to reduce costs is becoming more and more important for sustainability and your wallet. Here are seven ways, as building science engineers, that we commonly recommend to homeowners that will help reduce…

TECH TALKS | Window Testing Seminar

This course will help facility owners and managers to create effective testing programs for fenestrations (window, door, curtain wall, and storefront systems) in new buildings. Project examples and applicable industry standards for testing will be discussed.

TECH NOTES | We Didn’t See That One Coming #2

Picture this scenario: The local high school football team is practicing; a summer thunderstorm blows up overhead producing strong winds; the team heads for cover as quickly as possible. Within minutes of the team making it into one of the adjacent building, a stadium light pole crashes down on the building, punching a hole through the roof and…

TECH NOTES | Lessons Learned – Parking Deck

This month we are continuing the ‘saga of the parking deck’ with focus on essential design factors for these unique buildings.