Tech Publications

Historical Advancements in Corrosion Control of Existing Concrete Structures: Towards a Sustainable and Viable Future

David G. Tepke PE, and Jose M. Mandry-Campbell explore impactful historical developments in maintenance and corrosion control methods for existing concrete structures in the United States in this ICRI CRB article. They touch on related sustainability, safety, and technology topics that will likely be important in the future and influence the way we think about…

Design for Longevity: A Look Back at Concrete Rehabilitation and Preservation at Shipyard Village Condominiums

SKA Consulting Engineers have been performing evaluations and long-term repair of concrete structures for 40 years and sharing that knowledge with technical associations to extend the service-life and reduce life-cycle costs of existing buildings. This article in ICRI’s July/August 2023 Concrete Repair Bulletin shows our pragmatic approach to cost-effectively replace and preserve portions of a condominium…

Looking Back to See Ahead: Durability Clues for Concrete Repairs

The use of and development of concrete, and more specifically reinforced concrete, as a durable and versatile construction material has provided many opportunities for larger and more effective structures to serve the needs of society. It has also brought the need for research, standardization, and new materials for advancement towards better, more efficient, and more…

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…

TECH NOTES | Windows Part 1

Studies indicate that exposure to daylight improves our alertness, productivity, and general well being. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program recognizes the value of natural light in work areas and awards points to buildings that provide daylight and outside views to building occupants. These studies confirm what we already knew – we…