TECHNICAL
CONCRETE OFFERS SUPERIOR STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY
16
Concrete construction can produce
concrete the product of choice when
durable structur es r equiring lower
constructing in areas where high winds,
maintenance than competitive materials,
hurricanes, tornadoes or seismic condi-
s a y s G ar y T h e o d o si o u, s t r u c t ur al
tions are considerations. This lateral
engineer of The Concrete Institute (TCI).
stiffness also means that occupants
Theodosiou says that because of
of concrete towers are less able to
its exceptional longevity and ease of
“Due to its versatility, aesthetic ap-
most economical choice for engineered
peal, cost-effectiveness and availability,
structures. “Tilt-up concrete panels,
concrete is changing the face of SA’s
for example, serve not only to enclose
landscape. Increasingly, cutting-edge
the buildings, but to carry roof and wind
engineers and architects are making
loads – eliminating the need to erect
concrete their material of choice.
separate cladding and structural systems,” he explains.
(Above): Tilt-up concrete panels enclose buildings and can carry roof and wind loads to eliminate the need for separate cladding and structural systems.
perceive building motion.
construction, concrete is invariably the
“As requests for changes aren’t uncommon in any construction project, the
“Concrete is often left exposed on
design flexibility of concrete allows the con-
interior walls because of its aesthetic
tractor to accommodate design changes
appeal, durability and inherent fire-re-
after the process has begun,” he adds.
sistance. Exposed concrete reduces the
TCI can provide design advice and
need for, and cost of, applying additional
information on the benefits of concrete
fireproofing to satisfy building codes.
construction in commercial, retail and
“A major ad vantage of concr ete
industrial sectors. The TCI Information
construction for engineered structures
Centre holds and is continually accu-
is the material’s properties of density
mulating technical information relating
and mass. Lateral stiffness, or resist-
to design, use and construction of con-
ance to horizontal movement, makes
crete structures.
