CONCRETE OFFERS SUPERIOR STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY

(Above): Tilt-up concrete panels enclose buildings and can carry roof and wind loads to eliminate the need for separate cladding and structural systems.

Concrete construction can produce durable structures requiring lower maintenance than competitive materials, say s G ar y T heodosiou, str uctur al engineer of The Concrete Institute (TCI). Theodosiou says that because of its exceptional longevity and ease of construction, concrete is invariably the most economical choice for engineered structures. “Tilt-up concrete panels, for example, serve not only to enclose the buildings, but to carry roof and wind loads – eliminating the need to erect separate cladding and structural systems,” he explains.

“Concrete is often left exposed on interior walls because of its aesthetic appeal, durability and inherent fire-resistance. Exposed concrete reduces the need for, and cost of, applying additional fireproofing to satisfy building codes.

“A major advantage o f concrete construction for engineered structures is the material’s properties of density and mass. Lateral stiffness, or resistance to horizontal movement, makes

concrete the product of choice when constructing in areas where high winds, hurricanes, tornadoes or seismic conditions are considerations. This lateral stif fness also means that occupants of concrete towers are less able to perceive building motion.

“Due to its versatility, aesthetic appeal, cost-effectiveness and availability, concrete is changing the face of SA’s landscape. Increasingly, cutting-edge engineers and architects are making concrete their material of choice.

“As requests for changes aren’t uncommon in any construction project, the design flexibility of concrete allows the contractor to accommodate design changes after the process has begun,” he adds.

TCI can provide design advice and information on the benefits of concrete construction in commercial, retail and industrial sectors. The TCI Information Centre holds and is continually accumulating technical information relating to design, use and construction of concrete structures.