BY KEN NUNLEY When choosing between lightweight concrete (LWC) and normal weight concrete (NWC) for application in mid- and high-rise buildings, performance is a key factor. When designed with expanded shale, clay or slate (ESCS) aggregates, LWC offers benefits such as reduced early cracking due to internal curing facilitated by the aggregates’ porous nature. This extends structure service life. Despite…
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How Concrete Density Can Impact Seismic Design
Concrete provides considerable compressive strength and, if reinforced properly, can withstand flexure and shear caused by seismic activity. But, in seismic design, too much of a good thing can in some cases be detrimental. For concrete, a higher strength can contribute to brittleness. Brittle structures often perform less than optimally during seismic events. While there are several approaches to improve…
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