The Advantages of Concrete StructuresStructural EngineersUpdated on Oct 24, 2017 View more like this | Visit SAN DIEGO, CA | Contact S3DA Design |
The Advantages of Concrete Structures
It is important to establish at this stage that not all structural designs should be concrete structures but then, the advantages of the concrete structural system cannot be overemphasized. In most cases, these advantages are not analyzed during the system selection process and as a result, the much inherent values are not properly enumerated. The purpose of this article is to analyze and enumerate the huge advantages inherent in Concrete Structures.
Reduction in Energy Use
Up to 9% of total annual energy costs could be saved through the use of the thermal mass of cast-in-place concrete, according to Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). When energy use is reduced, there is definitely going to be a reduction in costs of building and when there is the reduction in the use of energy, there is bound to be a reduction in the life cycle impact and life-cycle cost of the structure. This implies that a concrete structure will exhibit better life cycle analysis when compared to steel.
Sound Transfer and Vibration Reduction
The concrete structure is a highly rigid frame, which reduces vibration and bounces when compared with steel structure. It is a better option for laboratory and environments with sensitive equipment, and what more; it increases the user’s comfort. It has been noted that vibration and sound transfer is reduced by about 67% from steel to concrete.
Reduction in Operational and initial Costs
Concrete structures do not need vertical as much as steel structures to achieve the same floor height, which adds up to savings in building skin, materials, and duration of related MEP activities. In addition to these, some other areas where costs can be reduced are as follow:
· Reduction in MEP operational cost and equipment such as thermal mass
· No need of fireproofing
· Energy savings through thermal mass and volume reductions
· Patch fireproofing and MEP installations not required
· Increase in flexibility reduces renovation cost
· The inclusion of the frame construction team early in the conceptual and schematic stage lead to the execution of a more efficient structural system.
Increase in Flexibility
Changes are easy to accommodate with cast-in-place concrete structural systems. It is also very easy to accommodate irregular shapes, MEP and building modifications, and mild reinforcement.
Improved Cash Flow and Schedule Reduction
It is easy to start construction immediately with concrete, as there is no need to wait for fabrication. In addition to this, there are no incurring huge costs from changes that occurred between breaking ground and placing the mill order. There is also no initial cost of fabrication as payment is made as you build.
Infection Control and Improvement in Indoors Environmental Quality
With the concrete structure, there is no need of corrosion protection or fireproofing, which eradicates opportunities for allergens and contaminants to be stuck and discharged over time, reacting to humidity and airflow, and eroding into the air leading to infection, reduced productivity, and feeling of unwell.
http://s3da-design.com/advantages-concrete-structures/
It is important to establish at this stage that not all structural designs should be concrete structures but then, the advantages of the concrete structural system cannot be overemphasized. In most cases, these advantages are not analyzed during the system selection process and as a result, the much inherent values are not properly enumerated. The purpose of this article is to analyze and enumerate the huge advantages inherent in Concrete Structures.
Reduction in Energy Use
Up to 9% of total annual energy costs could be saved through the use of the thermal mass of cast-in-place concrete, according to Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). When energy use is reduced, there is definitely going to be a reduction in costs of building and when there is the reduction in the use of energy, there is bound to be a reduction in the life cycle impact and life-cycle cost of the structure. This implies that a concrete structure will exhibit better life cycle analysis when compared to steel.
Sound Transfer and Vibration Reduction
The concrete structure is a highly rigid frame, which reduces vibration and bounces when compared with steel structure. It is a better option for laboratory and environments with sensitive equipment, and what more; it increases the user’s comfort. It has been noted that vibration and sound transfer is reduced by about 67% from steel to concrete.
Reduction in Operational and initial Costs
Concrete structures do not need vertical as much as steel structures to achieve the same floor height, which adds up to savings in building skin, materials, and duration of related MEP activities. In addition to these, some other areas where costs can be reduced are as follow:
· Reduction in MEP operational cost and equipment such as thermal mass
· No need of fireproofing
· Energy savings through thermal mass and volume reductions
· Patch fireproofing and MEP installations not required
· Increase in flexibility reduces renovation cost
· The inclusion of the frame construction team early in the conceptual and schematic stage lead to the execution of a more efficient structural system.
Increase in Flexibility
Changes are easy to accommodate with cast-in-place concrete structural systems. It is also very easy to accommodate irregular shapes, MEP and building modifications, and mild reinforcement.
Improved Cash Flow and Schedule Reduction
It is easy to start construction immediately with concrete, as there is no need to wait for fabrication. In addition to this, there are no incurring huge costs from changes that occurred between breaking ground and placing the mill order. There is also no initial cost of fabrication as payment is made as you build.
Infection Control and Improvement in Indoors Environmental Quality
With the concrete structure, there is no need of corrosion protection or fireproofing, which eradicates opportunities for allergens and contaminants to be stuck and discharged over time, reacting to humidity and airflow, and eroding into the air leading to infection, reduced productivity, and feeling of unwell.
http://s3da-design.com/advantages-concrete-structures/
