Concrete has long been a reliable building material for commercial and institutional projects. Yet recent trends, including the growth in hospitality and urban rental project starts, as well as mixed-use towers and transit-oriented developments (TODs), have made concrete an even more valuable structural solution.
After reading this article, you should be able to:
+ DESCRIBE new trends in green building codes and standards that are affecting choices in concrete construction.
+ LIST several new techniques for designing and constructing buildings with concrete structures or finishes.
+ DISCUSS materials used in concrete mixes that replace or supplement Portland cement.
+ EXPLAIN how new construction techniques and materials are making concrete building systems more durable, reducing waste in erection, or producing less expensive buildings.