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Building Structure Sustainability and Structural Thermal Breaks |
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On November 16, 2011, the Construction Group hosted a pair of lectures related to building structures at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in Manhattan.
The first lecture was presented by Mr. James D'Aloisio on "30 Suggestions for Building Structure Sustainability". Mr. D'Aloisio explored the ways that a building project's sustainability goals can be helped by the structural system. The lecture presented practical ways to incorporate the following varieties of sustainability strategies: foundation construction, concrete construction, masonry construction, steel construction, wood construction, and integrated design in the design of buildings.
The second lecture of the evening was made by Mr. Alexander Krernczik on "Structural Thermal Breaks for Balconies, Canopies and Beams". Mr. Krenczik presented how balconies and other cantilever structures which project through the building envelope, break through the insulation layer and create a thermal bridge. Mr. Krenczik discussed solutions to separate the external components from the building envelope, therefore minimizing the thermal bridging, energy loss and moisture issues.
Through off-the-shelf thermal break innovations, the presentation offered the lecture attendees an opportunity to save significant time and resources. The structural design components for balconies provide a load-bearing insulation element, ensure fatigue-proof construction, and allow freedom of design. The lecture presented strategies for creating a high performance building envelope with thermal breaks, which contributes to obtaining LEED certification for projects.
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