• MAGAZINE
  • eBOOKSHELF
  • PODCAST
  • WHITE PAPERS
  • WEBINARS
  • ENEWSLETTER
  • CONTINUING ED
  • AWARDS
    1. Home

    EPDM Roofing Primer Available

    Sept. 30, 2003
    The EPDM Roofing Association (ERA) recently announced the release of its inaugural technical bulletin on the attributes of the EPDM rubber roofing membrane. Entitled ERA Technical Bulletin No. 1, this document serves as a comprehensive guide and primer to EPDM’s long list of attributes and overall system performance information. To view this bulletin, visit (www.epdmroofs.org/tech/tech1.html).Managing Risks in FacilitiesA hands-on seminar for construction and facilities professionals, “How to Design, Build, and Manage Facilities in Uncertain Times,” will be held at the Harvard Club, Boston, October 28 and 29. Organized by the International Society of Facilities Executives (ISFE), Peabody, MA, the program’s Keynote Speaker will be New York City’s leading expert on protecting critical facilities: Sal Lifrieri, executive vice president of Diversified Security Solutions.Featuring techniques and equipment developed since 9/11, and lessons of the Aug. 14, 2003, blackout, the ISFE program will include topics on data center design, wireless technology, improved security systems, security assessment, fire protection, and insurance.For details on the program, fees, professional discounts, etc., visit the ISFE website (www.isfe.org) or call (978) 536-0108.Schematic Design of World’s Tallest Building CompletedCommissioned by the South Korean-based Lotte Corp., the schematic design of a 107-story office tower and mixed-use/retail facility planned for construction in the city of Pusan, South Korea, has been completed by Parker Durrant International, Minneapolis. The 5.7 million-square-foot Lotte World II Tower is slated to be the world’s tallest building at 1,620 feet high.The sleek steel-and-glass office tower’s adjoining facilities will include a hotel/conference center, a multiplex cinema, an IMAX theater, a department store, and specialty retail stores and restaurants. It is expected to become a regional attraction and international tourist destination.Initial work on the construction site has already begun, with completion of the retail/entertainment portion planned for 2006, and completion of the tower expected in 2008. Ergonomics 101It’s not exactly a new concept; however, ergonomics is still misunderstood today. Buildings asked Edward Metzger, vice president, sales and marketing, BioFit Engineered Products, Waterville, OH, to share his thoughts on the topic.Q: What are the most common ergonomic injuries?A: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) include injuries and disorders involving muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage, and spinal discs. Carpal tunnel syndrome, a hand and wrist disorder resulting from a compressed nerve, is one of the most common examples of MSDs.Ergonomic injuries occur far more often than you may realize. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported more than 582,000 MSD cases in one recent year. MSDs account for approximately one-third of all occupational illnesses and injuries.Q: While ergonomics is not a new concept, how well is it understood?A: The understanding and appreciation of ergonomics in the workplace have increased greatly during the past 15 to 20 years. Seated office work is a good example. We used to think that no one could become injured sitting in an office. We now know that sitting is not restful, as it may appear, because individuals use nearly 100 muscles to balance in a seated position.Workers who spend the majority of their day on seating that is too high, too low, too hard, or too difficult to adjust are placing unnecessary strain on back, leg, and stomach muscles. An awkward posture, repeated reaching, or other repeated motions can result in muscle strain, premature fatigue, reduced productivity, and a potential MSD.Q: When purchasing ergonomic seating, should you expect to pay more?A: If furniture is being selected solely on price, rather than the best quality/price combination, workers may end up with seating that does not provide a proper fit or meet basic ergonomic needs.Easy-to-use ergonomic controls and easy, quick adjustability add to the usability and value of a chair, and also add to its price. For example, backrest tilt and seat tilt are functions that can make a chair more comfortable and versatile, but at additional cost. The bottom line, to use the cliché, is that “you get what you pay for.” Furniture that provides ergonomic quality and durability is cost-effective when you factor in its benefits.Visit the BioFit Engineered Products website for more information (www.biofit.com).—    Jana J. Madsen, Senior Editor ([email protected])AISC’s 2003 Fall SeminarsEngineers, architects, and buildings professionals will build on their knowledge of steel design and construction by attending the Chicago-based American Institute of Steel Construction’s (AISC’s) Fall Seminars taught by leading industry experts who review the latest techniques and technologies. These seminars, which began in September, also earn attendees CEU/PDH credits.Questions? Visit (www.aisc.org/seminars) or call (312) 670-2400. Cost: $250, AISC members; $300 non-members.Basic Design for Stability – Columns and Frames: AISC and the Structural Stability Research Council team up for a six-hour program focusing on the compressive strength of columns and frames to provide a fundamental understanding of buckling. With a strong emphasis on applications via example problems and case studies, you’ll understand the stability provisions in the AISC Specification, as well as methods of stability analysis outlined in the AISC Commentary. Authors: Theodore Galambos, PhD, University of Minnesota; Perry Green, PhD, University of Florida; Todd Helwig, PhD, University of Houston; Joseph Yura, PhD, University of Texas. Attendees will be issued 0.6 CEUs or 6.0 PDHs upon completion of the seminar. Dates: November 5, Detroit, Westin Southfield Detroit; November 6, Chicago, Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown; November 19, Seattle, Doubletree Hotel Seattle Airport; November 20, Portland, OR, Embassy Suites Hotel; December 9, St. Louis, Crowne Plaza; December 10, Houston, Sheraton North Houston.Field Fixes – Solutions and Prevention: This seminar discusses design, fabrication, and construction problems found in structural steel projects. You’ll learn ways to prevent field problems in the design process and solve problems that do occur on your jobs. A discussion of proper procedures and documentation to verify that revisions comply with specified requirements will help prepare you to solve and prevent errors in your structural projects. Authors: James M. Fisher, PhD, PE, vice president, Computerized Structural Design SC; Lawrence A. Kloiber, PE, vice president engineering, LeJeune Steel. Upon completion of the seminar, attendees will be issued 0.5 CEUs or 5.0 PDHs. Dates: October 14, Milwaukee, WI, Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel; October 30, Phoenix, Phoenix Airport Marriott; November 4, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City Marriott Downtown; November 4, Richmond, VA, Richmond Marriott; November 5, Raleigh, NC, North Raleigh Hilton; November 6, Greensboro, NC, Marriott Airport; November 18, Providence, RI, Providence Marriott; November 18, Cincinnati, Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Airport; November 19, Cromwell, CT, Radisson Cromwell; November 19, Columbus, OH, Concourse Hotel and Convention Center; November 20, Edison, NJ, Holiday Inn South Plainfield; December 3, Nashville, Millennium Maxwell House Nashville.Seismic Design and the New 2002 AISC Seismic Provisions: This seminar covers the new 2002 AISC Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings, which contains substantial revisions to the design provisions and a completely rewritten commentary. You’ll learn how to use the new 2002 AISC Seismic Provisions, which are referenced in both the IBC and NFPA model building codes. In addition, you will learn about all the changes, where to find them in the provisions, and their implications. This seminar is perfect for both seasoned designers of seismic structural steel systems and those with limited experience. Author: Thomas A. Sabol, PhD, SE, principal, Englekirk & Sabol Consulting Structural Engineers Inc. Attendees will be issued 0.55 CEUs or 5.5 PDHs upon completion of the course. Dates: October 21, Anaheim, CA, Marriott Anaheim; October 30, Dallas, Wyndham Arlington DFW Airport South; November 6, Spokane, WA, Doubletree Hotel Spokane-City Center; December 2, Sacramento, CA, Hyatt Regency Sacramento; December 2, Philadelphia, Sheraton University; December 4, San Diego, Doubletree Hotel San Diego Mission Valley; December 4, Charlotte, NC, Hilton Charlotte University Place. Challenges Overcome at Georgia Cancer CenterBegun in October 2001, the Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence at Grady Health System faced numerous construction and design challenges, overcoming each with the goal of delivering a high-quality medical environment in Atlanta. The Cancer Center occupies the ninth and tenth floors of Grady Memorial Hospital, totaling 64,000 square feet. It was necessary to keep one of Atlanta’s busiest hospitals operational during construction despite demolition and construction activity. Equally challenging, engineers were tasked with accommodating the weight of a PET/CT scanner in the middle of this existing high-rise building. It was necessary for infrastructure on the newly dedicated floors to integrate with existing plumbing, mechanical, and HVAC systems ranging from 10 to 50 years in age. Completed in January 2003, the Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence adds in-patient/nursing care, clinical services, office/consult/waiting areas, imaging, wet lab research, and a pharmacy to the hospital. The project team included Boyken International Inc., HJ Russell Construction Co., Alcon Construction Co., HDR Architects, as well as owner representatives from the Georgia Board of Regents, and many other collaborators.

    Voice your opinion!

    To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Buildings, create an account today!

    Continue Reading

    Sponsored Recommendations