Reinforced Concrete Masonry Structures (also known as Reinforced Concrete Block Structures) rank as one of the most durable and cost-effective types of structural systems in modern building construction.  Comprised primarily of concrete masonry units (also known as CMUs), mortar, and reinforcing steel, reinforced concrete masonry structures are typically designed to meet the minimum code requirements […]

Crack growth is a constant and persistent threat to the longevity and integrity of reinforced Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) structures.  Severe CMU cracking may indicate deeper structural or foundation issues such as differential movement, differential settlement, excessive deflection, structural overload, defective construction, and improper design.  Likewise, severe CMU cracking may create entry points for water intrusion,

Overview Corrosion is a constant and incessant threat to the longevity and integrity of steel structures.  Although corrosion is generally a time-dependent process, several environmental conditions (i.e. high heat environments, high humidity environments, and chloride-rich environments), accelerate the degradation of the steel. Such degradation is most notable in steel sections left unprotected or inadequately protected

Overview Within the civil/structural engineering community, aluminum is typically relegated to the role of specialty metals with purposes limited to aeronautical design, aviation design, or auxiliary element design (such as decking or auxiliary trusses in bridges.)   Known for its light weight and durable composition, aluminum possesses roughly 1/3rd the stiffness of steel (EAluminum =

Per American Concrete Institute (ACI) “Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete  and Commentary,“ ACI 318-19, Chapter 19, key environments including marine environments, heavy industrial environments, sulfate-rich environments, and environments with extreme  temperature change may constitute harsh environments for reinforced concrete structures. Structural engineers must design non-load-bearing reinforced concrete structures (i.e. parapet  walls, non-building structures, etc.)

Per American Concrete Institute (ACI) “Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary,“ ACI 318-19, Chapter 19, key environments including marine environments, heavy industrial environments, sulfate-rich environments, and environments with extreme temperature change may constitute harsh environments for load-bearing reinforced concrete structures. Structural engineers must design load-bearing reinforced concrete structures (i.e. beams, columns, and slabs)

Per American Concrete Institute “Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary,“ ACI 318-19, Chapter 19, key environments including marine environments, and heavy industrial environments may constitute harsh environments for reinforced concrete. Marine environments provide ion-rich environments that may result in chloride-induced reinforcement corrosion and chemical attacks on reinforced concrete structures. Such corrosion and attacks ultimately lead to

Definition: Finite Element Analysis is a computational method used to analyze how a physical structure or system behaves under different loads in accordance with the laws of physics. Finite Element Analysis is commonly used in the analysis of complex structures including buildings and structural components under indeterminate loads. Pre-Analysis Checklist Input: Confirm data sources are

Per the CalTrans Falsework Manual (2020), a leading authority on the matter, falsework includes any temporary structure used to “support the permanent structure until it becomes self-supporting.” Falsework typically includes steel or timber beams, girders, posts, foundations, and any proprietary equipment including modular shoring frames, post shores, and horizontal shoring. Falsework may be colloquially called