SpeedCore, a composite superstructure system composed of concrete sandwiched between steel plates, recently achieved two notable accomplishments.
Purdue University researchers completed an investigation of SpeedCore's fire performance. “They found that SpeedCore panels under simulated fire and gravity loads demonstrate excellent fire resistance, even without costly additional fire-protective coatings,” according to an American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) news release.
“With the completion of this research, no fireproofing should be required for any SpeedCore wall as long as it is at least 18 inches thick,” said AISC vice president of engineering & research Lawrence F. Kruth, PE. SpeedCore shaved 43% off the erection time of the Rainier Square Tower in Seattle—the first building to use the system, the release says.
In another development, the New York City Department of Buildings has approved the use of SpeedCore for all five boroughs. SpeedCore will eliminate the need for the temporary braced cores typically used in New York City high-rise projects, the release says.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Oct 10, 2018
Interactive heat maps track temperature ranges in U.S. cities
Urban heat island effect can vary by as much as 37°F in the same city.
Codes and Standards | Oct 9, 2018
Power systems will become more decentralized for better disaster resiliency
Businesses, homeowners will control more power-generation capacity.
Codes and Standards | Oct 5, 2018
Getting commitments from key subs critical on government contracts
Withdrawn subcontractor bids can be costly.
Codes and Standards | Oct 4, 2018
Internal watchdog says EPA falling short to protect school children from asbestos
Agency not conducting enough inspections, report says.
Codes and Standards | Oct 3, 2018
Climate change impacts could prompt realignment of assets for commercial property developers
Strategies include reducing exposure to properties in flood-prone areas.
Codes and Standards | Oct 2, 2018
Political will, tougher standards needed to reach carbon neutral goal
Stretch codes, more stringent credentials for designers, contractors, and inspectors may be needed.
Codes and Standards | Sep 27, 2018
Natural light is the most prized office perk
Employees crave sunshine and views of the outdoors more than cafeterias, fitness centers, and childcare.
Codes and Standards | Sep 26, 2018
Industry consensus needed for multifamily energy efficiency retrofit approach
Choice of insulating materials can impact indoor air quality, resident health.
Codes and Standards | Sep 25, 2018
New market forces disrupting global real estate development industry
Executives concerned about trade policy, labor shortages, approval processes.
Codes and Standards | Sep 21, 2018
More than 130 organizations petition OSHA to create heat protection standard for workers
Includes mandatory rest breaks, heat-exposure monitoring, record-keeping injury requirement.
