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 | Mar 6, 2017
ConsensusDocs updates standard short contract editions
The updates address industry changes impacting insurance, legal, technology, and terminology.
Codes and Standards | Mar 3, 2017
ASCE updates standard for structures using tensile membrane
The new sstandard combines guidelines for conventional tensile membrane structures with frame-covered membrane structures.
Codes and Standards | Mar 1, 2017
EPA's 2017 Construction General Permit now in effect
The regulation governs compliance with effluent limits.
Codes and Standards | Feb 28, 2017
Concern grows for high tide flood vulnerability in Mid-Atlantic states
Washington, D.C., and Annapolis, Md., could flood every three days by 2045.
Codes and Standards | Feb 27, 2017
Green building saves operating costs and boosts asset value
A new report shows 14% cost savings and a 7% increase in value when green standards are met.
Codes and Standards | Feb 24, 2017
Scant data hampering energy, water efficiency at sports venues
New NIBS report says baseline information needs further development.
Codes and Standards | Feb 22, 2017
Plans for WELL Building Standard include linkage with other green building standards
The planned updated version will be customizable for any building type.
Codes and Standards | Feb 21, 2017
Aging building code inspectors and government belt-tightening could cause crisis
Inspectors are edging toward retirement with no understudies in place.
Codes and Standards | Feb 20, 2017
AISI publishes three new cold-formed steel framing research reports
Seismic simulation, roof trusses, steel-to-steel and sheathing-to-steel connections are examined in the reports.
Codes and Standards | Feb 17, 2017
New energy design guide for metal building systems now available
The second edition incorporates more recent IECC and ASHRAE standards.