Engineered as an alternative to traditional building core construction methods, such as cast-in-place concrete, precast concrete, and masonry, this patented, steel-and-concrete hybrid system can simplify and accelerate the construction of reinforced concrete stair and elevator core structures.
The CorTek Core System is supplied by Vulcraft, a fabricator of steel joist and deck components, in collaboration with its parent company, steel producer Nucor.
The newly launched system has been used on five projects to date, including the One Steamboat Place resort in Steamboat Springs, Colo., the Taxi II mixed-use residential building in Denver, and Limelight Lodge in Aspen, Colo.
The system is made up of modular, stackable cores that are factory-built and shipped ready to install. Modular construction minimizes site time and provides easy on-site installation. Stairs are pre-installed at the factory, and the stair rails are shipped inside the cores. This allows for safer, earlier, and more efficient trade access to floors. Workers can begin setting steel right away without having to wait on core curing.
Each CorTek system is custom-built to the requirements of the specific project. The architect and structural engineer are responsible for producing drawings and specifications that define the requirements for the core walls and stairs in the final constructed form. These drawings and specifications are given to the CorTek sub-contractor in order to begin shop drawings.
Once the all-steel cores are delivered on site, the CorTek installation process entails three steps: stack the cores; connect the steel, then continue erecting the structure; and pour concrete inside the core walls as erection continues.
The CorTek system is compatible with steel, concrete, and wood framing, and is structurally equivalent to cast-in-place concrete walls of various thicknesses, according to the makers. The modules go up with floor framing and do not require stripping. The interior surfaces can be left as is or finished with any standard wall
finish, such as paint, drywall, or laminate.
Related Stories
Great Solutions | Feb 5, 2020
Power moves: The Shed
Precise positioning of mechanicals above its lighting keeps New York’s kinetic event space, The Shed, running.
Great Solutions | Dec 18, 2019
Robot uprising
Thyssenkrupp’s robotics interface platform helps robots use elevators like humans.
Great Solutions | Nov 12, 2019
Skanska designs personal protective equipment tailor-made for the female workforce
A safety vest is the first piece of equipment to undergo an update.
Great Solutions | Oct 3, 2019
REEF Technology wants to turn parking facilities into urban mobility hubs
The company currently operates 4,500 parking lots in 25 markets across North America.
Great Solutions | Aug 30, 2019
An ‘Internet of Beings’? Kinetic flooring promises more than just energy generation
Pavegen says its technology delivers a new level of human engagement in sustainability initiatives.
Great Solutions | Aug 7, 2019
Earthquake response system takes the guesswork out of seismic safety
The platform provides real-time monitoring to help avoid unnecessary evacuations and improve emergency response.
Great Solutions | Jul 12, 2019
Smart sensor maintains privacy, enhances safety in sensitive spaces
The HALO IOT sensor is designed for use in places where cameras are not welcome.
Great Solutions | Apr 9, 2019
Raising the roof is cool again
Upbrella allows for floor-by-floor building construction that is, reportedly, safer and more productive than traditional methods.
Great Solutions | Mar 12, 2019
When is wood not really wood?
Inspired by the look and cellular nature of wood, researchers create 3D-printed “digital wood” and “metallic wood” that is as strong as titanium, with the density of water.
Sustainability | Feb 20, 2019
Studio NAB’s Superfarm project creates an entire ecosystem in an urban environment
The Superfarm will go beyond what vertical farms typically produce.
