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 | Aug 23, 2016
Mini-grant R&D program pays off in a big way for AE firm
Created through funding from Little’s LaceUp program, the Center for Building Performance has helped the design firm win 14 new jobs since its inception.
Great Solutions | Aug 23, 2016
At Beyer Blinder Belle everyone’s seeing RED
The firm’s R&D initiative inspires its designers to develop ideas that could positively disrupt the practice.
Great Solutions | Aug 23, 2016
Virtual care facility serves remote patients, may reduce readmissions
Mercy’s new high-tech medical center equips its medical professionals to deliver care at the bedside of patients anywhere.
Great Solutions | Aug 23, 2016
11 great solutions for the commercial construction market
A roll-up emergency department, next-gen telemedicine center, and biophilic cooling pods are among the AEC industry’s clever ideas and novel innovations for 2016.
Great Solutions | Jan 20, 2016
13 great solutions for commercial construction
As these 13 innovations for the AEC marketplace demonstrate, sometimes a problem can be a good thing.
Great Solutions | Jan 20, 2016
Digitally fabricated concrete formwork pushes the limits of what can be cost-effectively constructed in concrete
Simpson Gumpertz & Heger and CW Keller use 3D modeling and CNC machining to advance concrete construction.
Great Solutions | Jan 20, 2016
Sasaki Associates develops simple yet novel solution for precast concrete complication
Its double-angle cladding anchor maintains the air/water/vapor barrier integrity and continuous insulation while still allowing for the desired versatility of precast panels.
Great Solutions | Jan 20, 2016
Porcelanosa’s solid-surface product, Krion, used to create an elegant retractable ceiling for NY showroom
Typically used for countertops, vanities, and furniture, Krion was used to make 39 panels covering 1,300 sf of ceiling space above the showroom.
Great Solutions | Jan 20, 2016
Skanska’s new app helps construction teams monitor and meet environmental quality standards while renovating hospitals
App allows users to track noise, differential pressure levels, vibration, and dust
Great Solutions | Jan 19, 2016
Concrete innovation: voided biaxial slab slashes weight, saves concrete
System reduces slab dead load by 30% on medical clinic project