Refined vs. Polished Concrete: Can You Spot the Real Performance Difference?

This week’s quiz is from Refined concrete: A measurable path to performance and sustainability. Think all exposed concrete floors perform the same? Think again. A growing industry shift is redefining “polished” surfaces, replacing subjective shine with measurable performance metrics like hardness, friction, and durability—raising the stakes for specifiers, contractors, and owners alike. Source link

Rethinking stucco wall design: Under changing codes

By Anthony M. Garcia, PE, BECxP, CxA+BE, CEI, Trinidad Martinez, RRO, CEI, and Ryan Foroughi Photo ©bildlove/courtesy bigtockphoto.com Cement plaster (stucco) has become increasingly popular as an economical and aesthetically appealing cladding on wood-framed and -sheathed construction around the country. This is accompanied by a reduction in water-diverting architectural features such as overhangs including proper […]

Coastal hub transforms training with flexible, future-ready learning

Designed as a 2,415.4-m2 (26,000-sf) hub for hands-on learning, the facility will be home to flexible, real-world training environments for programs in construction and carpentry, industrial facilities maintenance, maritime technology, HVAC systems, and welding. Images courtesy Hacker Architects The Oregon Coast Advanced Technology & Trades (OCATT) Center will expand educational and workforce development opportunities across […]