Analysis of the causes of defects due to quality roofing membranes mechanical anchoring
Anchoring of the layers of flat warm roofs using anchoring elements is nowadays one of the most used technology. This is a frequent technology to repair damaged roofs (total reconstruction, increasing the load on the wind loads, partial repairs etc.). In the European building market there are several suppliers of the enchoring equipment who declare their product’s properties in the european technical approvements (ETA). The goal of the article is to demonstrate results of the carried out measurements and their possible impact into practical application of the mechanically anchored systems. This allows reduce the amount of defects to improving flexible watertight membranes. The topic can be considered actual and due to the large number of defects precisely for these types of roofs.
Thermal Bridges in Insulation Systems
The article points out and describes in detail the basic thermal bridges in contact thermal insulation systems and in ventilated facades. Thermal bridges are illustrated by means of thermal images of spot thermal bridges and the calculation of spot heat transfer coefficients.
Case study: performance effectiveness and cost-benefit analyses of open-graded friction course pavements in Tennessee
Abstract The effectiveness and cost-benefit of Open-Graded Friction Course (OGFC) pavements were analysed in this study by investigating the cost, field performance, short- and long-term effectiveness, and accident rate of OGFC projects in Tennessee. Paired sample t-tests were conducted to compare if there was significant difference between OGFC and non-OGFC sections. Investigation on the performance effectiveness showed that OGFC sections provided comparable performance level as traditional dense mix overlays and were effective in improving pavement performance and repairing deterioration except for rutting potential. However, no severe pavement deterioration was observed on the OGFC sections after more than four or five years of service, indicating sufficient durability of the OGFC used in Tennessee where mild freeze-thaw cycles are experienced annually. Although the unit cost ($/m3) of OGFC was about 42% higher than the cost of traditional dense mix overlays, it was observed that the accident rate was significantly reduced especially in rainy days after the OGFC treatment. The cost-benefit analyses based on the ratio of accident rate reduction over cost demonstrated that OGFC was significantly more cost-beneficial in improving driving safety and reducing accident rate in rainy days.