Resilient buildings stand the test of time, maintaining function even in the face of extreme events.

Resiliency is the ability of structures and communities to effectively adapt to changing conditions and maintain functionality in the face of stress,  environmental change or extreme events.  Resilient communities are those with structures, systems and infrastructure that are sufficiently durable and flexible to continue operation during or immediately following an extreme event or change.

A building’s first responsibility is to protect the life of its occupants. A resilient building does that, and also demonstrates the ability to continue operation or quickly return to usable function. It can perform its functions in a changing environment, endure and suffer minimal damage from storms, fires, floods, earthquakes, blasts and other severe events. A resilient building contributes positively to community function over a long lifespan.

Precast, prestressed concrete is a strong, durable, flexible and resilient material that can deliver a 100-year service life. Cast in controlled plant conditions, under tight quality control, PCI certified precast producers manufacture exceptionally strong, high-quality components that can stand up to the elements and to the test of time.

Prestressing gives precast, prestressed concrete its incredible strength and durability. High-strength steel strand is tensioned in the forms before the concrete is cast. The concrete is cast with the stands fully embedded into it resulting in continuous contact. The force of the strands is transferred into the concrete via essentially the entire length of the concrete.

Precast buildings have been shown to stand up well against severe floods and storms, with wall systems that are nearly impervious to windborne debris, as shown in this video.

A non-combustible material, precast also is naturally fire resistant and is often used in government facilities with blast protection requirements. This video demonstrates how precast stands up to blast conditions.

Precast can also be used to resist earthquake forces and is often used in seismic design. This video demonstrates a precast design in a shake test replicating a 9-point earthquake.        

       
   

Case Study: 

 

   

 

To learn more about resilient precast, prestressed concrete, schedule a CEU presentation today.  

Courses that address resilience include:

Click on the class name below to learn more.

Level 1 – Introductory Program Number Authorized: LIVE19DHPP100

In recent years, there has been a drive toward high performance structures. Owners, occupants and communities expect the structures they inhabit to be comfortable, efficient, sustainable and durable. High performance design encompasses all of these elements and more. This presentation will explain what high performance structures are, and how precast concrete can help achieve your high performance project goals. The presentation also covers the basics of precast concrete, its applications, finishes, etc. In recent years, there has been a drive toward high performance structures. Owners, occupants and communities expect the structures they inhabit to be comfortable, efficient, sustainable and durable. High performance design encompasses all of these elements and more. This presentation will explain what high performance structures are, and how precast concrete can help achieve your high performance project goals. The presentation also covers the basics of precast concrete, its applications, finishes, etc.

Learning Objectives:

  • Define what high performance structures are and explain how these structures provide benefits such as increased health and wellbeing for the end user/client.
  • Discuss the user advantages and long-term physical and economic benefits of high performance design for improved safety, comfort, and indoor environmental quality.
  • Attendees will be able to explain the concept of resiliency and identify why it is important to the health, safety and welfare of the general public.
  • Attendees will learn how high performance building envelopes provide durability and multi-hazard protection for the public over a long life span.
Length: 1 Hour
AIA 1.0 HSW/LU
1.0 PDH
0.1 CEU

Level 2 – Intermediate Program Number Authorized: LIVE19BHPK100

Educational Facilities are a vital part of the fabric of our society that directly contribute to what our future will be. These are places where future generations learn more than just math and science, they learn about people, life, and develop key life skills. Today’s schools are more than just buildings, they are interactive learning environments. They are gathering places. They are safe havens for a community. This presentation will discuss recommendations on how to design and build high performance schools, which provide energy efficiency, safety and resiliency, as well as reduce life cycle costs. Aesthetics, acoustics, schedule, and fire protection will also be discussed. Case studies will be used to highlight topics discussed.

Learning Objectives:
  • Attendees will be able to define what high performance schools are, and the benefits these structures offer to students, teachers, and the community.
  • Attendees will be able to define what high performance schools are, and the benefits these structures offer to students, teachers, and the community.
  • Attendees will be able to identify key considerations in the design of high performance schools, and understand how appropriate design of educational facilities benefits students, teachers, and the community.
  • Explain the basic approaches to high performance school design using precast concrete, and how those approaches can be used to create durable, high-performing buildings that support the safety, health and learning of students.
  • Attendees will also learn about material considerations that help control costs, maximize quality, reduce maintenance, and meet sustainable design goals for educational facilities that serve their communities at a high level for many years.
Length: 1 Hour
AIA 1.0 HSW/LU
1.0 PDH
0.1 CEU

Level 2 – Intermediate Program Number Authorized:
LIVE20DSUP100 GBCI course number: 0920012331

Owners and occupants increasingly expect their buildings to operate at a high level over a long life cycle while also being conscious of their impact on the environment. This course will discuss considerations for the holistic design and construction of sustainable structures that perform efficiently and offer occupants and communities safe, healthy and useful spaces that can be effectively utilized over many years. We’ll examine LCA data and discuss ways precast, prestressed concrete can contribute to sustainable, durable, efficient and resilient buildings.

Learning Objectives:
  • Define sustainability and material life cycle and examine how these factors impact the long-term performance of a building and the health of its occupants.
  • Discuss LEED v.4, EPDs and LCA, and examine how holistic design can impact the health, safety and welfare of occupants and the community.
  • Learn ways that precast can contribute to energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality.
  • Understand the relationship between durability, resilience and sustainability.
Length: 1 Hour
AIA 1.0 HSW/LU
1.0 PDH
0.1 CEU
GBCI 1.0 CE hour

Level 2 – Intermediate Program Number Authorized: LIVE2020PPL100

For communities to thrive, the buildings and structures that make up that community must be able to stand up to challenges presented by climate change, severe weather, fire, earthquakes, floods and other natural and human-caused disasters. This presentation will delve into ways precast concrete can contribute to buildings that protect lives, lifestyles and livelihoods.

Learning Objectives:
  • Define the concept of resiliency and discuss its important in designing for the future.
  • Discuss ways in which resilient design and sustainable design intersect.
  • Learn about ways that precast concrete can be used in designs that protect occupants and contribute to community health and resilience.
  • Discuss case studies of safe, sustainable and resilient precast concrete projects.
Length: 1 Hour
AIA 1.0 HSW/LU
1.0 PDH