Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Page 1 of 3
Commercial
Concrete benefits
As well as providing the structural frame, concrete can be used to improve the overall performance of a building. The following list gives an indication of the many benefits of using concrete for a commercial building.
Clear spans
Reducing the number of columns to increase open plan areas and increase flexibility for re-use are often important in commercial buildings. Prestressing the concrete is a tried and tested method that can deliver these longer spans. (See post-tensioning or hybrid concrete construction floors below).
Thermal mass
A concrete structure has a high thermal mass. Exposed soffits allow fabric energy storage (FES), regulating temperature swings. This can reduce initial plant costs and ongoing operational costs, while converting plant space to usable space. With the outlook of increasingly hot summers, it makes sense to choose a material that reduces the requirement for energy intensive, high maintenance air-conditioning. More information on thermal mass can be found in the Publications Library.
Adaptability
Markets and working practices are constantly changing, therefore it makes sense to consider a material that can accommodate changing needs or be adapted with minimum effort. A concrete frame can easily be adapted to other uses. Holes can be cut through slabs and walls relatively simply, while there are methods to strengthen the frame if required.
Partitions
Sealing and fire stopping at partition heads is simplest with flat soffits. Significant savings of up to 10 per cent of the partitions package can be made compared to the equivalent dry lining package abutting a
http://www.concretecentre.com/technical_information/building_sectors/commercial.aspx
14/02/2012
Commercial
Page 2 of 3
profiled soffit with downstands. This can represent up to 4 per cent of the frame cost, and a significant reduction in programme length.
Concrete solutions
Concrete offers a whole range of options for meeting the requirements of a particular project. The options outlined below are the most popular for commercial buildings. More information on concrete frame solutions can be found in the concrete frames section and the publication Economic Concrete Frame Elements.
Flat slab
Flat slabs are slabs that are supported directly on columns without any beams. They are highly versatile elements widely used in construction, providing minimum depth, fast construction and allowing flexible column grids.
Concrete proof
An independent cost study for office buildings has been carried out by a team comprising Allies and Morrison, Arup, Davis Langdon and Mace. Six short-span structural options were fully priced, with the costings based on detailed plans and structural solutions. The study found that a flat slab was the most economic solution and that as well as comparing the cost of the structural frame, the benefits discussed above should be including in the cost comparison because they can reduce costs for other elements of the building. For more information on the study visit the Publications Library to download the Office Cost Study publication, or the more detailed Cost Model Study - Commercial Buildings.
Related Information
http://www.concretecentre.com/technical_information/building_sectors/commercial.aspx
14/02/2012
Commercial
Page 3 of 3
Thermal Mass Explained Hybrid Concrete Construction Crosswall Construction Precast Concrete in Buildings Post-tensioned Concrete Floors Economic Concrete Frame Elements Concrete Structures 10 Cost Model Study - Commercial Buildings
Webcasts Innovate Green Office - The UK's Greenest Office? An Office for the Future - BDP's New Manchester HQ Tooley Street, low-energy, holistic design and construction: moving the commercial agenda forward
MPA - The Concrete Centre. Published by The Concrete Centre, part of the Mineral Products Association. Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy and Data Consent.
http://www.concretecentre.com/technical_information/building_sectors/commercial.aspx
14/02/2012