Resilient Construction with Concrete

A recent trend that is getting attention from the building industry is “resilient construction.”  The movement is defined by the National Ready Mix Concrete Association (NRMCA) as a push toward “more durable construction of today’s residential and commercial buildings that increases occupant safety, reduces costs associated with maintenance and reconstruction, and reduces their environmental footprint.”  In fact the U.S. government considers this move so important that many of the structures are eligible for a tax credit. 

The Portland Cement Association (PCA) suggests that concrete structures can play a vital role in better preparing communities for potential disasters and to “survive with less loss of housing, employment, and critical services.”  When the durability of public buildings, businesses and residential homes is improved, it lessens the impact on the entire community when disaster strikes.  

Incorporating concrete into different types of building structures offers incomparable structural strength as well as a strong resistance to wind.  Concrete is successfully used in the construction of concrete walls, floors, and roof systems.  The NRMCA cites the following reasons why resilient construction has such an important place in today’s world with its ability to:    

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•     Preserve the built environment, both residential and commercial
•        Reduce public and private disaster aid
•     Increase building occupant safety
•       Reduce costs of building maintenance
•         Maintain employment in businesses and institutions that might otherwise be forced to close following a man-made or natural catastrophe.

Keep in mind that disasters such as Hurricane Sandy cost $9.7 billion in insurance claims from damaged property as well as another $50.7 billion in supplemental government funding for the area.  To demonstrate that resilient construction can save lives and money, the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety recently simulated hurricane-strength winds on a structure built with fortified resilient construction techniques and a traditionally built structure.  The report states that the fortified structure was able to withstand the simulated disaster while the traditionally built structure was destroyed in 52 seconds.

The Conco Companies are a leading supplier of concrete services for the Western U.S. We got our start in the Bay Area in 1959 by offering clients the best value on a wide range of concrete services and products.  Since that time, we have taken a leading role as one of the top concrete contractors in the region. Our offices serve California, Colorado, Oregon, Washington and Nevada.

Sources: cement.org/think-harder-concrete-/homes/resilient-construction, nrmcavoice.com/resilient-construction/