Title:
Serviceability and Safety: Core Aspects of Sustainable Structures
Author(s):
Andrea J. Schokker
Publication:
Symposium Paper
Volume:
284
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
1-8
Keywords:
sustainability, green, resilience, safety, environment
DOI:
10.14359/51683796
Date:
3/1/2012
Abstract:
Serviceability, safety, and resilience are core components of a sustainable structure. This paper will discuss the key issues related to economic, social, and environmental factors. Structural efficiency plays an important role in reducing material usage while maintaining the necessary serviceability (including durability) of a structure. Resilience against both manmade events (such as terrorist attacks) and forces of nature (such as tsunamis, hurricanes, tornados, and flooding) has come to the forefront in recent years since longevity of a structure is central to sustainability. Wrapped into each of these decisions related to serviceability and safety/resilience are the potential environmental concerns related to choice of materials. Each of these topics is discussed within the context of concrete structures.