Dubai Infinity Tower Twists for Spectacular Views

In a distinctive application of architectural expressions through structural form, the Infinity Tower in Dubai, UAE, twists a full 90 degrees from its base to its crown, 305 meters (1,000 feet) above the ground, through a series of incremental plan rotations at each level. The architects proposed the twisting geometry of the Tower as a means to maximize the views at different elevations. Near the Tower's base, the Marina is the primary view. Ascending up, views to the Gulf take precedence and the building geometry is a response to this topography.

The 73 story cast-in-place reinforced concrete Infinity Tower consists of 122,000 m² (1,312,500 ft²) of residential and amenity space, as well as 12 levels of parking including 6 parking levels below grade. Currently under construction and scheduled to open in 2011, Infinity Tower will stand as an iconic centerpiece for the Dubai Marina. More on the Infinity Tower.

2009 Sustainable Development Leadership Award Winners Announced

PCA announced the winners of the 2009 Sustainable Leadership Awards at its fall meetings in Chicago. The awards honor individuals who have enacted policies or completed projects exemplifying creativity and best practices in using concrete and cement-based products for sustainable applications. More on the 2009 awards.

High Performance Building Requirements for Sustainability

To help local governments implement green building codes, PCA has developed High Performance Building Requirements for Sustainability, a sample ordinance written in mandatory language that amends and appends the International Code Council International Building Code (IBC) to address high performance and sustainable buildings. More on the ordinance.

PCA Notes on ACI 318-08 Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete with Design Applications - SEAOI 2009 Meritorious Publication Award
PCA Notes assists the engineer and architect in the proper application of the ACI 318-08 design standard. This document is also a valuable aid for educators, undergraduate and graduate students, contractors, materials and product manufacturers, building code authorities, and inspectors. More information and purchase.

Seismic Design Using Structural Dynamics (2006 IBC, 2009 IBC, ASCE/SEI 7-05)
Dynamic analysis procedures, required by the code for seismic design of a building under certain conditions, are more complicated than the more traditional static procedure. Many questions have been asked about code provisions concerning dynamic analysis. This publication has been created to answer these questions and demystify the application of the code. More information and purchase.

Seismic Detailing of Concrete Buildings
This publication contains a comprehensive summary of the seismic detailing requirements contained in Chapter 21 of Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete (318-05) and Commentary (318R-05). A supplement CD contains electronic files prepared by PCA for design use. Structural element detailing is presented in three formats; Drawing Exchange Format (DXF), Auto Cad (DWG), and Portable Document Format (PDF) for your convenience. More information and purchase.

Seismic and Wind Design of Concrete Buildings
This publication is an essential resource to comprehend the basic considerations for the design of concrete buildings for earthquake and wind forces. It covers the seismic and wind design provisions of the 2006 IBC/ASCE 7-05. Applications are illustrated by numerous design examples. More information and purchase.

Newly Released Draft from FEMA

Quantification of Building Seismic Performance Factors presents a recommended methodology for reliably quantifying building system performance and response parameters for use in seismic design. The parameters or “seismic performance factors” addressed include the response modification coefficient (R factor), system overstrength factor, and deflection amplification factor. The methodology is a refinement of an earlier preliminary methodology, and is based on a review of relevant research on nonlinear response and collapse simulation, benchmarking studies of selected structural systems, feedback from an expanded group of experts and potential users, and evaluations of additional structural systems conducted to verify the technical soundness and applicability of the approach. This draft document has been released for public comment and interim use. View it here.

Novak Selected as H.T. Person Lecturer for 2009

In honor of Prof. H.T. Person, past professor, dean and president, the University of Wyoming each year selects a H.T. Person lecturer from all of the engineering disciplines. Larry Novak, PCA's director of engineered buildings, has been chosen as this year’s H.T. Person lecturer. Novak is the first person to ever receive this honor twice—having been selected in 2002, as well. He will present at the University of Wyoming on October 9 at 3:30pm as part of the University’s homecoming celebrations.

Reinforced Concrete Design Course Coming Your Way

PCA is teaming up with ACI to present seminars on Reinforced Concrete Design in several cities across the U.S. this fall. This intensive two-day course will bring participants up-to-speed with the latest design requirements of the ACI 318-08 Building Code. You will benefit from this seminar if you are designing concrete now, but feel there must be a better way; need to do some concrete design and your skills are rusty; did not take reinforced concrete in engineering school but are now faced with designing concrete structures; are preparing for the Professional Engineers’ or Structural Engineers’ exam; or simply need Professional Development Hours to maintain your professional engineer status (worth 15 PDHs). More information and registration.

spColumn Upgraded for ACI 318-08

spColumn v4.50 (formerly pcaColumn) supports ACI 318-08 standard including revised provisions for slenderness effects in compression members. Planned for release to the public in November, new features and enhancements focused on increasing user’s productivity and to enhance transparency of produced results allowing for more comprehensive analysis and easier interpretation of the program output. Review the program technical manual for details and to learn more about spColumn features capabilities.

More about StructurePoint’s suite of reinforced concrete analysis and design software.

• SEAOSC Emerging Trends in Structural Concrete
October 10, Long Beach, Calif.

• The Structural Engineers' Buildings Conference & Expo
November 5-6, Chicago, Ill.

• Design-Build Conference and Expo
November 5-7, Washington, D.C.

• American Concrete Institute Fall Convention
November 8-12, New Orleans, La.

• Greenbuild International Conference and Expo
November 11-13, Phoenix, Ariz.

• World of Concrete
Las Vegas, Nevada
Exhibits: February 2-5, 2010
Seminars: February 1-5, 2010
Click here to get FREE admission to the exhibit and a discount on seminars.