Construction World April 2019

ARCHITECTS SHOULD KNOW CONCRETE BETTER

R oxburgh, senior lecturer at TCI’s School of Concrete Technology, says architects who employ concrete in their designs because of its versatility and flexibility should also be versed in the practical properties of concrete at various construction stages and the variety of finishes – both off-shutter and architectural – concrete offers. This would not only enhance the architects’ knowledge of the huge design potential of concrete but also ensure that durability is incorporated into their concrete creations. Faced by increasing natural disasters as wild fires, hurricanes earthquakes, and floods, stability and strength are now increasing design considerations. “However, architects need no convincing about the aesthetic qualities of concrete and are constantly finding new and exciting ways of showcasing concrete beauty. Concrete offers unlimited potential. It allows for design variations such as gently flowing structures, curves, or straight lines to enhance the artistic properties of a building. No other modern construction material offers the designer such a variety of forms, colours, and textures. Furthermore, the plasticity of concrete enables architects to transform the structures they visualise into reality – free of post and beam limitations,” he adds. Concrete also offers benefits enough about the technological aspects of concrete, says John Roxburgh of The Concrete Institute (TCI) in Midrand. Concrete is the material of choice for many architects and structural designers globally because of the vast design spectrum it offers but not enough South African construction professionals know

such as strength, sustainability, economy, thermal efficiency, and sound attenuation. Speed of construction and the opportunity concrete offers to use local labour and materials are also regarded as important advantages. Roxburgh says the School of Concrete Technology’s five-day Concrete Technology training course, to be presented in Midrand, Durban and Cape Town

this year, is the ideal course for architects and civil and structural engineers. “Not only would it provide these professionals with essential technological concrete knowledge but also boost their career advancement,” Roxburgh adds. 

Designing with concrete offers unlimited creative potential – but architects should know more about concrete technology, says TCI’s John Roxburgh.

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CONSTRUCTION WORLD APRIL 2019