Eliminating Concrete Moisture through Sustainable Design

Eliminating Concrete Moisture through Sustainable Design

Few aspects of the design process are conducted in “silos” that are as disassociated from one another as the approach many projects take to interior concrete slab specifications and subsequent flooring specification sections. This is not done intentionally but is rather a by-product of lack of coordination and a fundamental misunderstanding between those involved with the structural elements and those involved with the aesthetic and finishing elements. This presentation discusses sustainability and what it means, drawing the reader into a clear discussion of how sustainability relates to LEED®, lean construction, green building, and process improvement. Inconsistencies are exposed between the tenets of sustainability and current specification processes related to concrete moisture, with clear recommendations given as to how the specifying professional can resolve those disconnects.

Learning Objectives: 
  1. Identify the fundamental characteristics of sustainable design.
  2. Examine the sustainable aspects of concrete as a building material.
  3. Evaluate the current approach for testing for concrete moisture against the principles of sustainability.
  4. Specify proactive measures to address concrete slab moisture so projects are not prevented from installing on time.
Provided By: 
Design Category: 
(03) Concrete
Applicable Credits