Title:
Landmark Series: Dimensional Tolerances in a Tall Concrete Building
Author(s):
Philip W. Birkeland and Leonard J. Westhoff
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
25
Issue:
2
Appears on pages(s):
35-42
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
2/1/2003
Abstract:
Measurements of floor flatness and spacing between column lines are reported. These measurements were taken on a high rise office building. They represent tolerances on concrete surfaces which are realistically obtainable in high quality construction. The tolerances found are much larger than commonly specified or expected. They illustrate our industry's tolerances problem - which is that neither designer nor constructor knows what tolerances are realistically obtainable, nor what tolerances are actually required to obtain a satisfactory building. This paper attempts a start on solving the problem, by using the measured tolerances as a vehicle for discussion.