Title:
Architecture Sustained in Concrete
Author(s):
Steve Ratchye
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
28
Issue:
5
Appears on pages(s):
35-40
Keywords:
ground granulated blast-furnace slag; office; seismic; shearwall; sustainability; thermal mass
DOI:
Date:
5/1/2006
Abstract:
The new 18-story San Francisco Federal Building is an architecturally striking expression of sustainability. This article examines concrete’s contribution to meeting the design goals for this office building. Slab soffits and walls are exposed for aesthetic reasons, but also serve as thermal mass to aid natural ventilation. Blast-furnace slag replaces portland cement to reduce the embodied energy of the structure. Seismic design of the shearwalls and construction of waveform ribbed slabs are also discussed.