Constructing buildings in different climates will mean choosing the right materials for the weather and ensuring that they last through potential natural disasters. In a state like Utah, it is important for contractors and commercial construction companies to design buildings for all different types of environmental factors. Choosing materials and components for building in harsh environments will save you money on future repairs.
EK Bailey has constructed many sustainable and adaptable buildings for Utah businesses. In this blog, we will look at some reinforced materials, how to protect your project from storms during the building process, and how to help the building last through changing temperatures.
1- Choose Reinforced Materials
The best way to ensure that your building can withstand weather and natural disasters is to build with reinforced materials. These materials have reinforced fibers, and additives, and have increased strength-to-weight ratios. These types of materials will have less risk of corrosion which will prevent a weakened building. Corrosion and degradation could lead to building collapse during extremely cold temperatures, earthquakes, tsunamis, and more.
Some common materials you could look for include stainless steel, carbon fiber, advanced composites, and fiber-reinforced polymer.
2- Make Your Structure Flexible
As architecture continues to evolve, many different building designs will help the building to flex or move and stay standing during an earthquake. Strategically placing beams inside a large building will help to transfer the energy and shock waves throughout the building.
There are other instances in which your building should be flexible besides just potential earthquakes. The environment can change as trees are removed, more buildings are built, the earth warms, and other factors. Talking to environmental specialists or learning more about sustainable construction could help set your project up for long-term success.
3- Brace Building Components
While building, weather components can arise and put a delay in your project. Tilt-up panels, masonry walls, scaffolding, anchors, and more should be put in place to keep your work zone safe. Cover openings with tarps until windows or doors can be installed. Securing partially build materials and keeping workers properly informed will prevent injury and project delays.
Building in harsh environments doesn’t have to take twice as long as a normal construction project. When construction managers take the right precautions, the weather won’t slow down production.
4- Have A Safety Plan For Multiple Weather Conditions
It may be hard to predict when inclement weather may occur, and how building in harsh environments will affect your workers. Having a safety plan in action that all your crew is aware of will help prevent injury and chaos.
Some things to consider include,
- Secure large equipment
- Plan an escape route
- Identify a place for site drainage
- Protect workers from flying hazards
- Relocate vehicles
- Prohibit smoking
- Offer weather protective gear
Locking down a safety plan and putting plans in place before storms occur, will set your construction site up for success.
5- Build With The Future In Mind
Designing your building for the future could help it remain standing during harsh conditions down the road. Over time, land will change, trees and other vegetation will be removed, and the way the world functions will change. If you plan for your building to be a safe place and refugees, it can be sustainable and a staple for people.
The land will change slowly as well, so as mentioned above, having a flexible building plan even while you are in the construction phase will save you from frustration. Moving walls, mobile shading devices, and on-site medical facilities will help your building in harsh environments and prepare you for any instance that may come up.
Installing sustainable materials or items like solar panels can make a strong building in harsh conditions and withstand a natural disaster. The building can be a place with light and water for those whose spaces may be without these vital necessities.
Construction Projects From EK Bailey
Our building professionals mostly work on commercial projects around the state of Utah. Fast-food restaurants, shopping centers, medical facilities, and tilt-up buildings are just some of our common projects.
As our company has grown since 1954, we have learned more about modern construction methods and how they can improve commercial buildings for the future. Our priority is to ensure that every customer is completely satisfied with our work. We have an excellent team of estimators, project managers, operators, builders, and more to ensure that your project is built to perfection.