A team of experts examined eight representative examples of industrialized building systems in six countries to determine the origins of the system and the approach taken by its originators; the reasons that led school building agencies to adopt the system; the quality and other characteristics of the finished product; system costs compared with…

This report contains four papers written during an investigation of methods for evaluating the safety of existing school buildings under Research Applied to National Needs (RANN) grants. In "Evaluation of Earthquake Safety of Existing Buildings," by B. Bresler, preliminary ideas on the evaluation of the earthquake safety of existing…

Tornadoes and extreme winds cause heavy loss of life and property damage throughout the United States. Most buildings offer significant protection from this danger, and building administrators should know the areas where this protection is available. This booklet presents a review of three schools, all of which were struck by tornadoes on April 3,…

Two beams forming part of the roof over the swimming pool at the school collapsed. The investigation showed that the cause of the failure was loss of strength due to conversion of high alumina cement concrete followed by sulphate attack leading to disruption of the concrete. The degree of conversion and loss of strength was greater than expected…

Following recent tornadoes, terms of specially trained architectural and engineering faculty conducted onsite examinations and research of building damage. It was concluded that tornado damage to buildings is predictable. A trained architect or engineer can establish, before a tornado strikes, those portions of the building that will offer the…

This paper provides a scientific basis for the formulation and expression of performance standards and specifications and for explicit attention to performance in procedural and prescriptive standards and specifications. The provisions of "Interim Performance Criteria for Solar Heating and Combined Heating/Cooling Systems and Dwellings," a…

The Center for Building Technology (CBT) provides the technical and scientific bases for criteria and standards that improve the usefulness, safety, and economy of buildings while conserving building materials and energy. CBT's activities support the building technology program of the federal, state, and local government; assist design…

The Center for Building Technology (CBT) provides the technical and scientific bases for criteria and standards that improve the usefulness, safety, and economy of buildings. CBT research also aims at conserving building materials and energy. Individual projects may emphasize one or more of the center's typical activities in providing improved…