The area where floor beams and link beams frame into boundary elements of shearwalls can become very congested. If the walls are sized without proper consideration of the potential conflicts, it can become very difficult to fit all the bars in the allotted space and very difficult to properly consolidate the concrete. Suggestions for easing the congestion in these critical areas are presented.

Micro-reinforced concrete incorporates multiple layers of three-dimensional fine steel mesh encased in a dense, high-strength mortar. Due to the material’s unique combination of properties, it’s already found acceptance in Europe for applications requiring resistance to blast, ballistic, impact, seismic, and other extreme loads. The unique properties of micro-reinforced concrete, which is now available in North America, and some of its current applications are discussed.