Exposing Exposed Concrete—Design, Construction, and Maintenance Considerations for Success

Exposed concrete walls have become an increasingly popular architectural feature on buildings, functioning as the building structure, and weather protection as well as making an aesthetic statement. However, when concrete is left exposed to the elements, its performance, durability, and water tightness require careful consideration to prevent underperformance. Exposed concrete walls are susceptible to cracking and spalling, which result in leakage, aesthetic issues and, in some cases, structural failure. Coordination efforts between structural engineers, building owners, contractors, architects, and maintenance teams is required to achieve structural and weatherproofing performance while also achieving the desired appearance. Professionals need to consider both structural and weatherproofing design and installation practices when specifying exposed concrete walls including crack mitigation, thermal performance, and energy efficiency, structural design, detailing at openings and transitions, and long-term quality control. This paper discusses the depth of design, construction, and maintenance plans required for long-term success when specifying exposed concrete walls and other building elements. Case studies and relevant industry standards will be used to reinforce the importance of these considerations and used to develop basic guidelines for a more holistic approach to designing, constructing, and maintaining exposed concrete.