In general, engineered reinforced concrete structures experienced less damage compared with structures constructed with traditional construction practice.
A considerable number of buildings were constructed under poor construction practice by low-cost, incompetent traditional builders, without compliance with any safety rules and regulations and sufficient knowledge in construction science and earthquake engineering.
It was established that the implementation of fabricated concrete boundary columns made of precast concrete interlocking blocks improved seismic response with respect to traditional construction practice and 37 trial buildings were constructed to demonstrate implementation of the technique.
However, due to the practical difficulties that this anchorage detail entails, it has been common construction practice in some countries (including Spain) to place closed stirrups without encircling the main tensile reinforcement.
"Dewatering" is another standard construction practice for excavations.
"It is standard construction practice for there to be substantial connections between the floors and the wall," he said.
Subsequently he embarked on an intensive study of construction practice and of the craftsmanship involved in building.
Big Dig officials have said the anchor system is a common construction practice, but investigators are reviewing building and construction codes in other states to see if it is allowed in infrastructure projects.
"The main issue here will probably be shaking," he said, "and this is an area that is particularly vulnerable in terms of construction practice, and with a high population density.
Dale Anne Reiss, the global director for Ernst & Young's real estate, hospitality and construction practice, said that private REIT's were sold to people looking for a safe investment, who might otherwise buy a certificate of deposit at a lower rate of return.
Using Forrester's figures, Dale Anne Reiss, the global director for Ernst & Young's real estate, hospitality and construction practice, calculates that the demand for office space (based on an estimate of 220 square feet per employee) will drop by about 50 million square feet a year as jobs move overseas.
