I have worked in building maintenance and repair. One thing that is extremely hazardous to a concrete building is too much water. I have seen many concrete planters that crack and result in water leaks for lower levels. Standing water in concrete structures is a huge no no. I do not have a lot of experience in engineering on this matter, but whenever I see a solar punk sky scraper with vegetation on its exterior, I think “cool, but maintenance and inspection must be horrible! Repairs must cost a fortune when those roots and moisture degree the concrete.”

What engineering controls does one need to create a durable structure while exposed to constant moisture needed for vegetation, and the vegetation itself? I know there are green sky scrapers with gardens all over. What is the maintenance of those structures? Do they hold up\last as long as bare concrete structures?

  • mercurly
    3·
    9 months ago

    Standing water in concrete structures is a huge no no.

    Isn’t this one of the big reasons why the Florida apartment complex collapsed?

    What engineering controls does one need to create a durable structure while exposed to constant moisture needed for vegetation, and the vegetation itself?

    I started thinking about this yesterday too, after watching the Ask This Old House guys remove moss from a roof, explaining that it will retain water and shorten the life of the shingles. As some houses are prone to moss, you’d think we’d just figure out how to make a bio-roof. That seems like your step one to a veg-roof.