 |
 |
IC Industrieboden Consulting GmbH Mozartstrasse 23 D-66976 Rodalben/Pfalz Tel. +49-6331-2311-0 Fax +49-6331-18433 consulting@industrial-floors.com |
|
|
7 Prospects
|
Industrial Floors 1991, International Colloquium Jan 15-17, 1991 |
|||||
Unfortunately it is evident that not only the sensation-seeking and news-hungry press, which lacks the requisite technical knowledge, but also the often alarming lack of expertise amongst engineers has led to the opinion that cracks in concrete are always faults. At the most one could talk of a controlled defect whose effect is limited in time. The fact is that in engineering it is completely normal to take into account localized damage... ... It is incorrect to assume that every crack has to be grouted or sealed. If excessive localized stresses have caused crack formation in concrete and this localized stress has not been reduced by the crack forming, it is highly probable that new cracks will appear after the first ones have been filled. Until the cause of crack formation is precisely known there is little sense in carrying out repair work. |
On the basis of the knowledge we now possess great importance must be attributed to the problem of strength in particular. In my opinion very important improvements can be achieved simply by creating greater awareness amongst the parties involved (building owners, planners, site managers, foreman and building workers).
In our society, which is based on the division of labour, staff motivation is increasingly a problem, i.e. how to involve staff in the success of the work they do. If it is possible for even ordinary workers to identify with their work, i.e. to be proud to work for the building project and for the company, the result will generally be significantly better.
If one has to make a decision - as many of you must - about which floor from the wide range of options if best for a particular purpose, this usually involves a cost-benefit analysis (value analysis) which must also consider the question of whether qualified floor-laying staff are available. If this is not the case the planned type of floor construction has to be dropped.
Another word on the subject of information: 20,000 pieces of work appear every day worldwide. This quantity of information is so overwhelming that nobody is in a position to handle it. Around 60% of all patent applications have to be refused because the state of technology has not been adequately researched. We therefore have no option but to use* databases if we want to be able to work efficiently.
But be aware: information is not knowledge, knowledge ist not a decision, and a decision is not necessarily a good decision. Thus the internet is not of great help for good decision making…The philosopher Hermann Lübbe, who teaches in Zürich, once gave the following warning about the flood of information which engulfs us:
|
The current state of knowledge can no longer |
Colloquiums such as the one you are participating in are designed to re-establish an overview of technical developments. It is also important that, in the discussions which follow the individual lectures, you insist on learning what is important for you personally and that the lecturer clearly illustrates it with examples. Do not hesitate to ask the experts questions. In this way you will go home better equipped to tackle the problems you are confronted with daily. Hopefully you will also familiarize yourself with the best method of achieving the right floor.
