Multi-Family

Precast exterior cladding can be solid or insulated panels, orientated horizontal or vertical and have bearing on CIP or total precast framing systems.  Typically cladding is panelized horizontal to fit between the floors with “punched” windows blockouts (blockouts that do not extend to edge of panel).  Gravity and tie connections designed with tolerance allow for proper positioning of panel into final position.  Interior finishes can be furred out to include desired appearance or precast face can be conditioned to be painted.  With proper panel layout and coordination, glazing option installed at precast plant are available.

High performance insulated precast concrete wall panels are strong enough to withstand high winds and wind driven projectiles, hurricanes and wildfires. The high strengths and low water-cement ratios used in the precasting process, combined with proper compaction and curing in a controlled factory environment ensure a dense, highly durable concrete. Low water-cement ratio concrete has been proven to resist weathering and corrosion of embedded steel. Air-entrainment is used to improve freezing and thawing resistance, particularly in severe environments.

Gravity loads and the transfer of these loads to the supporting structure. Vertical (gravity) loads are parallel to the plane of the wall at an eccentricity influenced by the geometry of the wall, location of load, and manufacturing and erection tolerances.  Tolerance and adjustable are important when design gravity load connections as these connections will set the final position of precast.  Jacking bolts are often used to set precast height while welding tabs between embedded angle and CIP embeds allows for adjustment in position before welding into final location.

Tie back connections are used to keep the precast in plane but also must allow for movement largely due to the higher seismic areas found in the Pacific Northwest.  A combination of precast embedded directional inserts and slotted angles are commonly design to allow vertical and horizontal movement.  Pre-welding of the slotted angle to CIP embed can be used to cut down the amount of time precast is supporting by crane during installation.