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Precast/Prestressed Concrete
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 Precast
concrete systems combine structural and architectural components
to create long-lasting buildings and structures. From high-rise
office buildings to landmark bridges, parking structures to correctional
facilities, stadiums to schools—even in high seismic zones—precast
concrete can achieve safe, beautiful, and durable results.
Quality in Manufacturing
Because components are precast at manufacturing facilities, quality
control measures ensure that every piece is made to specifications.
The components can be cast and transported to the job site while
designs are still being finalized, helping to speed construction
schedules. Evolutions in self-consolidating concrete also promise
to offer new options and challenges for designers using precast.
Sustainability
As with all concrete wall systems, precast offers high durability
and strength as well as thermal mass, which contributes to increased
energy efficiency. Precast systems use locally derived materials,
and can incorporate recycled supplementary cementitious materials
like fly ash and slag cement, one of the key reasons why they are
often used in sustainable or “green” buildings. In fact,
concrete structures can qualify for a high number of points toward
certification under the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership
in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Green Building Rating
System. More on points for concrete in
LEED.
Variety, Flexibility, Utility
One of the biggest benefits of precast systems is in their design:
tight controls mean more efficient mix designs, resulting in smaller
structural members and longer spans. Construction waste is reduced
because the exact amount of necessary components is delivered to
the site; any spare components can be recycled, and their materials
used again in another structure. Precast systems can adopt almost
any aesthetic, incorporating a variety of colors and textures, or
emulating natural stone. By crafting systems that not only look
great, but also act as structural walls and support floor loads,
designers can reduce material redundancy—and project costs.
Total Precast
The idea of “total precast” has become a buzzword in
recent years, and the practice is common in many metro areas, especially
in residential applications. By combining many precast elements
to produce a complete structure, concrete’s benefits are maximized.
Industry Resources
The Precast/Prestressed
Concrete Institute (PCI) offers a broad spectrum of resources
for architects and engineers, including design specifications for
both architectural and structural applications.
| Publications |
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PCI
Design Handbook, Precast and Prestressed Concrete - 6th Edition
(LT151)
Published by the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute, this
Handbook has been revised to reflect recent changes in the building
codes and standards issued by ASCE, ACI and IBC. The Sixth Edition
provides easy-to-follow design procedures, newly formatted numerical
examples, and both new and updated design aids using ASCE 7-02,
ACI 318-02, the third edition of the AISC Steel Manual and IBC
2003. The Sixth Edition also includes new and updated information
on: 15 Foot Wide Double Tee Load Tables, Seismic Design, Torsion
and Shear Design, Load and Resistance Factors, Headed Stud Connection
Design, and Fire Resistance. |
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Manual
for the Design of Hollow Core Slabs, 2nd ed. (LT256)
Learn the latest design requirements for hollow core floor and
roof systems. The Manual includes information on the various
types of hollow core systems, framing concepts, and design tables
for various span and loading conditions. Also included are special
design considerations (load distribution, effect of openings,
cantilevers, horizontal joints), diaphragm action, connections,
fire resistance, and acoustical properties. Published by the
Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute. |
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Parking
Structures: Recommended Practice for Design and Construction
(LT262)
This manual provides a comprehensive reference for the design,
construction, and maintenance of precast prestressed concrete
parking structures. Included is information on durability,
functionality, cost, and structural design. Case studies are
also provided. Published by the Precast Prestressed Concrete
Institute.
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PCA
Notes on ACI 318-05 Building Code Requirements for Structural
Concrete with Design Applications (EB705)
Designed to help you apply the provisions of ACI 318-05 to
the design and construction of concrete structures, these
Notes were prepared with engineers and architects in mind.
PCA Notes is also a valuable aid to educators, undergraduate
and graduate students, contractors, materials and product
manufacturers, building code authorities, and inspectors.
The 34 chapters of PCA Notes provide detailed coverage of
ACI 318-05’s 22 chapters and four appendixes dealing
with strut-and-tie models, alternative provisions for reinforced
and prestressed concrete flexural and compression members,
alternative load and strength-reduction factors, and anchorage
to concrete. The chapters are introduced with a summary of
code changes in 2005 and contain numerical examples that help
design professionals to better understand and apply the code
provisions.
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Concrete
Systems for Homes and Low-Rise Construction Item Code
(SP405)
Fast gaining on more traditional homebuilding materials, concrete
systems save builders time and money. Written by PCA experts,
this resource provides expert, straightforward answers on
concrete systems, including everything you want to know about
availability of products, evaluating concrete systems for
homes and low-rise buildings, requirements for application,
managing projects, and much more. Based on case histories,
field research, and hands-on-the-hammer experience, and with
more than 325 photos and illustrations, this one-stop resource
shows and tells what you want to know.
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