architectural
How to Enhance Mechanical Connections
Choosing the right connection for your project hinges on many factors – from function and ease of production to constructability and surface aesthetics.
By Evan Gurley
The behavior of connections used in precast concrete products greatly influences the structural integrity of the entire structure. Whether analyzing large precast concrete wall and floor panel junctions or the load transfer mechanisms used in precast concrete pavement slabs, the design and construction of the joints and connections are crucial components that ensure the stability and robustness of the structure. The overall integrity of the precast concrete structure can be substantially enhanced by minor changes in the amount, location and detailing of connections and connection hardware.
Perot Museum of Nature and Science: A Work of Art and Sustainability
By Claude Goguen, P.E., LEED AP
As the sustainable building movement continues to evolve, so have its architectural design possibilities. Incredible edifices are being constructed all over the world that are environmentally conscious and resource-efficient throughout their life cycles. A shining example of this trend can be found in Victory Park near downtown Dallas. The large, striated cube made of precast concrete and glass that seems to float in mid air houses the new Perot Museum of Nature and Science, and it is a breathtaking sight to see.
Opened in December 2012, a month ahead of schedule, this $185-million project was designed by Thom Mayne, a Pritzker Architecture Prize laureate. The tower, the largest part of the museum, is made up of 70,000 sq ft of precast panels; a plinth section consisting of 220 panels, or 27,000 sq ft of curved panels; and the atrium inside the tower containing 100 panels.
Breaking the Mold: Explorations Shaping Architectural Precast
Recent innovations in energy efficiencies and assembly techniques for precast concrete building envelopes open the door to unimagined architectural and sustainable designs.
By Matt Roper, M.Arch., LEED AP BD+C
The influence of concrete on the modern world cannot be understated. It has formed, shaped and progressed our built environment. Its solidity, strength and durability have advanced its prevalence in the building sector.
Precast concrete in particular has advanced modern civil, structural and architectural design. It has been used in some of the world’s most iconic structures, borne of advancements and refinements in material properties and assembly techniques.
Meet a Precaster-StructureCast
This month we are pleased to feature StructureCast as part of our Meet a
Precaster blog series. The following answers have been provided by Brent Dezember, StructureCast President and NPCA Secretary/Treasurer.
Don’t forget to check out all of our Meet a Precaster blog posts and if you’re an NPCA producer member and would like to be featured in a future Meet a Precaster post, please send an email to NPCA’s assistant director of communication, Kirk Stelsel.
Q: Where are you located?
A: 8261 McCutchen Road, Bakersfield, California, 93311. We are two hours north of Los Angeles in the beautiful Central Valley of California.
Q: How long have you been in business?
A: We have been StructureCast since January 1997. Prior to that time, we were Bakersfield Precast, founded in 1970.
Q: How long have you been a member of NPCA?
A: We have been a member of NPCA since 1990.
Q: Why did you join NPCA and what are the best benefits?
A: We joined NPCA to Read More »
Meet a Precaster-J&R Slaw Inc.
This month we are pleased to feature J&R Slaw Inc. as part of our Meet a Precaster blog series. The following answers have been provided by Bob Slaw.
Don’t forget to check out all of our Meet a Precaster blog posts and if you’re an NPCA producer member and would like to be featured in a future Meet a Precaster post, please send an email to NPCA’s assistant director of communication, Kirk Stelsel.
Q: Where are you located?
A: Lehighton, PA. In the heart of the lovely Pocono Mountains.
Q: How long have you been in business?
A: 33 years and going strong.
Q: How long have you been a member of NPCA?
A: Approximately 5 years.
Q: Why did you join NPCA and what are the best benefits?
A: As our client base grew, encompassing many of the DOTs in the Mid-Atlantic region, self certification for quality measures required having NPCA certified staff. One of the many reasons why we decided to join NPCA was the online Quality School. Nearly all of our Read More »
Meet a Precaster-Nitterhouse Concrete Products
This month we are pleased to feature Nitterhouse Concrete Products as part of our Meet a Precaster blog series. The following answers have been provided by Mark T. Taylor, P.E., President.
Q. Where are you located?
A. Our production plant and corporate office are located in Chambersburg, Pa., which is an ideal location because we can deliver our products to construction sites located in all of the major metropolitan areas within the mid-Atlantic region.
Q. How long have you been in business?
A. The Nitterhouse company was started nearly nine decades with a $60 block machine purchased from Sears Roebuck & Co. in 1923. From those very meager beginnings, the Nitterhouse family has built a business empire. The Nitterhouse family originally emigrated from Germany in the 1700s to work in construction. In 1934, they built their first major plant to produce concrete masonry products and expanded rapidly in 1951 when they started producing major precast/prestressed concrete products. The Nitterhouse company is now into its fifth generation and remains very much a family enterprise with the 3rd generation, William K. Nitterhouse, serving as the corporate chairman.
Q. How long have you been a member of the NPCA?
A. Cumulatively, Nitterhouse Concrete Products Inc. has been a member of NPCA for more than 30 years.
Q. What products to you produce?
A. As a single-source, precast/prestressed concrete manufacturer, Nitterhouse Concrete produces a full range of precast products and building systems, including double tees, commercial wall panels, BestWallTM basement walls, columns, beams, ConCoreFloorTM hollowcore plank, parking structure components, custom-engineered precast buildings, and architectural panels used by industrial, commercial and residential customers. Our office and plant occupy 100 acres adjacent to our main masonry facility.
Q. Have you introduced any new products lately?
A. Some of the newer products we have recently introduced to the market were developed to address the issue of using greener, more environmentally friendly building products such as our trademarked eco-Smart ConCoreFloorTM hollowcore plank for residential construction. We also introduced a larger, 16″ hollowcore plank that is capable of providing a 50-ft. clear span and handle a 100-lb. live load. Our newest product,
though, is our BestWallTM precast concrete wall for residential construction.
Q. What are the top attributes of precast concrete?
A. Precast concrete has many valuable attributes. Along with reducing on-site construction time and labor, offering quality-controlled indoor production, and plasticity in design, precast concrete is an ideal “green” building product. When evaluating sustainable design from a holistic approach, a totally precast concrete structure becomes apparent as the best building material to use. A totally precast concrete structure is one of the most affordable when coordinating all of the building elements at the initial design stage to achieve maximum energy efficiencies. In addition to an integrated design, the use of precast concrete also contributes to sustainable practices by using materials efficiently – reducing construction waste, site disturbances, noise, and project costs – and produces a building that is energy and resource efficient.
Q. What has your company done to fight off the recession?
A. The continued success of the Nitterhouse companies during financially challenging periods can be attributed to past experience, future vision, ambition, a determination to succeed, perseverance, and sound business sense and financial management, particularly during difficult economic times. Nitterhouse is structured and positioned to react quickly and adapt to changes in market conditions and product preferences within various market segments. This, combined with innovative, creative thinking and a solid financial foundation, enables it to quickly develop and introduce new products to the marketplace.
Q. What have you seen in your area as far as recovery?
A. Business is starting to show some signs of growth, which is very encouraging. In order to maintain or accelerate this growth, however, financial investors need to be willing to take some slight risks in order for the construction and housing industries to begin building again.
Q. What are your plans for the future?
A. Our plans for the future will be to continue to operate our businesses in much the same way as we have been. We will be looking to the future for changing trends, developing products to meet changing needs, and to continue to expand our products and expertise, capitalizing on the latest technological advancements in the concrete industry.
Please check out our past Meet a Precaster blog posts and if you’re an NPCA producer member and would like to be featured in a future Meet a Precaster post, please send an email to NPCA’s assistant director of communication, Kirk Stelsel.
Raising the Roof: Precast Takes Sports Stadiums to New Levels
When designing a 21st century sports stadium, architects and engineers must create a multi-purpose facility that can meet a wide range of needs. To accomplish this, designers and contractors have turned to precast concrete building components for both architectural and structural applications. Precast concrete provides a consistent, durable solution that increases productivity for all phases of the construction process.
By Kirk Stelsel
For four weeks in June and July, the world’s focus was on South Africa for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Soccer’s global draw is immense. It’s estimated that 700 million viewers tuned in for the final match – all of whom saw the flexibility and beauty of precast concrete, even though they probably didn’t realize it.
Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, was designed by Populous and Boogertman + Partners to be a symbol of the host country and the continent. Meant to resemble a traditional African pot known as a calabash, the unique look required an equally unique product to bring the design to life (see Figure 1). Read More »
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