Category: Precast Blogs
Tek1 has detailed over 100,000 precast panels over 19 years.
over 90,000 were detailed under a proxy name Advanced Pretty Pictures Pty Ltd
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Importance of Gap between Slab Edge and Panel Face
It is important to leave a small gap between precast panel face and slab edge to avoid unnecessary stresses on the panel and the slab.
Keeping the slab edge incontact with the panel causes thermal expansion stresses both on the slab and Cocnrete.
To avoid crack in the slab, it is recommended to introduce an artificial crack about 1 meter from the panel
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Minimum Recomendeds Sizes for Precast Panels
Given below si minimum recommended sizes for Precast Panel legs and spandrels. However if the sizes are smaller the detailer will have query with the engineer.
Minimum recommended leg width – 600 mm
Minimum Spanders depth 900 mm
They also depend on what is the length.
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Panel To Rafter Connections
Bad connections can cause precast to crack.
Here is and example of a bad precast connection.
Avoid connections which Tie Precast panels rigidly not giving any room for shrinkage expansion
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Load Bearing & Non-load bearing concepts in precast
What is load bearing precast element?
Load bearing precast element is anything that receives load from a precast or structural members and transfers the load to another structural member or precast. These precast elements can also be used along as façade, boundary walls, or for architectural design purposes.
What is non-load bearing precast element?
Non-load bearing precast element is anything that may receive load but must not transfer loads to any other structural members or precast. Normally these kind of walls are used only for partition, façade, boundary walls, or for architectural design purposes
What is Partially-load bearing precast element?
Partially-load bearing precast element is anything that receives load from a precast or structural members and transfers the load to another structural member or precast. But only a portion of precast receives and transfers load and the remaining portions will act as non-load bearing ones. (Single precast element which acts both as load bearing & non-load bearing)
Data’s, panel types & other details for
Load-bearing element Non-bearing element Partially-load bearing element Grade, can be higher upto 80MPa Grade enough be 40MPa (UNO) Grade, can be higher up to 80MPa Gap between two elements are filled with grouting material of required grade Gap between two elements are filled with Soft joint caulking only. no grouting. Gap between two elements are filled with grouting material of required grade, extent of filling is for load bearing portion. Remaining portion will be soft joint caulking only Dowels to be black finish (UNO) Dowels to be Galvanized finish Dowels to be Black or Galvanized finish, as per load bearing extend (UNO) Dowel length, size & spacing as per Engineer’s requirement Dowel length, size & spacing as minimum as possible after discussing with Manufacturer or Engineer Dowel length, size & spacing as per Engineer’s requirement for LBP portion Dowel length, size & spacing as minimum as possible for NLBP portion Dowel & Grouting materials will transfer load to adjoining element Dowel will be used to position the precast element & no grouting material present to transfer load. So loads will not be transferred. Combination of LB & NLB criteria No ring seal around the dowel High density foam ring seal around the dowel No ring seal around the black dowel High density foam ring seal around the Galvanized dowel Grouting material will cover the dowel, so oxidation in dowel is negligible No Grouting material, oxidation in dowel is possible. So high density foam ring seal is used and dowels are galvanized to prevent oxidation in dowel Combination of LB & NLB criteria No additional tubes or caps needed Plastic tube will be placed over upper half of dowel. Compressible cap will be placed over the top of the dowel bar. Combination of LB & NLB criteria Connection with slab must Connection with slab may not needed with respect to engineer requirement Combination of LB & NLB criteria -
Precast Propping
This is an image showing how precast panels are propped
Propping parameters
Usually propped at 2/3rd height.
No of props usually 2
if the panels are wide could go to more than 2. But rarely 4.
For Panels which span 2 floors, There could be 4 props. 2 below the floor above and 2 above. When you have such a case you have to show opening on the slab through which the upper props will pass.
How long will the props stay in place.
Usually between 1 to 2 months. It could be longer if the construction pace is slow.
How many props are usually used in a multi storied construction?
Depends on construction speed number of panels.
But the number could be around 200.
With prop hire rate of around $3 per week, you can see that the cost of propping is not very small.
When you are estimating for precast, it may be good to consider how many props will be used and what would the cost of propping for a projectPropping is highly skilled job. Improper prop installation can cause accidents shutting down sites, sending stake holders broke. Not to speak of the harm it does to the site personnel.
Who designs the prop.
Most of the the time props are drafted by the detailer and submitted for approval to the engineer.
Detailer cannot issue panel or propping drawings unless there is an approval from the engineer. The certification from the engineer is a must. Without that shop drawings cannot go for construciton.
Without certification, the propping is no go good, illegal and not fit for purpose.
Insurance companies will not cover if there any issue because of prop failure if the drawings were not certified by a qualified engineer.
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Adding Ferrule Bolt
How to create a Ferrule Bolt and Use it.
Steps Edit Bolt Catalogue. Add the Ferrule bolt in this case we are going start from BOLTFB1640 and create BOLTFB1655 Then we add a bolt Assembly catalog. Again we start from Bolt BOLTFB1640 and create BOLTFB1655 Then we use that in tekla to model the bolt. When you model the bolt make sure 1. No nut is used 2. Washer is on the head side. 3. Cut length is negative of the length you want. This decides the length of the bolt in report. Most important do not ignore — Take report and check.
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Precast Blade Panels
Project Overview: Reckli Pattern Integration
At Tek1, we specialize in transforming complex architectural visions into constructible shop drawings. This model snapshot showcases a recent precast project where aesthetic texture meets structural integrity.
Technical Highlights:
- Software: Modeled 100% in Tekla Structures for BIM-ready accuracy.
- Surface Treatment: Seamless integration of Reckli formliner patterns, ensuring the architectural finish aligns perfectly across panel joints.
- Detailing Depth: Full reinforcement modeling (rebar and mesh), including lifting anchors, grout tubes, and connection hardware.
- Manufacturer Ready: Our shop drawings are designed to minimize onsite clashes and streamline the casting process at the precast yard.
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Panel Gaps and Dummy Grooves
The video explain relationship of panel gaps and dummy grooves.
As detailer you have RFI what is the panel chamfer and Size of Dummy groove.
The RFI should be addressed the to precast panel manufacturer and not anyone else.
If you get this wrong, there will be a fair bit of rework.
Hence it is important that this is address
For more videos like this visit.
