Erection of Tilt-up Concrete Panel.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFm5LF6yWzI
The above link shows the erection of a tilt-up concrete panel into place. It is important to remember that the greatest amount of stress placed upon a concrete panel is during the lifting procedure. For this reason the panel must be appropriately supported and raised from engineer designed lifting points.

Site Visit 3: LaTrobe Terrace.

The picture above shows the intersection of two precast concrete panels. A small hole can be seen in the side of one panel and contains a steel shackle used for lifting the panel. This steel fixture is added during panel fabrication. Also note the vertical grey strip of mastic dividing the two panels to allow for future movement.

In the centre of the above picture two intersecting 'I' beams can be seen. The rigid connection method used at the intersection of these two beams is referred to as a bolted moment end plate connection. The two beams have been purposely connected at this point, due to the absence of excessive bending moments. To the far left of the beam, two vertical steel elements can be seen extending between the two flanges. These steel sections are known as stiffening plates and help prevent bending in that part of he beam.

The above picture shows a steel column descend into the concrete slab below. The reason for this is that the concrete slab is a non structural element used only as a durable and rigid floor surface. The column on the other hand is a structural element and needs to transfer the loads from above to the pad footing below slab level.

The above picture shows various steel 'I' beams and columns connected together to form a two-way rigid frame. The beams are being primarily used as the primary support for a second level. Attention must also be paid to the precast concrete panels in the background. These panels form a load bearing wall due to the absence of columns and therefore a portal frame. This can also be assumed due to the direct connection of the 'I' beams to the concrete panels.

In the foreground of the above picture, two intersecting concrete panels can be seen. Protruding from the top of these panels are steel starter bars potentially awaiting for the placement of further concrete panels.

Site Visit 2: 5 Capital Dr, Grovedale

In the above two pictures precast concrete panels can be seen set in place. In particular, it is important to note that below the panels are two white objects used as spacers until the panels are permanently fixed into place. These are called shims.

The above picture shows a horizontal precast concrete panel placed between and resting on the edge of two vertical panels. This panel is acting as a lintel. In the upper and lower corners of the lintel steel screw-in plates have been used to hold it in place temporarily.

The above picture shows a typical floor slab and a black plastic damp proof membrane. The precast concrete panel to the left contains a hole which is used as a fixing point between the precast panel and the concrete slab.

Evidence of Major Project Research

The above images show load bearing concrete panel construction for an industrial warehouse. The advantage of concrete panels in this application mainly relates to their durability as a cladding in environments where forklifts and other machinery reap havoc.