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Hybrid Precast Frames Meets Seismic Challenges
Hybrid Precast Frames Meets Seismic Challenges
Hybrid Precast Frames Meets Seismic Challenges
P
roducing precast concrete
structures that meet strict code
requirements for seismic condi-
tions has long challenged designers and
precasters. But a new design approved
for use in western regional codes has
proven it can meet the needs while
saving time, material and money. In
the process, says the team of engineers
and contractors who devised it, the
design has the potential to alter the
fundamental way in which Type I
structures are designed and built in
regions of high seismic activity.
“Virtually any type of building can
ASCENT, SPRING 1997
rently, there are highrise structures components within the joint.” modate the seismic ground motion.”
being designed with this system, as well By keeping the initial post- (For details on how the system installs,
as parking structures that have been tensioning force low relative to the see the sidebar.)
constructed,” says Lew. “All types of strand’s ultimate strength, the high- The result is a hybrid precast frame
buildings will benefit, and we expect strength steel does not yield, staying that can be constructed economically
more will be using it soon, because it within its elastic range with a large while exhibiting higher performance
should cost less than other conventional reserve capacity for deformation. This than conventionally reinforced cast-in-
systems and speed construction.” provides a restoring force that allows place concrete frames, he says. Its drift
the post-tensioning steel to make the capacity exceeds six percent, demon-
Connection Absorbs Energy joint self-centering, resulting in no strating its reserve capacity, he adds.
In essence, the system consists of a residual drift or building lean after a Only negligible cracks occurred at this
precast concrete moment frame that seismic test. “In simpler terms,” high level, and these closed up again
absorbs seismic energy in a manner that Seagren says, “the elasticity of the joint upon the removal of the load, confirm-
is independent of the integrity of the allows it to open and close, much like a ing the elastic response of the column
spring-loaded door, in order to accom- and beam elements.
economically while grouted with a fiber-reinforced grout. The ducts containing the reinforcing
bars may be grouted at the same time.
exhibiting higher When a line of beams is in place and the grout at the beam-to-column
interface has gained strength, the post-tensioning steel is installed and stressed.
performance.’ The temporary corbels are removed and the floor system is then installed.
The intent of the system is to have the beams and columns act as rigid
16 bodies, with the deformation of the system concentrating at the beam-to-
spring. (For details, see “A Hybrid column joints. The end of the beam rocks against the column face and a single
Reinforced Precast Frame for Seismic crack opens there. The post-tensioning remains elastic through story drifts of
Regions” in the March/April 1997 issue 3.5 percent due to debonding and to the location of the post-tensioning steel.
of PCI Journal.)
Others who have participated in
reviewing and testing the system also
have been impressed with its potential.
“The precast hybrid frame uses
traditional materials in a unique way
that vastly improves both the reliability
and performance of a building
constructed with this system,” says
Suzanne Dow Nakaki, president of
Englekirk & Nakaki Inc. “This benefits
not only building owners but the
occupants and users of the building
also.” Adds Stanton, “The technical
innovation is a remarkable break- This diagram of the partial bonding of the post-tensioned strand shows how the system works
through.” within the building’s frame. Diagram courtesy of NIST
Key Advantages buildings were demolished due to other existing systems. For example, in
The system offers owners and prohibitive repair costs. “The precast one recently constructed parking
designers a host of advantages over moment-resistant frame results in a garage, savings were estimated at
other systems, including providing building whose value and usefulness is approximately one percent of the total
another option when deciding among not diminished or decimated by a constructed cost, with a 60-percent
fundamental building materials with seismic event,” Seagren says. savings over the number of man-hours
which to build. Others include: • Simplicity: “The beauty of this that would have been needed to
• Lifecycle costs: “Long-term costs new technology is that it is quite construct a conventional lateral-bracing
of the system offer a quantum transparent to the designer, simplifying system. “These savings, achieved by the
improvement over other systems,” says thorough understanding,” says Nakaki. new frame, will only increase as its
Seagren. Following earthquakes, a “The science behind the system construction techniques are perfected.”
structure using a precast frame requires that the designer truly • Speed: Savings also are expected to
constructed with this process will mount from the reduced time needed
require only normal inspection and ‘Long-term costs offer a to install the system over conventional
minimal, if any, repair of structural systems, Seagren notes. A recently
members, he says. That’s a dramatic quantum improvement completed 550,000-square-foot, 1,719-
change from what typically is car parking lot used the system and was
experienced following a seismic over other systems.’ erected in six and one-half months,
disaster. For instance, after the compared to an estimated 12 months
Northridge, Calif., earthquake, a understands the expected post-elastic to finish it with a conventional system.
relatively minor seismic event, it was performance of the system. This is That resulted in a 45-percent savings in
revealed that conventional steel knowledge that is deeply hidden in the project delivery time, bringing the
moment-resisting frames experienced intent of the prescriptive sections of our structure on line quicker and
widespread brittle failure, encom- existing building codes for other types generating revenues faster, in addition
passing more than 100 buildings. of system.” to cutting time on construction loans
Repair costs averaged more than The system is so basic and easy to and labor costs.
$10,000 per joint. In addition, some construct, Seagren adds, that cost • Safety: Perhaps best of all, the
severely damaged concrete-frame savings result when it is used instead of system’s toughness and resiliency helps
Several advantages are offered by the hybrid system, which combines standard reinforcing steel with high-strength, post-tensioning steel cables to
provide both inelastic flex to absorb energy and elastic action to offer shear and moment resistance. The benefits include long-term cost
efficiencies, simplicity of design, speed of erection and safety enhancements.
protect occupants during a seismic
event. “It can significantly reduce
structural and architectural damage to
new buildings that use the framing
system in eathquake zones,” says Neil
M. Hawkins, professor of civil
engineering at the University of Illinois
at Urbana-Champaign, who watched
the system develop.
In parking garages, it also aids day-
to-day security and attractiveness of the
property for security-conscious patrons,
adds Charles H. Thornton, principal in
Thornton-Tomasetti/Engineers in New
York City, which helped test the
system. “Using this precast moment-
frame joinery system in a parking
percent savings in
delivery time. Expert Reactions
Charles Pankow Builders Ltd. has nominated its precast hybrid connection
structure provides the additional system for the 1997 National Medal of Technology awarded by the President
benefit of offering lateral load resistance through the Office of Technology Policy. In its supporting background,
under wind or seismic loads while Pankow submitted the technical opinion of a number of engineers and other
supplying an open plan, free of shear experts. Here are some of their comments on the system:
walls,” he explains. “This significantly
enhances the security of the parking • “Pankow’s forward thinking on new ways of construction has led to
garage.” innovative systems that will revolutionize the precast concrete industry.”
— H.S. Lew, chief of the structures division, National Institute of Standards
Designers Tough To Convince & Technology
ASCENT, SPRING 1997
— Craig A. Shutt
The connection system opens new possibilities to designers because it will make precast concrete
constrution in high-seismic zones faster and more economical.