Tooled Joints in Topping over Hollowcore Joints
Tooled Joints in Topping over Hollowcore Joints
(OP)
When using hollowcore in a parking deck are tooled joints required in the topping at every plank joint? The PCI recommendations for parking structures indicates that they are recommended, but is it necessary at every joint? Would every 12ft or another spacing corresponding with 4ft plank work to minimize uncontrolled cracking in the topping?





RE: Tooled Joints in Topping over Hollowcore Joints
For a building - interior - with floor coverings such as carpet, the slight differential doesn't create much of a problem but in an exposed garage you definitely want the cracks sealable.
RE: Tooled Joints in Topping over Hollowcore Joints
A recommendation I recieved was to use the same as for a cast-in-place system. Example- For a 24ft spacing requirement in CIP use every sixth plank joint. (Note: the topping is 3" and also has a mat of #3 bars, plus the hollowcore has grouted keyways.)
Another way I thought of was to base it on the effective resisting width of slab. Example: for a 32ft bay the slab width would be 16ft, every 4th plank.
Placing these joints at every plank just seems like a lot of additional and possibly unnecessary work.
Andy thoughts on theses ideas?
RE: Tooled Joints in Topping over Hollowcore Joints
I also would look carefully at how much reinforcing you place in the topping - trying to ensure that it can keep any minor cracks closed as tightly as possible.
You might also call PCI or your local precaster to see what they've seen in other similar projects. Most precasters have experienced engineers who can help.
RE: Tooled Joints in Topping over Hollowcore Joints