Precast Wall Panel - Crack at Connection
Precast Wall Panel - Crack at Connection
(OP)
What is typically done to repair a cracked connection area (at the welded conn plate) on a precast wall panel? See attached photo please.
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Precast Wall Panel - Crack at Connection
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RE: Precast Wall Panel - Crack at Connection
RE: Precast Wall Panel - Crack at Connection
RE: Precast Wall Panel - Crack at Connection
With the properly detailed, and implemented, welded connection between panels, this would not have happened. There are connections out there that do allow lateral expansion/contraction.
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask
RE: Precast Wall Panel - Crack at Connection
RE: Precast Wall Panel - Crack at Connection
RE: Precast Wall Panel - Crack at Connection
RE: Precast Wall Panel - Crack at Connection
The way to do it, if it needs to be done, and I do see your point here Hokie, is to limit the gap to 5/8" to 3/4", and fill the gap with a single #4 bar 6" long, welding the bar 2" on one side at one end, and 2" on the other side at the other end. That way there is space for expansion and contraction. I have also seen the same thing done with bent angles, but I have also seen more cracking with that one due to the increased rigidity of the angle.
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask
RE: Precast Wall Panel - Crack at Connection
He is also a CE in Washington.
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask
RE: Precast Wall Panel - Crack at Connection
RE: Precast Wall Panel - Crack at Connection
And here I was thinking you had deputized your son to fight your battles. What I am waiting for now is for the two of you to get on opposite sides of an argument.
RE: Precast Wall Panel - Crack at Connection
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask
RE: Precast Wall Panel - Crack at Connection
RE: Precast Wall Panel - Crack at Connection
I agree with hokie, no compelling reason to weld the panels at mid height or at all. My rule of thumb is only one welded connection per panel. I wonder how this detail works at corners?
An expert is a man who has made all the mistakes which can be made in a very narrow field
RE: Precast Wall Panel - Crack at Connection
An expert is a man who has made all the mistakes which can be made in a very narrow field
RE: Precast Wall Panel - Crack at Connection
I would tend to think that the crack would be more due to the heat from site welding expanding the rebar and cracking the concrete than any movement or shrinkage since the panels look quite new.
However its likely the crack will worsen due to movement.
RE: Precast Wall Panel - Crack at Connection
RE: Precast Wall Panel - Crack at Connection
The dogs tail hasn't had time to wag yet !
Movement for a crack like that would take some reasonable time to happen.
RE: Precast Wall Panel - Crack at Connection
RE: Precast Wall Panel - Crack at Connection
I have another question but will post separately with another photo.
RE: Precast Wall Panel - Crack at Connection
RE: Precast Wall Panel - Crack at Connection
I believe as well that the connection is not really much of a structural concern. But still needs to be fixed. When I look at the root of the weld nearest the spaul, it looks rather healthy. I am siding with expansion of the plate due to the welder not allowing the weld to cool as well as maby the base plate not being thick enough to provide for a proper heat sink.
Cheers all
RE: Precast Wall Panel - Crack at Connection
I would cut loose all these connections before bothering to do any repairs, as otherwise the problem will just repeat. If this were my new building, I would not accept that it is "nothing to worry about".
RE: Precast Wall Panel - Crack at Connection
Just for the record, I would join the panels with a fish plate bolted to ferrule bolts with slotted holes (recessed if concealment is required).
As a matter of interest what would you guys do to join the panels?
RE: Precast Wall Panel - Crack at Connection
The connection is rigid too - cannot expand or contract. No wonder the failure.
I have already described the connection I would have used.
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask
RE: Precast Wall Panel - Crack at Connection
RE: Precast Wall Panel - Crack at Connection
The movement need not be just due to temperature, it could also come from the normal shrinkage of the curing process. Can be quite a bit in panels of that size. I expect something on the order of 1/4" over the width of each panel.
OP:
How old were the panels when they were picked?
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask
RE: Precast Wall Panel - Crack at Connection
Additionally, how old were the panels when the welds were made?
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask
RE: Precast Wall Panel - Crack at Connection
RE: Precast Wall Panel - Crack at Connection
RE: Precast Wall Panel - Crack at Connection
Without knowing the complete structural arrangement, however, I cannot comment this.
RE: Precast Wall Panel - Crack at Connection
Couldn't agree more with your comment on movements of large panels.