Precast for cost estimate
Precast for cost estimate
(OP)
I had a previous project where I had gotten input from a large precast mfr on the size of some load bearing shear walls that were fairly tall with significant shear and axial loads. The precast engineer suggested using 12" walls. Our client on this project, an architect, did not like the size of these walls when a preliminary cost estimate was done because it was going to take away from the funding for his architectural stuff. He told me I needed to find a more economical wall and that the estimate we got was not good enough.
Is it my responsibility to hunt down the most economical precast (or whatever engineered system by others) at the time when I am doing my design? Or is this something that should be left for the bidding phase? I could just have easily have noted on my drawings that the precast wall sizes are preliminary and the precaster (whoever ended up with the job) is allowed to substitute whatever size meets the load requirements I provide for the walls. It is just that the cost estimates could show as higher than needed up to the bidding and award phase.
Is it my responsibility to hunt down the most economical precast (or whatever engineered system by others) at the time when I am doing my design? Or is this something that should be left for the bidding phase? I could just have easily have noted on my drawings that the precast wall sizes are preliminary and the precaster (whoever ended up with the job) is allowed to substitute whatever size meets the load requirements I provide for the walls. It is just that the cost estimates could show as higher than needed up to the bidding and award phase.






RE: Precast for cost estimate
Whats the panel height, width, etc, and how much load does it pick up? 12" seems to be thick, unless a insulated wall, or 30+ feet clear span.
RE: Precast for cost estimate
RE: Precast for cost estimate
I agree, your job is not to get estimates. Give him the loads, and if he wants to do that, let him go at it.
RE: Precast for cost estimate
RE: Precast for cost estimate
Push back, or tell him it will be additional to get quotes and review the products to make sure they conform to your design.
RE: Precast for cost estimate