Saw-Cuts In Precast Concrete Topping
Saw-Cuts In Precast Concrete Topping
(OP)
In twenty years I've never been asked nor have i considered this:
The General Contractor wants to know where to put their typical 1/4" wide x 1" control joint cuts in the precast concrete topping.
The typical standard with this G.C. is 156 SF max concrete area for saw-cut boundaries.
The current project is 10" hollowcore precast plank with 4" structural, 4,000 psi concrete topping.
Approximate camber = 1".
Our plan specifies 6"x6" #10/10 W.W.M.
Do any of you ever specify saw-cuts in structural precast concrete topping?
I will also be contacting the precast supplier for advice and guidance.
Thank you!
The General Contractor wants to know where to put their typical 1/4" wide x 1" control joint cuts in the precast concrete topping.
The typical standard with this G.C. is 156 SF max concrete area for saw-cut boundaries.
The current project is 10" hollowcore precast plank with 4" structural, 4,000 psi concrete topping.
Approximate camber = 1".
Our plan specifies 6"x6" #10/10 W.W.M.
Do any of you ever specify saw-cuts in structural precast concrete topping?
I will also be contacting the precast supplier for advice and guidance.
Thank you!






RE: Saw-Cuts In Precast Concrete Topping
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RE: Saw-Cuts In Precast Concrete Topping
RE: Saw-Cuts In Precast Concrete Topping
Cracking across the span is not a huge issue as the topping is most always in compression which will close the joints.
For cases like parking garages, where the topping is also the wearing surface - then yes, the joint between each plank or tee is usually tooled and later filled with a sealant after the joint has been cleaned out and prepped for the sealant.
Again, this is longitudinal only - not transverse to the span.
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RE: Saw-Cuts In Precast Concrete Topping
If the topping is structural then you're presumably using the topping as your compression block. As such, it's undesirable to be sacrificing 1" of that at the joint locations.
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
RE: Saw-Cuts In Precast Concrete Topping
RE: Saw-Cuts In Precast Concrete Topping
Professional Engineer (ME, NH, MA) Structural Engineer (IL)
American Concrete Industries
www.americanconcrete.com