Facade/Pile Cap Connection

[LukeNorman83]

Hi there,

I'm designing the footings for a concrete parking structure. An external screen/facade (pgs 10 and 11 in the attached pdf) is supported by pile caps and has a projected weight of 1.5KN/m2. I'm doing a concept design for the footing system and am not sure what the facade - pile cap connection should be. Does anyone have an example of a connection that could be used?

Thanks very much!

Luke

 

[hokie66]

I think it would be common practice to use a grade beam between the piles, and support the facade on that beam. Not knowing how the facade is framed, I wouldn't know how to suggest an actual detail, but imagine it is just a matter of providing a couple of bolts at each mullion base plate. Probably best to use drilled in anchors.

The facade needs to be supported vertically only at the lowest level. At the other floors, use a guided connection so the floors can deflect without loading the mullions. This is especially important with a system with cantilevers like yours.

Another thing to keep in mind is the shortening of the slab. You will have to allow for this shortening in your design and construction, else you will have some nasty cracking of the slab and/or the corner walls.

This building is reminiscent of one which I did in Caboolture a few years back, and I am sure there are other examples of similar parking decks. It is always a bit sad to see the wheel being reinvented.