Zackismet
Structural
- Sep 10, 2009
- 1
(EDIT- I realized I went into far too much detail so this is the barest summation of what I'd like to know. If you'd like more detail, just ask)
I've developed an alternately-sloping facade (slopes in then back out one time each level) for which I've decided to use precast Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete panels. The system must be attached to 6 stories of reinforced concrete slabs raised by a pilote system (no structural support allowed on the facade).
The issues I'm facing are;
1. Each level of the curtain frame must be supported by the slab its portion begins at (not a problem) and hung from the next level above- by using a rebar-and-dowel configuration, is it possible to hang any amount of weight from a concrete slab? (quick photoshop sketch attached). I know this assembly is possible in a steel structure with an Ibeam hanging the first U-panel instead of it being molded into the concrete.
2. Because windows cannot be set into GFRC panels (unless I'm mistaken), I have to develop a more thorough light gauge steel frame which holds them. Ideally, I would like the windows to be flush with the wall, but because of the seismic rod attachments required for the panels (the only way I'm familiar with that connects them to the frame), that seems impossible. Does anyone know of a GFRC panel method which allows windows to be flush, or at least nearly so?
thanks in advance!
I've developed an alternately-sloping facade (slopes in then back out one time each level) for which I've decided to use precast Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete panels. The system must be attached to 6 stories of reinforced concrete slabs raised by a pilote system (no structural support allowed on the facade).
The issues I'm facing are;
1. Each level of the curtain frame must be supported by the slab its portion begins at (not a problem) and hung from the next level above- by using a rebar-and-dowel configuration, is it possible to hang any amount of weight from a concrete slab? (quick photoshop sketch attached). I know this assembly is possible in a steel structure with an Ibeam hanging the first U-panel instead of it being molded into the concrete.
2. Because windows cannot be set into GFRC panels (unless I'm mistaken), I have to develop a more thorough light gauge steel frame which holds them. Ideally, I would like the windows to be flush with the wall, but because of the seismic rod attachments required for the panels (the only way I'm familiar with that connects them to the frame), that seems impossible. Does anyone know of a GFRC panel method which allows windows to be flush, or at least nearly so?
thanks in advance!