We have a client with PC wall panels. They carry their weight and wind (out of plane) load only. They like to cut a 3 ft by 3 ft window in the panels. The design drawings delegated the design of the PC panels to the pre-caster. We cannot find the shop drawings. No one knows if the panels were reinforced with rebars or cables (pre-stressing) or combination of both.
Let’s assume that the panels were pre-stressed. In discussing this matter in our office, one of our engineers feels that cutting the strands should not pose any problem. He had far more experience than I do in pre-cast concrete.
I have some reservations for several reasons and they are as follows:
1. The type of design and construction is unknown.
2. The location of the pre-stress tendons or cables is unknown, if any.
3. We will add steel members (WF beams and channels) to redistribute the load around the new window opening. However, I still have concern with cutting the pre-stressing steel.
Am I too cautious? Does anyone have similar situations like this? What pre-cautions should be taken?
Regards,
Lutfi
Let’s assume that the panels were pre-stressed. In discussing this matter in our office, one of our engineers feels that cutting the strands should not pose any problem. He had far more experience than I do in pre-cast concrete.
I have some reservations for several reasons and they are as follows:
1. The type of design and construction is unknown.
2. The location of the pre-stress tendons or cables is unknown, if any.
3. We will add steel members (WF beams and channels) to redistribute the load around the new window opening. However, I still have concern with cutting the pre-stressing steel.
Am I too cautious? Does anyone have similar situations like this? What pre-cautions should be taken?
Regards,
Lutfi
