Design and construction preferences for connections in the precast concrete industry of South Africa

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Precast concrete has been used for decades in the construction industry, locally as well asinternationally. Rapid urban development and the need for shorter construction periods for buildingand infrastructure projects have however encouraged more use of precast concrete construction. Theimproved speed of construction, high quality and less labour requirements that precast offers makes itan effective type of construction method for modern development. The utilization of various precastconcrete systems has been frequently used in the international construction industry, making it a verypopular construction method.It was however found that one of the major drawbacks or concerns with the use of precast concrete isthe connections between the precast elements. In-situ construction does not have this problem, becauseit is designed to a monolithic structure or building. It was identified that if the connections in precastbuildings or structures are designed or constructed in an insufficient way, it can lead to severestructural problems and even failure. This highlights the importance the design and construction ofprecast concrete connections have on the overall stability, strength and robustness of the structure.Precast concrete buildings are not merely separate precast elements, connected together to eventuallyform the same principals of in-situ construction. Precast concrete and connection design is consideredto be a specialist field and requires the sufficient expertise and knowledge to understand the structuralsystem and all its different aspects.The precast connection's function is not merely to transfer loads, but also to develop continuity andensure monolithic behaviour of the entire precast concrete structure (Englekirk 2003). The mostimportant or desirable structural functions of precast connections are; (i) direct transfer of loads (loadpaths and flow or forces), (ii) develop structural continuity and integrity, (iii) distribution ofconcentrated loads, (iv) allow for movements and unintended restraints and lastly to (v) ensureefficient rigidity and robustness for the connection. It can be seen that there is many factors thatcontribute to the overall design and construction phases of precast concrete connections.The aim of this study is to identify and investigate aspects that influence the design and constructionof precast concrete connections. This study will mainly focus on precast concrete and precastconnection preferences of participants in the South African construction industry. During this study,industry participants (contractors and consultants) were asked to identify certain aspects and concernsassociated with precast concrete and precast connection construction. These answers were used todevelop guidelines and preferences that can be used by industry participants to improvise andeffectively manage the precast construction, mainly focussing on the connections between the precastelements.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University