crane setting garage shot

On-site construction procedures with the double-wall precast concrete system allows for a much more rapid completion schedule than conventional construction. There are a few unique aspects of precast construction procedures that differ from "normal" construction for the project. A brief review of the unique and common constructions follows:

Once the building footings (and other necessary particulars) are in place, the precast structure is ready for placement. The first step is the delivery of the precast panels. They will arrive on the job site via trucks that are on a schedule that allows for smooth construction flow for reduction of job-site clutter. The individual wall and floor panels are picked off of the truck trailers by a

panels half set @ Plainfield

crane and then set directly into their final position. After workers align the panels into the proper position, the panels are braced, and it is on to the next panel.

The panel placement continues around the perimeter of the building until the entire wall level is complete. After a wall level is in place, the workers begin the process of installing the floor panels in a similar manner.

	Electrical Connection

As the precast walls and floors are set and braced for each level, the next operation is the on-site connections of electrical and telecommunication conduit. Each wall or floor panel containing installed boxes and conduit whips, will be connected by the electricians with rigid conduit to make their home runs for the exterior wall locations. Space is provided in a chase way between the floor and wall panels for this conduit placement.

In a similar manner, radiant floor tubing is field connected to facilitate the completion of the radiant floor heating system. After all of the conduit and tubing connection work is completed, the grouting process is ready to commence.

Grouting the Connection

High-strength grouting of all perimeter wall/floor connections is the next step. The grout is typically pumped into the perimeter wall area with a 2-inch line pump with material from a ready-mixed truck. The workers will fill the perimeter and floor-to-floor connections in the same manner. Final finishing operations will ensure a smooth, even surface throughout the entire floor area.

The braces are removed once the high-strength grout achieves the necessary strength. The next level of wall and floor panels are then placed in the same manner, and this continues level by level until the building shell is complete.

	Interior Walls

Interior walls that are conventionally constructed--either with wood or steel studs and drywall-- can now be built. An advantage of the precast concrete building system is the speed with which a building can be fully enclosed to facilitate the next grouping of construction activities. Electrical, HVAC, plumbing, window installation, painting and all other operations are completed in the usual manner with only slight adjustments as necessary.

 

Finished Front of Bolingbrook House

The completed building will have the attractive visual appearance of any other quality-built structure. The real difference is the added benefits of energy-efficiency, storm safety and long-term durability that are inherent with this type of construction methodology.