Week 5 - Structural Development

Well I have been learning a lot about Post-Tension construction, so my plan is working, try something different!! VSL-A Structural Group has a some great information describing Post-Tensioning and the process on their web site. Eddie and one of our structural engineers have also given me some additional things to think about for spans and columns. It has really become a learning experience.

As you noticed in a previous post, I thought I would have concrete beams supporting the slab, but have since found out that was incorrect, so out with the beams!

The Post-Tensioning cables are manufactured for the job and come in large bundles with plates attached. The cables are in a plastic conduit so the concrete doesn't stick to the cable. (The pictures below are from VSL).

















I started developing my structural plans and decided for this post it would be easiest to note up the plan by hand. (Easier to see the notes and I am trying to figure out how to input some of the structural elements into Revit. Revit has been great by the way, just a challenge now and then).












Below is a picture showing how the Post-Tension cables and rebar are located on a floor slab prior to the concrete being poured.











Below is a structural section through the North building. In order to keep the colums from being exposed on the outside of the building where I am stepping back, I am having to add a transfer beam. As noted the Post-Tension system does not need the beam, however the colums from 2nd floor to the roof shifts 5 feet with my stepped glass wall.