TG6.2 - Quality control for precast concrete

The goal of Task Group 6.2 (TG6.2) is to prepare a state-of-the-art report describing the steps, procedures and rules for the quality control of precast concrete, with respect to both production and product quality, to improve the quality of prefabricated construction.

The report produced is intended to serve as a basic specification guide for plants and produced precast concrete elements, defining a program of quality control to monitor the production by measurement or by comparison to acceptable standards. The following topics will be included:

• plant quality assurance program;
• material and accessories;
• production;
• transport and erection;
• recommended testing equipment;
• quality control operations;
• maintenance.

Convener
Holger Karutz

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TG6.3 - Sustainability of structures with precast elements

Sustainability is considered to be one of the main aspects of the future of construction, thus of prefabrication as well. COM6 and PCI work in close cooperation since 2008 on issues of mutual interest, with the comparison of respective approaches and the development of common publications. PCI has produced various works dealing with the sustainability of precast structures and is currently developing a large investigation program on this subject. The fib has also developed a large amount of work on sustainability. Presently, the work regarding solely sustainability is being developed in COM7 and in TG.10.1 for the MC2020.

The first activity of TG6.3 will be the study of the most recent works developed on sustainability and in particular Life Cycle Assessment regarding structures where precast concrete elements are used. Then, the TG worked on the drafting of recommendations regarding the study and assessment of precast concrete elements and structures, with respect to sustainability. This covered all aspects regarding this kind of structures, from planning, design, execution, use, maintenance, and remedial activities, up to dismantling, reuse and recycling. This conclusion of this work of the TG was the publication of the joint PCI-fib Bulletin 88 Sustainability of precast structures.

Then, the TG moved on to develop a proposal of a multi-criteria decision-making model that can be used for the assessment of the sustainability of structures with precast elements.

At the moment, the TG is working on a roadmap of sustainability performance-based design for structures with precast elements.

Convener
Albert de la Fuente

Co-Convener
Irene Josa

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TG6.4 - Precast concrete towers for wind power generators

Wind energy production is a growing industry. The energy produced is renewable and environmentally cleaner than most production means.

Supports for the wind energy generators may be built with precast concrete elements, which can be a competitive solution compared to other structural systems.

The evolution of technology for wind energy production shows a clear need for larger wind turbines and, consequently, taller towers. Experience also shows that precast solutions are even more competitive with higher towers.

Offshore wind farms have some advantages over onshore wind farms, which explain recent investments in the area. In this case, the durability of concrete in the marine environment, compared to steel gives greater advantage to precast concrete solutions.

TG6.4 will produce a state-of-the-art report analysing and discussing the main issues related to conception, design, detailing, construction and environmental aspects of precast structural solutions.

Convener
Juan-Carlos Lancha

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TG6.5 - Precast concrete bridges

Precast concrete bridges are frequently used in almost every country. Nevertheless, while it would ppear that similar practices are generally followed, the reality is that different places and cultures follow different traditions and conventions.

The group will connect the work of both PCI and fib. PCI has developed a large amount of information and publications on precast bridges.

The group will also connect the work of both Commission 1 “Concrete Structures” and Commission 6 “Prefabrication”. Both Commissions have been working on the subject of bridges, Commission 1 has an active task group on bridges and has recently published Bulletin 32 “Guidelines for the design of footbridges”. On the other hand, Commission 6 has published a state-of-the-art report regarding precast bridges, Bulletin 23 “Precast Concrete Bridges”.

The scope of the activity of the group will be the study of the most recent work that has been developed regarding bridges with precast elements and to provide design recommendations for owners, designers, contractors and precasters. The recommendations will cover all possible aspects, including planning, design, execution, use, maintenance and remedial activities and finally demolition, reuse and recycling.

Convener
Marcello Waimberg

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TG6.6 - Retrofitting of precast seismic structures

Topics to be covered within the bulletin could be:

• lessons learned and damage observation or better damage mechanisms observed in previous earthquake and associated performance of precast buildings;
• list of typical critical or less critical vulnerabilities of this class of buildings;
• simplified assessment methodology based on different levels of complexity, from quick screening (pre- or post-damage) without drawings to quick evaluation with drawings, to more detailed analysis and ultimately numerical analysis (computer based);
• overarching retrofit strategies (e.g. drift control or local ductility, thus implying a combination of global vs. local intervention);
• scenario/flowcharts of possible techniques (presented only conceptually but with practical aspects) to fulfil/achieve the targeted retrofitted performance;
• high-level (schematic) discussion of pros and cons of each retrofit solution including cost, invasiveness, downtime and other indirect but important parameters for the owner, tenants, insurer etc.

Convener
Stefano Pampanin

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TG6.8 - Terminology for precast concrete

In fib bulletins, the terminology and language used was not uniformly understood by experts from various countries throughout the world.

The objective is to create a technical report that lists the common terminology used in the prefabrication industry along with an explanation describing the terms. There may be multiple terms used with the same definition.

Convener
Jason Krohn

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TG6.9 - Precast parking structures

Besides the traffic congestion, one of the most prevalent problems in large urban agglomerations where cars are the dominant mode of transportation, vehicles spend most of the time parked. Particularly in the central areas both challenges are interrelated, since looking for parking spaces, causes congestion in circulation.

Precast concrete is generally used in the constructions of structures and buildings facilitating urban mobility (e.g. airports, stations, bridges, etc.). Precast concrete offers important advantages: large spans by using prestressed elements, speed of erection, low environmental impact, low maintenance costs and many more.

The fib published Bulletin 74, prepared by the Commission 6, an important tool to promote the use of precast concrete. It has been written to help architects and engineers to achieve a full understanding of precast concrete building structures, the possibilities they offer and their specific design philosophy.

Despite the fact this bulletin mentions the advantages of precast concrete in parking garages several times, there is a clear need to inspire designers and architects with more examples and best practices from all over the world, considering new local needs.

The purpose of this TG is to produce a State-of-the-Art Report.

This report should encourage architects and designers to use precast (prestressed) concrete for car parking structures. The report will gather examples from all over the world showing how functional, safety and aesthetics requirements can be fulfilled by using precast concrete.

The report shows the variety of precast concrete elements that can be used for this specific type of buildings, depending on the conceptual design and the aesthetic requirements.

Convener
Pieter van der Zee

Co-Convener
Iria Doniak

Co-Convener
Larbi Sennour

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TG6.11 - Social Impact of Precast Concrete

Task Group 6.11 focuses on the social impact of precast concrete throughout the entire life cycle of precast concrete elements and structures. In addition to the economic and ecological benefits of precast concrete, it is essential to analyse the social consequences for various stakeholders, including workers, users, local communities, and society at large.

Precast concrete has the potential to optimize economic costs and mitigate environmental impacts. At the same time, it is crucial to consider social consequences. Utilizing Social Life Cycle Analysis (SLCA), this task group aims to evaluate the effects on different groups. The insights will contribute to a better understanding of how precast concrete can have both positive and negative social impacts.

The increasing adoption of precast concrete in construction necessitates a comprehensive understanding of its social implications. The members of Task Group 6.11 recognize a significant potential for positive social impact arising from the use of precast concrete. By enhancing construction efficiency, reducing disruption to local communities, and improving the quality of structures, precast concrete can contribute to better living conditions and economic opportunities. As precast construction evolves, so do the relationships and impacts on various stakeholders, highlighting the need for focused analysis and recommendations.

The primary objectives of Task Group 6.11 are:

• Analysis of social impact: Investigating the social effects of precast concrete during the construction, use, and decommissioning phases, utilizing SLCA to evaluate the impacts on various groups.
• Stakeholder engagement: Involving diverse stakeholders in the process to gather different perspectives.
• Developing recommendations: Formulating guidelines to minimize negative impacts and maximize positive social outcomes.

Convener
Irene Josa

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TG6.12 - Precast concrete modular buildings

Currently, significant housing pressures, particularly in large touristic cities, drive up prices and force families and students to relocate to the outskirts. Simultaneously, natural disasters - exacerbated by climate change - and armed conflicts are occurring with increasing frequency across the globe, underscoring the urgent need for temporary shelters and field hospitals that can be deployed quickly. Addressing these diverse challenges in a fast, high-quality, and cost-effective manner requires a focused effort to modernize and adapt the construction industry, particularly through a renewed emphasis on concrete prefabrication combined with modularization.

The planned fib bulletin (a guide to good practice) will provide guidelines for the use of precast concrete modules to build different types of buildings, from temporary buildings for emergency situations to multi-storey buildings with different kinds of use, such as residential buildings, students’ residences, office buildings, hospitals, schools and others.

Convener
Eduardo Julio

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