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In a drive to strengthen the building industry’s understanding and importance of precast grouting, the National Precast Concrete Association have launched a grouting guide for engineers and building contractors.
National Precast’s latest publication Understanding Grouted Joints (Precast Grouting): A guide for engineers and building contractors offers much needed guidance to precast construction stakeholders, and is positioned to improve outcomes of Australian construction.
As the peak body of the Australian precast concrete industry, National Precast has taken the initiative to address existing and potential instances of structural defects, fire safety concerns and quality control issues in new-build, multistorey developments as a result of inadequate grouting practices.
According to National Precast CEO Sarah Bachmann, “Loading bearing grouted joints play a critical but often overlooked role in multistorey precast concrete structures and the consequences when it’s not done right can be serious.”
Perfect storm can be catastrophic
National Precast has identified that there are three potential causes of inadequate grouting.
“Grouting practices are often not adequately detailed in drawings. Construction programmes are usually rushed and grouting is often assigned to untrained workers,” says Bachmann.
“All three together and we have the perfect storm, and that can result in a big price to pay later on,” she warns.
Inadequately detailed grouting – and in the worst-case scenario, a complete absence of grouting – can quickly lead to structurally ineffective precast joints and ultimately even, catastrophic structural failure of an entire building.
Better understanding
“It is essential that stakeholders have a thorough understanding of the role that grouted joints loadbearing play and why everyone in the process needs to treat them accordingly,” comments Bachmann.
National Precast’s new guide does this. It helps architects, engineers and building professionals to comprehend the critical role that grouted joints play under different circumstances, and offers best practice procedures that will contribute to the adequate design and construction of robust grouted joints.
Written and illustrated examples clearly explain how industry professionals can ensure adequate grouting for flat joints, inaccessible joints and ship-lapped joints. Although not an exhaustive list of grouting applications, the Guide references loadbearing walling elements and informs that similar practices can also be applied to columns, non-loadbearing joints and other building elements.
Engineering roles explained
Engineers specifically, will benefit from the content of the Guide, with considerations and responsibilities outlined for In-service Designers (also refer AS3850.1:2015 Prefabricated concrete elements Section 1, 1.4 Definitions, 1.4.30 In-service Designer) and for Erection Designers (AS3850.1:2015 Prefabricated concrete elements Section 1, 1.4 Definitions, 1.4.20 Erection Designer). As well, the Guide provides suggestions for typical grouting design.
Online learning alternative
In addition to educational publications such as the Guide on grouting, National Precast is developing publicly accessible, online learning modules, which aim to better educate stakeholders and improve the quality of precast concrete construction across the country. As well as online learning on grouting, there is also an introductory course on designing and building with precast concrete.
Each of the modules benefit a range of industry members including architects, engineers, builders, precast manufacturers and students alike, and all attract CDP points.
“We are in the early stages of our online learning venture, but its an exciting journey that offers an alternative method of information delivery,” says Bachmann.
Comprehensive modules are available via www.nationalprecastonline.com.au
Understanding Grouted Joints: A guide for engineers and building contractors is available from National Precast for $75 (colour printed copy) or $55 (PDF) (ex GST) plus postage. Email in**@*************st.com.au to order. Contents and sample pages can be viewed at www.nationalprecast.com.au/resources/publications.
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