Precast Solutions - July/August 2008 - (Page 21)

to be open to the possibilities of precast as well and think of how to use it in unique ways. “You should avoid thinking about precast stereotypically,” she advises. “It’s a really flexible material if you integrate it into the overall design early on in the planning process.” Gerod agrees. “The sky is the limit with precast,” she says. “Most people think it demands a certain aesthetic, and often designers think they’re settling on precast. But in reality, it’s an opportunity.” According to Gerod, the designers had planned on using precast right from the start. Clark Pacific offered advisement and solutions throughout the project, including suggesting the use of white cement to ensure a richer, warmer, more colorfast facade. Dolbinski says Clark Pacific sent the architects some 50 possible color variations for what would ultimately become a rich golden exterior. “We worked closely with the architects to create ‘engineered randomness,’” adds Thomas Ketron, Clark Pacific’s marketing manager. “The panels were very big and the design parameters very tight,” adds Voss. As a result, we had 25 engineers working on this job at one time to come up with a solution.” Of particular concern in any architectural precast project is the fragility of the panels in transport since, unlike structural precast, the panels are not reinforced with rebar. “You need to agree on a process beforehand for repairs and standards for rejection of damaged panels,” Togel points out. “You can’t start planning a process like this too soon,” adds Healy, “especially in an area where there are seismic design considerations.” The Robert E. Coyle U.S. Courthouse’s design has won numerous awards, including the GSA Design Excellence Honor Award in 2006-07 and the Precast Concrete Institute Design Award in 2005. “Precast gave us so much more flexibility for this project,” says Chen. “We created an architectural language that you won’t see anywhere else.” Deborah Huso is a freelance writer who covers home design and restoration, sustainable building and design, and home construction. JULY/AUGUST 2008 | PRECAST SOLUTIONS 21 http://www.grifcote.com http://www.grifcote.com http://www.grifcote.com

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Precast Solutions - July/August 2008 Contents What You Should Know About UHPC A Winning Hand Fresno Federal Expanding U.S. Wind Power Precast Concrete Pipe

Precast Solutions - July/August 2008

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