commentThe Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute, concerned about an ominous pattern of spandrel-ledge-punching sheer failures in lab tests of double-tee spandrel-beam assemblies commonly found in parking garages, plans to spend approximately $200,000 to further investigate the situation. During tests on torsion design of loadbearing spandrel beams, punching sheer failures in spandrel ledges occurred at loads substantially less than those predicted by PCI Handbook design equations, according to the institute. No failures have been reported from the field, says PCI. The group, which plans to foot two-thirds of the bill for research costs, is seeking funding from other sources.
----- Advertising -----
Sign in to Comment
To write a comment about this story, please sign in. If this is your first time commenting on this site, you will be required to fill out a brief registration form. Your public username will be the beginning of the email address that you enter into the form (everything before the @ symbol). Other than that, none of the information that you enter will be publically displayed.