Thinbrick and Precast
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Thin brick is a product that is used during the precast concrete manufacturing process to create the finished look of a fully brick structure at completion.
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The Innovative Nature of Precast Concrete
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The innovative spirit behind designers is the driving force that keeps the ball moving forward with fresh and creative possibilities. The precast concrete industry is brimming with talented professionals ready to turn someone’s “napkin drawing” into reality.
Read MoreOffsite Construction and Precast
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One of the best offsite produced materials that can be utilized is precast concrete which adds value, style, and durability to projects.
Read MoreUS Formliner & LSU Students Explore the Versatility of Precast Concrete
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The ability to participate in a process firsthand creates a level of appreciation that is difficult to achieve through passive learning alone. Recently, the upper-level architecture students at LSU had the pleasure of a hands-on workshop led by industry professional Layne Chastain from US Formliiner.
Read MoreThe Effect of Prestressing on Concrete
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In basic terms, prestressed concrete is concrete in which high strength steel reinforcement is stretched and anchored to improve the structural capacity.
Read MorePrecast & Life Cycle Cost Analysis
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Life-cycle cost analysis provides a process by which owners and designers can closely evaluate both short and long term costs of a project to determine the most appropriate direction to proceed.
Read MoreAbrasive Blasting: The Limitless Option for Precast Concrete
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Abrasive blasting, once referred to strictly as “sandblasting” is an optional process commonly employed on precast concrete panels to create an aesthetically appealing appearance.
Read MorePrecast Concrete Pavement Is A True Workhorse
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Fully functioning, safe roads and bridges are vital to the economy across our nation. The US contains over 250,000 miles of “high volume traffic”.
Read MoreAn Introduction to Precast Prestressed Concrete Insulated Wall Panels
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Precast concrete insulated sandwich wall panels have gained in popularity over the years, but some industry professionals are still not very familiar with them.
Read MorePCI Plant Certification Categories
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All PCI plants are certified in one or more of the following categories. Through two unannounced annual audits, PCI plants maintain their certification. PCI plant certification categories are currently undergoing changes to further define the complexity of each type of certification.
Read MoreEdge^R : The Software Solution for the Precast Concrete Industry
/The EDGE^R platform provides the precast concrete industry with a comprehensive solution for project design, estimation, production, erection, and much more. EDGE^R utilizes the world’s most preeminent graphics software, Revit, to facilitate the creation of detailed 3-D models which can be translated into accurate bills of materials and shop tickets, allowing a more seamless workflow from the estimation phase through the erection phase. In combination with EDGE^ERP, EDGE^CAM, and EDGE^CLOUD, users can optimize all facets of their business.
Five Key Attributes of Edge^R
Modelling
Simple, intuitive, time-saving custom content that cuts down on human error and simplifies the reinforcing process of the model and then translates information for accurate take-offs, drawings and shop tickets.
Project Management
Through an efficient tracking process, Edge^R Ticket Manager accurately determines the number of marks and total pieces, quantifies and identifies elements that have been reinforced, tracks creation of shop tickets and identifies when a ticket is ready to be released to production.
Shop Tickets
Through the use of customizable templates, Edge^R allows the user to quickly generate shop tickets that include appropriate views, bills of materials, title block information and more.
Change Management
Changes made to the 3-D model are automatically reflected on all relevant drawings and tickets. Additionally, updated counts of such items as bricks, embeds etc. occurs.
Schedules
Edge^R provides parameters to customize detailed schedules for the whole project, portions of the project and/or one specific element of the project.
Beam modeled using EDGE^R
Shop ticket generated using EDGE^R for the beam to the left.
EDGE^ERP
The EDGE^ERP solution leverages the user’s model to extract information that can be directly imported into many common Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. It gathers pertinent information from all elements (such as precast elements, cast in place embeds, loose materials, lifting/handling, etc.) in the model and converts it into a file format which can then be utilized by the user or directly integrated into the user’s ERP system.
EDGE^CAM
Using the existing Revit model, EDGE^CAM makes automation of the production workflow possible. EDGE^CAM extracts information directly from the model and converts it into a file format that can be read by many automated machines. The exported file contains information about finishes, cutouts, rebar, embed placement, and much more. The practical applications include laser projection, bed plotting, automated rebar bending, automated concrete distribution, etc. Supported file formats currently include Unitechnik (UXML) versions 5.2, 6.0, and 7.0 and Progress Group (PXML) version 1.3.
EDGE^CLOUD
The cherry on the top of the cake with this amazing technology is the EdgeCloud factor. Through EdgeCloud, real time information can be provided to production and can be easily accessed on a tablet or PC allowing for seamless communication between engineering and production personnel.
EDGE^R and Virtual Reality
EDGE^R can also be used with designs for virtual reality systems. Below is a screenshot of a component designed using EDGE^R in virtual reality.
Not All Bridges Are Created Equal
/An Editorial from Dan Eckenrode, PCI Gulf South Executive Director
The outrage over our nation’s crumbling infrastructure and the cry to fund new bridges and roadways is no secret. As the list of deficient bridges continues to grow, government leaders are being forced to address the issue, as it has a direct correlation to economic progress across the nation. During the recent Alabama Transportation Conference, I learned that there are over 1,200 deficient bridges in that one state alone. Some bridges have been deemed unsafe and closed altogether, while others have been downgraded in loading capacities which means heavy vehicles are no longer permitted to use them. If the bridge isn’t in your neighborhood or on your route to work, you most likely don’t give it a thought. However, when people and businesses are forced to go miles out of their way due to a closed bridge, they start to grumble.
What types of bridges are in use today?
Wooden Bridges: A wooden bridge might include a structure made completely from wood or a structure supported on wooden piles. Either way, wooden bridges are the number one type of failing bridge today.
Channel or “Choctaw” Bridges: These are non-stressed concrete U channel bridges with a span of typically 26 feet that require many units to complete the span. Grout is used where the joints come together. The production of this type of bridge began in the 1960’s and is still used today with some mixed success.
Steel Bridges: As the name suggests, this type of bridge is created from steel.
Precast-Prestressed Bridges: Bridge manufactured components that began around the same time as the previously mentioned Channel Bridges but with greater success and superior product lifespan.
The take-away is...not all bridges are created equal. In an attempt to stretch road and bridge dollars further than ever before, durability and life cycle are two repeating themes. DOT’s across the nation have come to realize that designing with precast-prestressed bridge components will yield the desired results with regard to longevity, safety and cost-effectiveness.
You can learn more about PCI certified bridge products by taking a look at the various resources below.
Think Long-term...Choose Precast Concrete
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The options for building materials are well established, but are you aware of the costs associated with each type and which offers the most economical long term investment?
Read MorePCI Certified Precast Plants... A Recipe for Success
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The recipe for a PCI certified precast concrete manufacturing plant involves a complex list of ingredients. Being granted the “PCI certified” seal of approval is not something that occurs by simply paying a fee or joining an association.
Read MoreOrganizing Your Precast Plant
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One of the most productive ways to keep a precast plant organized is through the implementation of Lean manufacturing methods. The core concept of Lean manufacturing is to reduce waste from the manufacturing process and improve efficiency by utilizing the input of pant personnel to provide input into possible improvements.
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