Applications : Precast
Precast products come in all shapes and sizes and employ different reinforcement schemes. Despite these differences, they all share a common set of problems. The first is the high labor component required to place steel reinforcement. The material is very inexpensive, but the labor to place it is not. PVA can eliminate or reduce all steel, thereby reducing labor costs. The next issue is weight for shipping and delivery or placement. Heavy steel and thick concrete cover requirements can be a thing of the past with PVA fibers. Not only does this reduce shipping costs, but PVA-ECC elements can be made very thin and strong, opening up new design possibilities that were not possible except with fiber-reinforced composites (epoxy or fiberglass).
These light and elegant designs can be made for a fraction of the cost of traditional composites while providing greater durability. The final issue with precast products is damage that occurs in handling and transit. Concrete is easily chipped and cracked. Cracks can lead to steel corrosion and spalling. Concrete reinforced with PVA is very tough, and not easily damaged. Cracks are minimized, which reduces the chance of water penetrating to the steel inside. Precast products can be made without steel reinforcement, which eliminates forever any possibility of corrosion.
Dosages can vary from 1.6 lbs a yard to 44 pounds per yard, (0.95kg/m3 to 26kg/m3) depending on the exact nature of the design and strength requirements. Please call us for engineering support for your application.
The Martel Tree was designed in the 1930's by brothers Jean and Noel Martel and was to have been made of steel. In 1999, on behalf of Boluogne Billancourt City, France, the "Tree" was redesigned by architect A. Spielman and engineered by Bouygues, a Lafarge partner in the Ductal® development. Constructed entirely of Ductal®, this 8.5 m (30') work of art is truly an achievement. The outstanding qualities of Ductal® allowed for the complex fixation of leaves to the trunk - with some pieces as thin as 6 cm (2 1/2").
From the sculpture of Jean and Joël MARTEL
Marc Mimram - Architect / Engineer
Alexandre Chemetoff - Landscaper
For the complete story click here.
 Precast bolt anchor for ocean seawall cast from Ductal® and reinforced with PVA |
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MONACO TRAIN STATION
Project Location: Principality of Monaco
Since land is at a premium in Monaco, it was necessary to relocate the existing rail lines to an underground system, away from prime waterfront. The underground railway station, part of a 1.75 mile (2.8 km) tunnel, was designed to receive high-speed trains. Concerned with the extreme noise level in the tunnel, the architect specified installation of acoustic panels. These panels had to be thin and lightweight, with perforations to channel/capture the reverberation of sounds. They also had to be resistant to impact and vandalism (especially graffiti). Several wall panel systems were studied, but only Ductal® met all specifications. The panels were easy to install, non-flammable, and resulted in a quality, aesthetically pleasing and bright environment for the passengers.
Finished panel with 15 mm x 15 mm (5/8" x 5/8") holes for acoustic properties.
Click here to see the complete Monaco Train Station project gallery. |
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