HINGENEERING’S Journey into Precast Concrete Design
When approached by an Alberta-based precast supplier, HINGENEERING Consulting seized the opportunity to expand our expertise. Despite being new to this field, our team embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and dedication.
The Self-Study Phase:
Before diving into the project, we undertook a rigorous self-study phase, gathering mandatory resources, standards, and relevant case studies. This preparatory work ensured our design approach met and exceeded industry standards.
Developing In-House Design Tools:
Our team created comprehensive design spreadsheets tailored to precast concrete, focusing on:
- Wall Panels: Designed for wind loads, incorporating P-delta effects to account for structural displacements.
- Slabs: Designed for diverse load types, including dead, live, and snow loads.
Design Challenges and How We Overcame Them
- Transportation and Handling:
- Heavy precast components pose logistical challenges. Our solutions included optimizing panel dimensions and weights to ease transportation and installation.
- Complex Connections:
- Seamless connections are crucial to structural stability. We employed advanced design methods to account for potential surface unevenness and ensured compatibility with the main structure.
- Flexibility in Design:
- Adapting designs to meet supplier capabilities, such as restricting panel lengths or heights, was key to ensuring practicality and efficiency.
The Benefits of Precast Concrete Design
Venturing into precast concrete design has opened exciting opportunities for HINGENEERING Consulting:
- Enhanced Expertise: Expanding our technical skills and service offerings.
- New Clientele: Serving a broader client base in Alberta, British Columbia, and potentially in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario.
- Diverse Portfolio: Adding innovative projects to our portfolio strengthens our position in the engineering industry.
- Sustainable Practices: Supporting environmentally conscious construction with reduced material wastage and energy efficiency.
Why Choose HINGENEERING for Precast Concrete Design?
Our approach combines technical precision, industry compliance, and innovative thinking:
- Compliance with CSA A23.3 and other concrete design standards.
- Advanced design tools and in-house expertise tailored to your project needs.
- A commitment to sustainability and efficiency in every project.
Whether it’s wall panels, slab panels, or complex connections, HINGENEERING Consulting is ready to deliver solutions that exceed expectations.
