Coring Openings in Existing Concrete Panel for Mechanical Ducts

[ivanga7]

I need to look at coring two holes for mechanical ducts in an existing concrete tilt-up panel. The holes will be 24" and 26" in diameter and will be located towards the top of the panel. The panel is 32' high from finished floor and is 24'-10" wide. I wanted to know if I have to do a full lateral analysis, find the new panel rigidity, and check to see if the cored panel will be adequate to resist the loads, or if there is a faster way to determine whether the openings can be cored? Perhaps a rule of thumb?

 

[KootK]

Losing 4' out of a 26' panel amounts to 15%. That doesn't seem like a very big deal, especially if there are other panels also contributing to the lateral resistance. Panel shear capacity is also likely to be governed by the commections rather than the panel itself and it doesn't sound as though you'll be messing with the connections.

We can weigh in more definitively if you post an elevation sketch of the modified panel and a plan sketch of the overall building layout.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[msquared48]

I would be far more concerned with cutting any chord steel or closely spaced v r tial steel at an opening.

Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)

 

[Ingenuity]

I pity the poor bastard that has to mount a horizontal core rig and drill a 24" dia bit!

Maybe they will stitch-core it...