Precast spandrel panel

[JStructsteel]

For a precast spandrel panel bearing on another precast element, would a bearing plate always be required in the supporting element?

 

[JohnRwals]

Hmmm~~~~~~~~~
This is a good question.
I would like to hear other engineers' opinion.
I guess precast industry is in transition from using bearing plates to eliminating them.
Because I saw some precast design engineers omit bearing plates for inverted beams, also.

-JRW

 

[Aesur]

I'm sure it can be designed without a bearing plate, however one of the benefits is the ability to weld the plates together for an actual physical connection is it not?

 

[Aesur]

TO add to the above, how is out of plane loading being transferred to the other panel jambs without physical connections?

 

[GC_Hopi]

Embed plates with welded reinforcement are cheap insurance against cracking but it is case by case. I don't often see bearing plates below double tee stems or hollow core planks.

Aesur: A separate connection would be used.

 

[JohnRwals]

GC Hopi!

Can you eliminate the bearing plate of double tee stems?
Are these DTs for typical parking structures?
I have never seen double tees without bearing plates.

JRW

 

[GC_Hopi]

Good questions

 

[JohnRwals]

Wow... This is interesting experiment!
Are you comfortable with no bearing plate?
What is inside? Just typical 5 ft long single layer of WWR at each stem?
Do you ALWAYS design double tee stems like this?
Have you ever tested this bearing condition?

This could be revolutionary idea!!!!!

-JRW

 

[GC_Hopi]

Lol. Built these in my garage so I will let you know the test results.

 

[JohnRwals]

This is typical bearing plate design for the double tees with full stem:
bearing plate+welded rebars+wire mesh.
Can you eliminate bearing plate in this case?
(This picture shows before repair was done.)