Tilt-up panel to panel connections 1

[rlmpellc]

Our tilt-up contractor has requested to eliminate panel to panel connections. Our connections are lap plates that connect to each panel separately so there is no differential out-of-plane movement, but the panels can contract and expand. It does seem that the panels will move together with wind and seismic forces so there is no load transfer across the joints.

 

[rlmpellc]

OHIOMatt,one of our original tilt-up projects in the late 90's was designed with welded connectors at every panel edge. Of course, there was shrinkage and possible some settlement. Several connections failed so after that we have used the panel connection as shown by dold. No issues have been reported since using this detail, so if history says it works why argue. Maybe it is redundant. On our current project there are many windows close to one of the edges of the panels. If there is a narrow leg next to a wider leg then the wider panel can assist with out of plane deflection with this connection.