University of San Agustin

College of Technology
Department of Architecture

JERMAINE INA H. DUMAUAL ARCH 4C

AR 423: ALTERNATIVE CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM

ACTIVITY 01: CAST-IN PLACE & PRECAST

1. What are the types of floor slab system? And explain each type in
brief and concise. (10 points)
a) Flat Slab is a two-way reinforced concrete slab where uses of beams
and girders are not required, and the loads are transferred directly to
the supporting concrete columns. This is commonly seen in large
industrial buildings such as parking garages, ramps, warehouses,
high-rise buildings, and hotels.
b) Flat Plate is a reinforced concrete frame system with uniform
thickness supported directly on columns without using beams. It's
commonly used in buildings where relatively low gravity loads are
applied.
c) Ribbed Floor Slab provides extra strength in one direction and a very
good form of construction where slab vibration is an issue, such as
laboratories and hospitals. It is primarily used in steel buildings but
can also be found in certain areas of concrete buildings.
d) Waffle Slab is a concrete slab made of reinforced concrete with
concrete ribs running in two directions on its underside. It is usually
used where large spans are required to avoid many columns
interfering with space. It is also excellent in vibration control.
e) Lift Slab is a technique whereby concrete floor slabs are poured on
the ground, one on top of the other, and then lifted into place on top of
columns by hydraulic jacks. Lift slab is a basic method of economical
concrete construction, especially for office buildings, apartments,
parking garages, hotels, and other structures
f) Span Stress Floor System is a construction method which utilizes
span-stress prestressed T-joint that can be used with filler blocks or
collapsible steel forms or plywood forms. It also means less labor and
cost as it eliminates wooden frameworks and reduced steel
reinforcement.
g) Slip Form Method is a construction method in which concrete is
poured into a continuously moving form and is often economical for
buildings more than ten storey in height. Typically used in tall
constructions such as bridges, towers, skyscrapers, and dams, as
well as horizontal structures such as highways.

2. What are the types of wall system? And explain each type in brief
and concise. (10 points)
a) Flat Type are metal panel profile that create a flush, seamless
appearance. They use a concealed fastener system, so no hardware
is visible after installation. It can range in size and shape, and are able
to be used as wall panels in both interior and exterior settings.
 University of San Agustin
College of Technology
Department of Architecture

b) Ribbed Types features ribs with sloping sides that generate

trapezoidal-shaped voids on the side. The ribs on these panels create
strong, bold lines that offer a unique approach to traditional metal
panels.
c) Wall Type or curtain wall is an outer covering of a building in which
the exterior walls are nonstructural but are related to the building
structure. It is built to resist air and water infiltration, absorb sway
caused by wind and seismic forces, and support its own weight.
d) Window Type spans only a single floor, is supported by the slab
below and above, and is therefore installed within the slab edge. They
are most usually installed inside a building, which is safer, more
efficient, and less expensive.
e) Tilt-Up Wall System features series of concrete panels tilted up into
place to form a building's exterior wall. These panels are
manufactured at the construction site using wood forms, rebar and
concrete. The forms are shaped and rebar cut to match final designs.
Concrete is then poured into the forms and finished. This method is
often used in the construction of commercial structures.

3. Explain why precast construction type is chosen than conventional

system in terms of large scale developments, what are the
comparisons, advantages and disadvantages? (10 points)
Precast concrete components are ready for use right away, but
cast-in-place concrete is not. The precast concrete is delivered to the
construction site, lifted, and positioned as planned. Cast-in-situ
concrete is a standard concrete that is placed into the site's unique
formwork and cured to attain the strength of RCC components.
Precast concrete is often stronger than cast-in-place concrete. Not
only are precast concrete products already reinforced with steel rebar,
but the controlled curing process also ensures that the concrete will
set correctly under ideal conditions for maximized strength.
The advantages of precast concrete system are: outstanding
quality & uniformity, speed of construction, reduced cost of
construction, innovative designs, high thermal & acoustic insulation
properties, significant reduction in construction waste, significant in
safety risks and sustainability (Estidama/LEED Compliant)
While for its disadvantages - the precast concrete system is very
heavy members, connections may be difficult, limited building design
flexibility, can not be used for two-way structural systems,economics
of scale demand regularly shaped buildings, it need for repetition of
forms will affect building design, joints between panels are often
expensive and complicated, skilled workmanship is required in the
application of the panel on site and Cranes are required to lift panels.
 University of San Agustin
College of Technology
Department of Architecture

4. Explain why we need to consider the lifting load capacity required &
handling of precast units/ panels? From delivery to erection to site.
(10 points)
Lifting any precast product requires the use of specialized
equipment as well as extensive planning and expertise. Any one
component failure might result in an unsuccessful lift, with potentially
disastrous consequences for the product, human life, or other things in
the surrounding environment. It is important to consider the required
lifting load capacity and handling because the precast concrete
element are heavy and large which makes it difficult to handle without
damage. The units may be damaged during delivery if not properly
handled.

5. Explain how each structural members of a precast system (frame

system) works and their function as a component in a building
structure? (20 points)
a) Load-bearing walls - transfer loads to the foundation to transfer the
weight of the roof and floors down to the ground through the
foundation. It can support structural members such as beams (strong
pieces of wood or metal), slabs, and walls on higher floors.
b) Shear walls - are designed and constructed to resist racking from
forces such as wind using masonry, concrete, cold-formed steel, or
wood framing. Shear walls reduce the sway of a structure to reduce
damage to the structure and its contents. It also maintains the shape
of the frame and prevents rotation at the joints.
c) Floor Slab - acts as a rigid diaphragm to transfer lateral forces to
walls/columns. It functions to distribute without deformation or
cracking, the loads applied to it to the weaker sub-grade below. In the
case of a ground bearing slab, or to the piles supporting it if designed
as a suspended ground slab this provides a suitable wearing surface.
d) Beam - are used to sustain the weight of a building's floors, ceilings,
and roofs as well as to transfer load to the framework of a vertical load
bearing element.
e) Girder - Girders are intended to be the primary structural supports,
and they have a much larger load-bearing capability. It’s the main
supports of a large structure and will support the smaller beams and
will support the load of the beams, then will transfer the load to the
columns and vertical supports below.
f) Column - a structural element that transfers loads from the slab (i.e.,
roof, upper floor) to the foundation and, finally, to the soil underneath
a structure.
g) Foundation/footing - are designed to provide a level and solid bed
for construction operations, preventing lateral movement of the
supporting material. The foundation load is applied at a constant pace
to avoid uneven settling on the bearing surface, which is an essential
factor in building construction.
 University of San Agustin
College of Technology
Department of Architecture

6. Provide detail connection (including alternative connection details)

of the following structural members; (40 points); Note: use freehand
drawing
a) Slab-to-beam b) beam-to-beam

c) Beam-to-column

d) Column-to-column e) Column-to-foundation
 University of San Agustin
College of Technology
Department of Architecture

f) Wall-to-wall

g) Slab-to-slab