(Based on the
recommendations of the Industry Standard for Precast and Tilt-up
Concrete for Buildings, 2001)
1. Are those involved
in the manufacturing of precast panels trained in current procedures and
quality control processes?
|
Training should cover the
recommendations in the Industry
Standard; in particular, Parts 5 and 6: • manufacturing (including formwork, casting sequences, reinforcement, lifting inserts, concrete placement, concrete strength, curing, release and inspection), and • handling and storage. |
2. Are panels manufactured and handled safely? |
• There must be a safe
system of work.
• Employees must be provided with the information instruction, training and supervision necessary to perform their work safely. • A risk control plan should be developed to manage ongoing hazards and risks. |
3. Are the shop drawings (design documentation) completed for each panel? |
Shop drawings should identify each panel to be cast and should specify: • Weight and dimensions of panels, • Reinforcement, • Location of inserts, • Braces, bracing inserts and fixings, and • Concrete strengths at lifting and in-service. |
4. Is information provided on rigging, lifting, transport and storage for each panel? |
One method of providing this
information would be to
incorporate it in the shop drawings. |
5. Is there a project/erection design engineer's certificate of compliance provided for each type of panel? |
Use a format similar to that in Appendix C of the Industry Standard for each type of panel. This certifies that the structural design of the panel is in accordance with the Industry Standard and can resist forces to which it will be subjected during handling, transportation and erection. |
6. Have all structural
components in the panel been inspected by a competent person prior to casting? |
The inspection should include: • A check for the identification number of the panel, • Confirmation of panel size, • Verification that all structural components, including reinforcement, inserts and cast-in plates, comply with shop drawings. |
7. Is each inspection documented? |
Each inspection should be
documented, signed off and kept
on file. |
8. Is a manufacturer's certificate of compliance provided for every panel? |
Use a format similar to that in Appendix D of the Industry Standard for each type of panel. This certifies that the panel type has been manufactured in accordance with the shop drawings and records the identification number and casting date of each element. (Multiple elements may be covered on a single certificate). |
9. Has the concrete been
correctly tested to ensure its strength is as specified in the shop drawings? |
Test concrete supplies to ensure that the strength required for lifting, transport and erection is as specified in the design documentation. Cylinder testing is the recommended method. Curing of cylinders should reflect yard conditions. Results of testing need to be documented and kept on file. |
10. Are panels stored
in an
area with a hard, level surface and with adequate drainage? |
When stacking vertically: • Racking systems/frames need to be checked by an engineer, and • Design must prevent progressive collapse. When stacking horizontally: • Support points must be directly above each other and at designated points, • Stacked height must not be more than twice the width of the panels, and Storage area should be isolated from heavy traffic. |
