CompositesWorld
Issue link: https://cw.epubxp.com/i/919214
36 CompositesWorld JANUARY 2018 INSIDE MANUFACTURING 1 EPS foam boards were placed on top of the first concrete pour of the exterior wythe. Source | AltusGroup 3 Prestressed steel cables and other steel reinforcement were placed on top of the EPS foam prior to the final concrete pour. The yellow objects are inserts for crane lifting points, each anchored with a square of C-GRID. Source | Metromont 2 C-GRID strips were placed in between the foam boards and pushed down into the wet concrete of the exterior wythe. Source | Metromont Cooper Cary began working with GSU and other team members on the building design. "We began with trying to make the building blocks of the project, the residential units, as efficient as possible," Fish recalls. is was important for the 253,843-ft 2 (23,583m 2 ) project comprising 1,152 beds in 320 suite- and semi-suite-style dorm rooms. "Beyond that, we tried to create space for varying levels of social engagement on every floor, and we also had to create the 400-seat dining hall on the entry level, but without a lot of struc- tural gyrations in order to meet the cost target." Actually, the building skin was the structure, so materials were very important. "e structure had to be buildable, but also provide the desired aesthetic. We wanted to make it fit in with downtown Atlanta, but also have an identity within GSU." He explains that the univer- sity sees each building as a way to reinforce its brand, which is a mix of modern and traditional. "A lot of demands were unfolding simultaneously," says Fish, "and precast has a unique ability to provide a solution." e GSU Piedmont Central project was designed as an entirely precast building — all of its elements would be precast concrete. "is speeds construction by at least 15-25%," says Carson. e CarbonCast-based design features loadbearing wall panels with a brick and sandblasted concrete exterior finish. ermally efficient, the insulated wall panels have an R-value that exceeds the energy code with painted back sides that provide the interior finish. All wall system requirements were met in one precast panel, versus several passes around the building (and use of subcontrac- tors) to perform individual framing, insulation, interior-finish, air/moisture barrier, waterproofing and exterior finish. "is CarbonCast construction is everything you want in a wall system: