Concrete Industry Calendar

T-Biscuits: An Alternative to Structural Steel Connections in Parking Garages

August 25, 2026 to August 25, 2026

Starting Time:   6:00 PM EST

End Time:   8:00 PM EST

Sponsor(s): ACI South Florida Chapter

Description:
Abstract: There are approximately 7,500 parking garages across the United States. These garages vary in age and the construction methods used. The most common structural systems use precast double tee units for garage flooring. These units are suspended by inverted precast T-beams and L-Beams. Connections between double tee panels are often cast as an embedded steel reinforcement connection or proprietary cold-formed steel product, welded with a slug plate in the field. However, these connections often deteriorate before the end of the structure’s service life. As a result, double tee panels may move independently, compromising the diaphragm’s load path. Another method available for the double tee connection is the T-Biscuit. The T-Biscuit is manufactured with carbon fiber-reinforced polymer, having exceptional resistance to corrosion and deterioration. This presentation will describe the role of shear connectors in parking garage construction, the common issues they experience, conventional repair methods, and an in-depth discussion of the T-Biscuit.

Speaker Bio: Anthony N. Noto, P.E., is a Sales Engineer with V2 Composites, supporting projects in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. He is a technical resource for composite repair and strengthening systems, including Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) fabrics, FRP laminates, and the CFRP T-Biscuit. He is licensed in Alabama, Colorado, Florida, and Georgia was a structural engineering consultant for four years prior to joining the composites industry. He is an active structural engineer, working on composite systems as a delegated engineer and medium-sized commercial design projects as the Engineer of Record. He received his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and Master of Engineering in Structural Engineering from the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.

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ACI South Florida Chapter

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