Title:
Concrete Q & A: Wet Setting Weld Plates in Tilt-Up Panels
Author(s):
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
28
Issue:
6
Appears on pages(s):
88
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
6/1/2006
Abstract:
I’m involved with a project that has tilt-up wall panels with steel beam connection plates installed on the interior face of the panels. As with most tilt-up panels, they’re cast with the exterior face down. Section 4.5.6 of ACI 551R-92, “Tilt-Up Concrete Structures,”1 states: “It is important that embeds be securely anchored in place prior to casting and their location carefully checked.”
We believe that we would achieve a better installation of these specific embeds by “wet setting” them in lieu of trying to anchor them in place before the concrete is placed. This will enable us to better control the levelness of the embed plates and achieve better development of the embedded anchors without additional chairing being used beneath the plates. Further, to ensure the accuracy of our placement, we’ll not only confirm the placement coordination between the plate anchors and the preset reinforcing steel, but we’ll also locate the center of the plates using a string line system established prior to placing the concrete.
I interpret the statement from ACI 551R-92 as instructional—alerting contractors to the importance of anchoring and securing embedded items in place prior to placing concrete for the panel, and I don’t interpret this sentence to imply that wet setting of weld plates is not permitted. Does wet setting the weld plates violate any ACI building code requirements?