Title: Design Considerations for GFRC Facades

Author(s): R. G. Oesterle, D. M. Schultz an J. D. Glikin

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 124

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 157-182

Keywords: cladding; composite construction (concrete and steel); facings; cracking (fracturing); fiber reinforced concretes; glass fibers; loads (forces); panels; restraints; shrinkage; structural design; temperature; tensile strength; wind pressure; Design

DOI: 10.14359/3134

Date: 9/1/1990

Abstract:
Thin-walled glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) panels are used as facade systems for commercial structures. Wind load and gravity load are primary load cases typically considered in panel design. However, since the GFRC skin is relatively thin, it responds rapidly to thermal and moisture variations. Therefore, minimizing restraint of the GFRC skin movement under varying environmental conditions and/or determination of stresses resulting from restrained movement are also primary considerations in GFRC facade panel design. Paper addresses concepts for design of GFRC panels including material behavior, design strengths, and loading combinations. Discussions of load conditions and recommended design considerations are presented for the effects of manufacturing, handling, and erection loading, gravity loading, wind loading, and loading due to external and internal restraint of moisture and thermal movements. Paper is based on the authors' experiences during their involvement in the design process for several new GFRC installations along with observations made and lessons learned in evaluation of GFRC facade failures