Title:
Precast Concrete Bents Stacked for
Style and Stability
Author(s):
Thomas W. Kam
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
6
Issue:
11
Appears on pages(s):
08-11
Keywords:
bents; concrete construction; frames; post-tensioning;
precast concrete.
DOI:
Date:
11/1/1984
Abstract:
Precast concrete bents, shaped in an inverted U, were stacked to create a frame to resist both the gravity and wind loads on the new Dallas area headquarters for Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Each bent is a monolithic concrete unit composed of two columns and one beam. The more heavily loaded bents were also post-tensioned to eliminate unsightly cracking and deflections. Use of these units reduced the number of precast ele-ments and connections for the building and served a dual role as a structural frame and architectural fea-ture.