Motivation
Prefabrication plays an important role in the construction of concrete structures worldwide and is evolving continuously to cope with current society’s habits and needs related to housing, commercial buildings and civil engineering works. This is an area where material, technological, and design innovations are typically introduced the earliest, making it one of the most progressive sectors in civil engineering. In fact, industrialised construction may result in cost efficiency, good quality and environmentally friendly solutions, as well as the ability to adapt to market demands. Prefabricated concrete structures certainly align well with the concept of circular construction.
Scope and objective of technical work
The basic goal of COM6 is to enhance the progress of precast concrete, in relation to the state-of-the-art. The general scope is to promote the understanding of design concepts, technology and use of precast concrete, not only by the specialists but also by a broader audience. The implied objectives are:
- to stimulate and coordinate R&D internationally;
- to transfer the output into planning, practical design and construction, by means of technical reports, state–of-the-art reports, guides to good practice, handbooks;
- to disseminate knowledge through seminars, courses, educational material;
- to contribute to recommendations, pre-normative documents and codes within standardisation bodies.
COM6 addresses subjects that include items directly related to precast concrete, such as structural systems, elements, connections, production, handling, assembling, demounting, etc., as well as structural analysis, materials technology, building physics, equipment, environmental issues, sustainable development, etc.
The areas considered in the scope of the Commission’s work are all those of interest for structures in their application to precast concrete:
- Structural Performance (Efficiency, Safety, and Quality)
- Functional and Social Adaptability
- Resource Efficiency and Environmental Sustainability
- Community Impact
Commission Chair
Deputy Chair
| First name | Last name | Country | Affiliation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iria | Doniak | Brazil | ABCIC |
| David | Fernández-Ordóñez | Switzerland | fib |
| Larbi | Sennour | United States | The Consulting Engineers Gr., Inc. |
| Bruno | Della Bella | Italy | Gruppo Centro Nord |
| Antonello | Gasperi | Italy | Private |
| Paolo | Riva | Italy | University of Bergamo |
| Pieter | van der Zee | Belgium | Ergon Belgium |
| Stef | Maas | Belgium | FEBE |
| Marco | Menegotto | Italy | Private |
| Ronald | Klein-Holte | Netherlands | VBI Ontwikkeling BV |
| Wit | Derkowski | Poland | Cracow Technical University |
| André | de Chefdebien | France | Rector Lesage |
| Holger | Karutz | Germany | ad-media GmbH |
| Sthaladipti | Saha | India | Larsen & Toubro Ltd |
| Lasse | Rajala | Finland | Sweco Rakennetekniikka Oy |
| George | Jones | Ireland | CDC Ltd |
| Ned | Cleland | United States | Blue Ridge Design |
| Jason | Krohn | United States | PCI - Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute |
| Simon | Hughes | Australia | Precast Concepts Pty. Ltd |
| Stefano | Pampanin | Italy | Sapienza University of Rome |
| Bin | Zhao | China | Tongji University |
| Albert | De la Fuente | Spain | Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya |
| Dean A. | Frank | United States | Dean Frank Associates, LLC |
| Minehiro | Nishiyama | Japan | Kyoto University |
| Thomas | D’Arcy | United States | Private |
| Mounir | El Debs | Brazil | Univ. Sao Paulo at Sao Carlos |
| GANGATHARAN | MAHALINGAM | India | Larsen & Toubro Ltd |
| Marcelo | Ferreira | Brazil | UFSCAR Federal University of Sao Carlos/ABCIC |
| Válter | Da Guia Lucio | Portugal | Universidade Nova de Lisboa |
| Alessandra | Ronchetti | Italy | ASSOBETON |
| Peter | Meuwissen | Germany | Progress Group GmbH |
| Juan Carlos | Lancha Fernandez | Spain | Neos Maritime Consulting |
- TG6.1 - Precast floors & floors for precast structures
- TG6.2 - Quality control for precast concrete
- TG6.3 - Sustainability of structures with precast elements
- TG6.4 - Precast concrete towers for wind power generators
- TG6.5 - Precast concrete bridges
- TG6.6 - Retrofitting of precast seismic structures
- TG6.8 - Terminology for precast concrete
- TG6.9 - Precast parking structures
- TG6.11 - Social Impact of Precast Concrete
- TG6.12 - Precast concrete modular buildings
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TG6.1 - Precast floors & floors for precast structures
Over the past decade, Task Group 6.1 has concentrated on updating design recommendations for precast prestressed hollow-core slab floors, aligning them with the latest advancements in the field. Looking ahead, the objective is to expand this focus to provide a more holistic perspective on precast floor systems. This next phase seeks to develop technical bulletins, or sections within a single bulletin, with each part addressing specific aspects of flooring relevant to different types of precast floors and flooring systems for precast structures.
A primary objective is the dissemination of knowledge through seminars, educational initiatives, and engagement with standardization bodies. The goal is for this bulletin to become a benchmark for precast and flooring systems, shaping best practices throughout the industry. Additionally, the task group will offer design and calculation examples to ensure that engineers and designers can implement these guidelines effectively. These practical resources will act as educational tools for both experienced professionals and emerging engineers, potentially with support from the Young Members Group.
First name Last name Country Affiliation Bruno Della Bella Italy Gruppo Centro Nord Antonello Gasperi Italy Private Pieter van der Zee Belgium Ergon Belgium Ronald Klein-Holte Netherlands VBI Ontwikkeling BV Wit Derkowski Poland Cracow Technical University Lasse Rajala Finland Sweco Rakennetekniikka Oy Simon Hughes Australia Precast Concepts Pty. Ltd David Fernández-Ordóñez Switzerland fib Marcelo Ferreira Brazil UFSCAR Federal University of Sao Carlos/ABCIC Wayne Kassian Canada Kassian Dyck Associates Stef Maas Belgium FEBE Miłosz Jeziorski Poland - Matthieu Scalliet France CERIB Alessandra Ronchetti Italy ASSOBETON N. Vambersky Netherlands Corsmit Raadgevend Ingenieurs Bin Zhao China Tongji University Jan Bujnak Slovakia Peikko Group Arne Völker Germany MAX-truder GmbH -
TG6.2 - Quality control for precast concrete
The goal of Task Group 6.2 (TG6.2) is to prepare a state-of-the-art report describing the steps, procedures and rules for the quality control of precast concrete, with respect to both production and product quality, to improve the quality of prefabricated construction.
The report produced is intended to serve as a basic specification guide for plants and produced precast concrete elements, defining a program of quality control to monitor the production by measurement or by comparison to acceptable standards. The following topics will be included:
- plant quality assurance program;
- material and accessories;
- production;
- transport and erection;
- recommended testing equipment;
- quality control operations;
- maintenance.
First name Last name Country Affiliation Iria Doniak Brazil ABCIC David Fernández-Ordóñez Switzerland fib Bruno Della Bella Italy Gruppo Centro Nord Stef Maas Belgium FEBE Jaime Fernández Gomez Spain Universidad Politecnica de Madrid Alejandro Lopez-Vidal Spain ANDECE Holger Karutz Germany ad-media GmbH Dean A. Frank United States Dean Frank Associates, LLC Alessandra Ronchetti Italy ASSOBETON Wayne Kassian Canada Kassian Dyck Associates Peter Meuwissen Germany Progress Group GmbH Navendu Rai United Arab Emirates - -
TG6.3 - Sustainability of structures with precast elements
Sustainability is considered to be one of the main aspects of the future of construction, thus of prefabrication as well. COM6 and PCI work in close cooperation since 2008 on issues of mutual interest, with the comparison of respective approaches and the development of common publications. PCI has produced various works dealing with the sustainability of precast structures and is currently developing a large investigation program on this subject. The fib has also developed a large amount of work on sustainability. Presently, the work regarding solely sustainability is being developed in COM7 and in TG.10.1 for the MC2020.
The first activity of TG6.3 will be the study of the most recent works developed on sustainability and in particular Life Cycle Assessment regarding structures where precast concrete elements are used. Then, the TG worked on the drafting of recommendations regarding the study and assessment of precast concrete elements and structures, with respect to sustainability. This covered all aspects regarding this kind of structures, from planning, design, execution, use, maintenance, and remedial activities, up to dismantling, reuse and recycling. This conclusion of this work of the TG was the publication of the joint PCI-fib Bulletin 88 Sustainability of precast structures.
Then, the TG moved on to develop a proposal of a multi-criteria decision-making model that can be used for the assessment of the sustainability of structures with precast elements.
At the moment, the TG is working on a roadmap of sustainability performance-based design for structures with precast elements.
First name Last name Country Affiliation Iria Doniak Brazil ABCIC Stef Maas Belgium FEBE Alejandro Lopez-Vidal Spain ANDECE Emily Lorenz United States - Stefano Pampanin Italy Sapienza University of Rome Koji Sakai Japan Japan Sustainability Institute Petr Hajek Czech Republic Czech Technical University in Prague Albert De la Fuente Spain Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya Jaime Gálvez Ruiz Spain Universidad Politecnica de Madrid Dean A. Frank United States Dean Frank Associates, LLC Antonello Gasperi Italy Private Tomas Plauska Netherlands Consolis Alessandra Ronchetti Italy ASSOBETON Irene Josa United Kingdom University College London (UCL) Freddy Ariñez Fernandez Spain Universidad Politécnica de Madrid Gábor Sándor Romania Consolis Group -
TG6.4 - Precast concrete towers for wind power generators
Wind energy production is a growing industry. The energy produced is renewable and environmentally cleaner than most production means.
Supports for the wind energy generators may be built with precast concrete elements, which can be a competitive solution compared to other structural systems.
The evolution of technology for wind energy production shows a clear need for larger wind turbines and, consequently, taller towers. Experience also shows that precast solutions are even more competitive with higher towers.
Offshore wind farms have some advantages over onshore wind farms, which explain recent investments in the area. In this case, the durability of concrete in the marine environment, compared to steel gives greater advantage to precast concrete solutions.
TG6.4 will produce a state-of-the-art report analysing and discussing the main issues related to conception, design, detailing, construction and environmental aspects of precast structural solutions.
First name Last name Country Affiliation Juan Carlos Lancha Fernandez Spain Neos Maritime Consulting Jürgen Grünberg Germany University Hannover Lasse Rajala Finland Sweco Rakennetekniikka Oy Stefano Pampanin Italy Sapienza University of Rome David Fernández-Ordóñez Switzerland fib Stein Atle Haugerud Norway Dr. techn. Olav Olsen a.s. Albert De la Fuente Spain Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya Iria Doniak Brazil ABCIC Fernando Martinez Perez-Beato Spain DYWIDAG Sistemas Constructivos Tomas Plauska Netherlands Consolis Celia Gómez del Pulgar Spain Westinghouse Electric Company LLC Ramaseshu Kittur Srinivasan India Padacar José Ángel Rodrigo Ramiro United Kingdom RPS Group Eduardo Salete Casino Spain Universidad Nacional de Educacion a Distancia Borja San Vicente Larrechi Spain Siemens Gamesa Jokin Benavides Spain Windtechnic Engineering S.L. Matthias Wild Germany DYWIDAG-Systems International Minehiro Nishiyama Japan Kyoto University José Carril Spain Vestas Lars Amund Rudi Nerland Norway Olav Olsen Mario Sobrinho Portugal Vestas Patrick Roycroft Germany TÜV Nord -
TG6.5 - Precast concrete bridges
Precast concrete bridges are frequently used in almost every country. Nevertheless, while it would ppear that similar practices are generally followed, the reality is that different places and cultures follow different traditions and conventions.
The group will connect the work of both PCI and fib. PCI has developed a large amount of information and publications on precast bridges.
The group will also connect the work of both Commission 1 “Concrete Structures” and Commission 6 “Prefabrication”. Both Commissions have been working on the subject of bridges, Commission 1 has an active task group on bridges and has recently published Bulletin 32 “Guidelines for the design of footbridges”. On the other hand, Commission 6 has published a state-of-the-art report regarding precast bridges, Bulletin 23 “Precast Concrete Bridges”.
The scope of the activity of the group will be the study of the most recent work that has been developed regarding bridges with precast elements and to provide design recommendations for owners, designers, contractors and precasters. The recommendations will cover all possible aspects, including planning, design, execution, use, maintenance and remedial activities and finally demolition, reuse and recycling.
First name Last name Country Affiliation Milan Kalny Czech Republic Pontex Ltd. David Fernández-Ordóñez Switzerland fib Pieter van der Zee Belgium Ergon Belgium Kenichi Kata Japan Sumitomo Mitsui Consctruction Co, Ltd. Freddy Ariñez Fernandez Spain Universidad Politécnica de Madrid Luis Matute Rubio Spain IDEAM S.A. Robert Wheatly United Kingdom Atkins Yen Lei VOO Malaysia Dura Technology Sdn. Bhd Sameh El-Ashri United Arab Emirates e.Construct Pankaj Garg India Atkins Lars Lundorf Nielsen Denmark COWI William Nickas United States PCI André de Chefdebien France Rector Lesage Albert De la Fuente Spain Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya Fernando Stucchi Brazil ABECE/EGT Hugo Corres Spain FHECOR Ingenieros Consultores Marcelo Waimberg Brazil EGT Engenharia/Abcic Maher Tadros United States University of Nebraska-Lincoln Jasson Tan Malaysia Dura Technology Steven Nolan United States Florida Department of Transportation Ong Chong Yong Malaysia EXPERIVA SOLUTIONS José Rui Pinto Portugal Krear Construção Industrializada S.A Venkataramana Heggade India Indian National Academy of Engineers Mamdouh El-Badry Canada University of Calgary Gopal Srinivasan United Kingdom Arup Yin-Wen Chan Taiwan, Province of China National Taiwan University Richard Brice United States Washington DOT Gilberto Dreas Italy Deal Milad Hafezolghorani Esfahani Malaysia Dura Technology Somnath Mukherjee Malaysia HSS Integrated Ólafur Haraldsson Iceland Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration -
TG6.6 - Retrofitting of precast seismic structures
Topics to be covered within the bulletin could be:
- lessons learned and damage observation or better damage mechanisms observed in previous earthquake and associated performance of precast buildings;
- list of typical critical or less critical vulnerabilities of this class of buildings;
- simplified assessment methodology based on different levels of complexity, from quick screening (pre- or post-damage) without drawings to quick evaluation with drawings, to more detailed analysis and ultimately numerical analysis (computer based);
- overarching retrofit strategies (e.g. drift control or local ductility, thus implying a combination of global vs. local intervention);
- scenario/flowcharts of possible techniques (presented only conceptually but with practical aspects) to fulfil/achieve the targeted retrofitted performance;
- high-level (schematic) discussion of pros and cons of each retrofit solution including cost, invasiveness, downtime and other indirect but important parameters for the owner, tenants, insurer etc.
First name Last name Country Affiliation David Fernández-Ordóñez Switzerland fib Larbi Sennour United States The Consulting Engineers Gr., Inc. Georgia Kremmyda Greece NTUA Ioannis Psycharis Greece NTUA Nat. Technical University of Athens Sevket Ozden Turkey OTS INSAAT Engineering & Design Co. Iman Hajirasouliha United Kingdom The University of Sheffield Andreas Lampropoulos United Kingdom University of Brighton Tryfon Topintzis India Katerra India Pvt. Ltd Marco Savoia Italy University of Bologna Marco Menegotto Italy Private Wit Derkowski Poland Cracow Technical University Barry Crisp Australia Crisp Consultants PTY Ltd Stefano Pampanin Italy Sapienza University of Rome Bin Zhao China Tongji University Salyendra Ghosh United States S.K. Ghosh Associates, Inc. Thomas D’Arcy United States Private Minehiro Nishiyama Japan Kyoto University Ned Cleland United States Blue Ridge Design Paolo Riva Italy University of Bergamo Marco di Prisco Italy Politecnico di Milano Gennaro Magliulo Italy University of Naples “Federico II” Roberto Nascimbene Italy IUSS Birol Doyranli Turkey Alacalı İnşaat Erkan Akpinar Turkey Kocaeli University -
TG6.8 - Terminology for precast concrete
In fib bulletins, the terminology and language used was not uniformly understood by experts from various countries throughout the world.
The objective is to create a technical report that lists the common terminology used in the prefabrication industry along with an explanation describing the terms. There may be multiple terms used with the same definition.
First name Last name Country Affiliation Gösta Lindström Sweden AB Strangbetong N. Vambersky Netherlands Corsmit Raadgevend Ingenieurs Holger Karutz Germany ad-media GmbH Jason Krohn United States PCI - Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute Barry Crisp Australia Crisp Consultants PTY Ltd Simon Hughes Australia Precast Concepts Pty. Ltd David Fernández-Ordóñez Switzerland fib Carlos Chastre Rodrigues Portugal Universidade Nova de Lisboa Antonello Gasperi Italy Private Dean A. Frank United States Dean Frank Associates, LLC George Jones Ireland CDC Ltd Marco Menegotto Italy Private Joost Walraven Netherlands Dutch fib Delegation Alessandra Ronchetti Italy ASSOBETON -
TG6.9 - Precast parking structures
Besides the traffic congestion, one of the most prevalent problems in large urban agglomerations where cars are the dominant mode of transportation, vehicles spend most of the time parked. Particularly in the central areas both challenges are interrelated, since looking for parking spaces, causes congestion in circulation.
Precast concrete is generally used in the constructions of structures and buildings facilitating urban mobility (e.g. airports, stations, bridges, etc.). Precast concrete offers important advantages: large spans by using prestressed elements, speed of erection, low environmental impact, low maintenance costs and many more.
The fib published Bulletin 74, prepared by the Commission 6, an important tool to promote the use of precast concrete. It has been written to help architects and engineers to achieve a full understanding of precast concrete building structures, the possibilities they offer and their specific design philosophy.
Despite the fact this bulletin mentions the advantages of precast concrete in parking garages several times, there is a clear need to inspire designers and architects with more examples and best practices from all over the world, considering new local needs.
The purpose of this TG is to produce a State-of-the-Art Report.
This report should encourage architects and designers to use precast (prestressed) concrete for car parking structures. The report will gather examples from all over the world showing how functional, safety and aesthetics requirements can be fulfilled by using precast concrete.
The report shows the variety of precast concrete elements that can be used for this specific type of buildings, depending on the conceptual design and the aesthetic requirements.
First name Last name Country Affiliation Stefano Pampanin Italy Sapienza University of Rome Simon Hughes Australia Precast Concepts Pty. Ltd Ned Cleland United States Blue Ridge Design Larbi Sennour United States The Consulting Engineers Gr., Inc. Iria Doniak Brazil ABCIC Wit Derkowski Poland Cracow Technical University David Fernández-Ordóñez Switzerland fib George Jones Ireland CDC Ltd Ronald Klein-Holte Netherlands VBI Ontwikkeling BV Stef Maas Belgium FEBE Lasse Rajala Finland Sweco Rakennetekniikka Oy Pieter van der Zee Belgium Ergon Belgium Dean A. Frank United States Dean Frank Associates, LLC Cem Özer Turkey Peikko Turkey & Statica Consulting Wayne Kassian Canada Kassian Dyck Associates Nick Zygouris Greece Lithos Consulting Engineers Seyit İsmail Ulusoy Turkey CEG TR -
TG6.11 - Social Impact of Precast Concrete
Task Group 6.11 focuses on the social impact of precast concrete throughout the entire life cycle of precast concrete elements and structures. In addition to the economic and ecological benefits of precast concrete, it is essential to analyse the social consequences for various stakeholders, including workers, users, local communities, and society at large.
Precast concrete has the potential to optimize economic costs and mitigate environmental impacts. At the same time, it is crucial to consider social consequences. Utilizing Social Life Cycle Analysis (SLCA), this task group aims to evaluate the effects on different groups. The insights will contribute to a better understanding of how precast concrete can have both positive and negative social impacts.
The increasing adoption of precast concrete in construction necessitates a comprehensive understanding of its social implications. The members of Task Group 6.11 recognize a significant potential for positive social impact arising from the use of precast concrete. By enhancing construction efficiency, reducing disruption to local communities, and improving the quality of structures, precast concrete can contribute to better living conditions and economic opportunities. As precast construction evolves, so do the relationships and impacts on various stakeholders, highlighting the need for focused analysis and recommendations.
The primary objectives of Task Group 6.11 are:
- Analysis of social impact: Investigating the social effects of precast concrete during the construction, use, and decommissioning phases, utilizing SLCA to evaluate the impacts on various groups.
- Stakeholder engagement: Involving diverse stakeholders in the process to gather different perspectives.
- Developing recommendations: Formulating guidelines to minimize negative impacts and maximize positive social outcomes.
First name Last name Country Affiliation Mischa Falger Netherlands - David Fernández-Ordóñez Switzerland fib Wit Derkowski Poland Cracow Technical University Irene Josa United Kingdom University College London (UCL) Ronald Klein-Holte Netherlands VBI Ontwikkeling BV Stef Maas Belgium FEBE Tomas Plauska Netherlands Consolis -
TG6.12 - Precast concrete modular buildings
Currently, significant housing pressures, particularly in large touristic cities, drive up prices and force families and students to relocate to the outskirts. Simultaneously, natural disasters - exacerbated by climate change - and armed conflicts are occurring with increasing frequency across the globe, underscoring the urgent need for temporary shelters and field hospitals that can be deployed quickly. Addressing these diverse challenges in a fast, high-quality, and cost-effective manner requires a focused effort to modernize and adapt the construction industry, particularly through a renewed emphasis on concrete prefabrication combined with modularization.
The planned fib bulletin (a guide to good practice) will provide guidelines for the use of precast concrete modules to build different types of buildings, from temporary buildings for emergency situations to multi-storey buildings with different kinds of use, such as residential buildings, students’ residences, office buildings, hospitals, schools and others.
First name Last name Country Affiliation Wit Derkowski Poland Cracow Technical University Eduardo Julio Portugal Instituto Superior Tecnico, Universidade de Lisboa David Fernández-Ordóñez Switzerland fib André Furtado Portugal Instituto Superior Tecnico, Universidade de Lisboa Bernhard Leitner Germany Green-Code Emanuele Brunesi Italy Eucentre Henrik Engstrom Sweden Torps AB Holger Karutz Germany ad-media GmbH Ingmar Wilhelm Germany Green-Code Irene Josa United Kingdom University College London (UCL) José Rui Pinto Portugal Krear Construção Industrializada S.A Marcelo Cuadrado Marin Brazil Leonardi Construçao Industrializada Ltda Mario Lacerda Portugal Mota-Engil Prefabricados Mario Pimentel Portugal Faculty of Engineering of University of Porto Mounir El Debs Brazil Univ. Sao Paulo at Sao Carlos Paulo Maranha Portugal ECA Projectos, Lda Ricardo do Carmo Portugal ISEC - Coimbra Institute of Engineering Romain Sousa Portugal Vigobloco Stefano Pampanin Italy Sapienza University of Rome Yoshihiro Ota Japan Takenaka Corporation Hugo Rodrigues Portugal University of Aveiro
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