PCI Seeks Consultant for Precast Podiums

The PCI Marketing and Technical Activities councils have identified a need for guidance on the design of precast podium structures supporting multi-story timber or light-gauge steel framing.  PCI is seeking statements of qualification from individuals or firms interested in supporting the development of guidance for these podiums.

The main objectives of this project include the following:

  • Provide guidance on estimating the applicable design criteria and loading that the precast podium will be required to support.
  • Summarize information on typical lateral force resisting systems commonly used for the precast podium and the light framed structure above.
  • Provide guidance for the connections between the precast podium and the light framed structure above.
  • Compile typical components and systems used for precast podiums.

Primary deliverable is a white paper outlining the guidance and recommendations for use by sales, estimating, and engineering staff to pursue these projects.  A potential secondary deliverable is development of the supporting information and powerpoint presentation.

The primary deliverable is expected to be substantially complete by 6/30/2021.

Interested consultants are invited to submit the following qualifications:

  • A maximum two-page statement of interest in the project, including description of the following:
    • Previous related experience in the design of precast podiums, with specific examples preferred.
    • Proposed approach to meet the objectives and provide the deliverables.
  • Resumes of project team members.

Qualifications may be submitted to Technical@pci.org through 5 p.m. CDT on March 26, 2021. PCI expects to select consultant and initiate project by April 1, 2021.

ICC Committee Action Hearings – Group A Codes

Registration is open for Committee Action Hearings taking place in April/May. Although the hearings are always able to be viewed via live stream, this year’s hearings are fully virtual. As noted in the December 2020 Technical Update, PCI has submitted three code change proposals for Group A.

A full list of all submitted proposals is available on the ICC website. Group A includes the following sections of the IBC and IRC:

  • IBC-E: IBC Egress provisions – Chapters 10 and 11
  • IBC-FS: IBC Fire Safety provisions – Chapters 7, 8, 9 (partial), 14 and 26
  • IBC-G: IBC General provisions – Chapters 3 – 6, 12, 13, 27 – 33
  • IRC-M: IRC Mechanical provisions – Chapters 12 – 23
  • IRC-P: IRC Plumbing provisions – Chapters 25 – 33

Register and learn more about ICC Committee Action Hearings

Guide on 3-D Printed Molds Published

A Guide on 3-D Molds for Precast Concrete has been published as an outcome of the research collaboration between PCI and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. This guide provides background information and guidance on the advantages, requirements, applicability, and implementation of 3-D printed molds for precast concrete fabrication.

Download a free PDF or buy a hard copy at the PCI Bookstore

IBC 2021 Errata

With the release of the 2021 International Building Code, errata are currently being compiled. SK Ghosh Associates recently published a blog post, “An Error in 2021 IBC Chapter 19”, concerning Chapter 19 references to sections in ACI 318.

Also be aware that errata concerning ANSI/PCI 128-19, Specification for the Design of Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Panels, has been submitted. In section 1903.3 PCI MNL 128 standard is in the body of the code. It is referenced correctly in Chapter 35 Referenced Standards as PCI 128-19. The proposed errata will remove MNL to be consistent with the Chapter 35 reference.

Errata for ICC codes may be submitted and viewed on the ICC Errata Central page. Please contact standards@pci.org with any questions.

PCI Technical Internship Opportunity Available

PCI is looking for an enterprising and well-qualified student intern to assist PCI staff with important technical projects. This individual will work with the PCI Technical team to support the extensive technical workload and will gain a unique experience advancing the institute’s body of knowledge to benefit potential career opportunities. If you are interested or know an engineering student who may be interested in a full-time internship at PCI headquarters, please review the opportunity.