Project Overview
Construction of the Centro de Gobierno Plaza Civica involved challenging architecture and precise execution, where the architectural precast facade proved to be the ideal solution. The use of precast concrete accelerated installation allowed for quick enclosure of the structure, which permitted inside work to be completed sooner and acted as a buffer against vandalism and environmental concerns.
As for manufacturing, the curved panel shapes as well as managing the high winds that buffeted the top of the building were the two biggest challenges the project faced. However, a flexible form casting system reduced the number of forms needed to make the panels. With the use of this precast concrete technology, its precision was the key to defining the unique shapes needed to build this structure.
Precast Solution
The high-rise building is 591 ft (180 m) tall – the tallest structure in the city, required 2,117 straight and curved precast concrete panels, ranging in sizes from 93 to 190 ft2 (8.6 to 18 m2). The panels were cast in regular concrete and glass fiber-reinforced concrete (GFRC) and feature white marble aggregates with a light acid-etch finish. The lower annex building, offering other public services as part of the same complex, includes another 815 precast elements of different geometries.
Despite its volume, the complicated geometry of the curved panels resulted in an artistic look, highlighting harmonic surfaces with precise lines in a visually homogeneous construction process. |