PROJECT OVERVIEW

“The Icon” in Richmond, Virginia, is a 163,000-square-foot, twelve-story apartment complex with 189 units. When SWA Construction, one of Richmond’s leading developers, acquired the property, the mission was simple: find the right building solution for the project. Having just completed several precast parking decks with Tindall Building Systems, SWA decided to work with Tindall to design, manufacture and erect this multi-family residence.

As is typical in a constricted metropolitan location, job site challenges included everyday traffic and congestion. Further, the team was on a tight deadline and required a solution that provided accelerated, all-weather construction. After a thorough review of building material and enclosure options, a total precast structure provided the best solution vs. steel or cast-in-place concrete with alternative cladding.

PRECAST SOLUTION

Tindall worked seamlessly with SWA Construction’s architects to lay out a plan, timeline, and model for a total precast solution utilizing the Tindall Lightweight All-Purpose Beam (T-SLAB®) system. To produce a T-SLAB, Tindall creates a series of super lightweight concrete blocks known as ribs. These arch-shaped blocks are formed by a Lightweight Aggregate Casting (LAC) machine, which serves as a 3D printer for concrete. Blocks are placed where needed or left out to accommodate various design elements, such as floor drains, electric conduits and boxes, solid zones, and large openings. These concrete blocks serve as the core of the T-SLAB and provide a grid for traditional and prestressed reinforcement.

Next, the team encases the core in high-strength, self-compacting concrete. This created a series of arches inside the T-SLAB, facilitating load distribution across the entire width of the beam. Once cured, this two-step process results in a stronger, lighter precast slab system that supports the project’s need for design flexibility, durability, and speed.

“With ‘heads to beds’ such a critical item for these projects, Tindall was able to get our building operational and generate revenue significantly faster than all other systems we analyzed. While there were many challenges throughout the process, from design to logistics and construction, Tindall worked seamlessly with us to solve any obstacles and keep our project on schedule.” Louis Salomonsky Vice President, SWA Construction 

Architect

Engineer

Developer & General Contractor

Precaster

PCI Certified Erector

Key Project Attributes

• “The Icon” in Richmond, Virginia, is a 163,000-square-foot, twelve-story apartment complex with 189 units
• After a thorough review of building material and enclosure options, a total precast structure provided the best solution vs. steel or cast-in-place concrete with alternative cladding
• The entire structure was completed in less than 4 months which allowed interior trades into the building sooner to start the interior buildout, streamlining the overall construction schedule and creating a path to faster tenant occupancy and quicker revenue generation for the developer

Project/Precast Scope

• This project was the first of its kind in the U.S. utilizing Tindall’s Lightweight All-Purpose Beam (T-SLAB®) system
• Tindall was able to rapidly erect the project at the tight metropolitan location while avoiding site congestion typically associated with other methods like steel or cast in place construction
• The all-precast project included T-SLAB architectural insulated wall panels, precast beams, and precast stairs; a total of 692 precast components were manufactured for this project