Proj Overview

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Indiana University’s Ruth Lilly Auxiliary Library Facility is keeping pace with the acquisition of more books, films, textiles, art, and other materials The university has been expanding storage space with state-of-the-art climate-controlled areas that preserve delicate items. Precast concrete has played a key role in this effort with its insulating and thermal properties, strength, durability, and adaptability.

Read more about this project in the Winter 2023 issue of Ascent.

PRECAST SOLUTION

Precast concrete was a good choice for several reasons. Walls can be insulated where needed, it creates a durable exterior, it allows for load-bearing construction and cost savings, and it eliminates the need for steel-framing support.

 

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Project Team

Architects and Engineer of Record

American Structurepoint

Owner

Indiana University

Contractor

Hagerman Construction

Precast Concrete Producer

Coreslab Structures (INDIANAPOLIS)

 

Key Project Attributes

  • All of the precast pieces used structural gray concrete and had smooth form finishes with troweled backs.
  • It was important that all of the materials used in the building were both fire-resistant and inert—they don’t off-gas over time. Precast concrete is ideal for this.
  • A crowned roof prevents snow, ice, and water from accumulating and causing a cave-in, and seismic bracing protects the collections from earthquake damage.
 

Project/Precast Scope

  • ALF 2 precast concrete components: Total of 140 pieces comprising 48,348 square feet These included rectangular beams, 4-in. precast slabs, and 8- and 10-in. solid interior precast wall panels.
  • ALF 3 precast concrete components: Total of 47 pieces comprising 22,045 square feet of insulated wall panels, including 12-in. panels with a projecting diagonal formliner; 14¾-in.-thick panels with a recessed, vertical, full-length formliner; and 12½-in.-thick panels with no formliner.
  • ALF 3 ties into ALF 2 and the original ALF. Because all three buildings are precast concrete, making connections was straightforward, unlike adding a new precast concrete structure to a steel-frame or cast-in-place building.