I'm involved with a project that has tiit-up wall panels 16.7.1.

2-Embedded items are maintained in the

ith steel beam connection plates installed on the
face o f the panels. As with most tilt-up panels,
they're cast with the exterior face down. Section 4.5.6 o f
ACI 551R-92, "Tilt-Up Concrete Structures,"' states: 'Yt is
important that embeds be securely anchored in place prior
to casting and their location carefully checked."
We believe that we would achieve a better installation o f
these specific embeds by '%et setting" them in lieu o f trying
to anchor them in place before the concrete is placed. This
will enable us to better control the levelness o f the embed
plates and achieve better development o f the embedded
anchors without additional chairing being used beneath the
plates. Further, to ensure the accuracy o f our placement,
we'll not only confirm the placement coordination between
the plate anchors and the preset reinforcing steel, but we'll
also locate the center o f the plates using a string line system
established prior to placing the concrete.
I interpret the statement from ACI 551R-92as instructional-
derting contractors to the importance o f anchoring and
securing embedded items in place prior to placing concrete
for the panel, and I don't interpret this sentence to imply
that wet setting o f weld plates is not permitted. Does wet
correct position while the concrete remains plastic.
16.7.1.3-The concrete is properly consolidated
around the embedded item."
The commentary for Section 16.7.1 gives the rationale
for this provision:
"Section 16.7.1 is an exception to the provisions of
7.5.1. Many precast products are manufactured in
such a way that it is difficult, if not impossible, to
position reinforcement that protrudes from the
concrete before the concrete is placed. Such items as
ties for horizontal shear and inserts can be placed
while the concrete is plastic, if proper precautions
are taken. This exception is not applicable to
reinforcement that is completely embedded, or to
embedded items that will be hooked or tied to
embedded reinforcement."
The commentary for Section 16.1, "Scope," states that
"Tilt-up concrete construction is a form of precast
concrete." So the provision applies to both site-cast and
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plant-cast precast members. TEI
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setting the weld plates violate any ACI building code 1. ACI Committee 551, "Tilt-Up Concrete Structures (ACI 551R-92)
Mev
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irements? (Reapproved 2003)," American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, Vorl
Provisions in the precast concrete chapter of MI, 2003,46 pp. TEI
ACI 318-05' permit wet setting of weld plates when 2. ACI Committee 318, "Building Code Requirements for Structural Box
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approved by the registered design professional. Section 16.7 Concrete (ACI 318-05) and Commentary (ACI 318R-05)," American PCP
is titled "Items embedded after concrete placement," and Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, MI, 2005,430 pp. TEI
Section 16.7.1 states: PNP
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"When approved by the registered design professional,
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embedded items (such as dowels or inserts) that TEI
either protrude from the concrete or remain exposed Qua
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for inspection %hallbe permitted to be embedded
while the concrete is in a plastic state provided that Qua
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16.7.1.1, 16.7.1.2,and 16.7.1.3 are met. %off
16.7.1.1-Embedded items are not required TE
to be hooked or tied to reinforcement within Vect
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the concrete.
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88 JUNE 2006 / Concrete lmternati@nal