TOLERANCES FOR PRECAST AND PRESTRESSED CONCRETE CHAPTER 13

It is important that cambers are measured at the same Table 13.2.1  Typical tolerances for precast/prestressed
time of day, preferably in the early hours before the sun has concrete components
warmed the components. Cambers for all units used in the
Product tolerances Products
same assembly should be checked at the same age. If a signif-
icant deviation in camber from calculated values is observed,
the cause should be determined and the effect of the deviation Length
on the performance of the component should be evaluated. It ± 1/4 in. 18
± 3/8 in. 16, 17
should be understood that calculations predicting camber are ± 1/2 in. 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 15
approximate and that the normal variations of the parameters ± 3/4 in. 3, 5
used can cause deviations of ± 20% over predicted camber. ± 1 in. 1, 2, 4, 11, 12, 14
Width
The final installed differential displacement between two  , 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 15,
1
± 1/4 in.
adjacent cambered components erected in the field may be 16, 18
the combined result of component differential cambers, vari- + /8 in.
3
14
+ 3/8 in., – 1/4 in. 4
ations in support elevations, variation in component depth, ± 3/8 in. 11, 13
and any adjustments made to the components during erec- ± 1/2 in. 17
tion. If differential cambers exceed recommended tolerances, Depth
+ 1/4 in., – 1/8 in. 10,18
additional effort is often required to erect the components in  , 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13,
1
± 1/4 in.
a manner that is satisfactory for the intended use. 14, 15
+ 1/2 in., – 1/4 in. 4
For most flexural components, the tolerance for maximum ± 3/8 in. 11
camber variation from predicted camber is ± 3/4 in., and maxi- Flange thickness  
mum differential camber between adjacent units of the same

+ 1/4 in., –1/8 in.
± 1/4 in.
1, 2, 8, 10, 12, 15 13
design is 3/4 in. This may be increased for joists that are used 3, 4
Toleransi Web thickness 
in composite construction. Pretopped precast concrete dou- ± 1/8 in. 1, 8, 10, 12, 15
Pemasangan
ble-tees in parking structures should have a more stringent ± 1/4 in. 2,3
+ 3/8 in., –1/4 in. 4
tolerance for differential camber betweenBased
Tendon adjacent double- ± 3/8 in. 5
tees so that a smooth riding surface is
On PCI achieved. A 1/4 in. dif- Position of tendons
ferential is recommended in Reference 9. Recommendations ± 1/4 in.  , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12,
1
for camber and differential camber of hollow-core units are 14, 15, 18
± 1/4 in. thickness,
not listed because production variations between hollow-core
± 1 in. width 10
systems result in different tolerances for each type. Regional Camber, variation from design 
precast concrete manufactureres should be consulted for ± 1/4 in. per 10 ft, 1, 2, 12, 15
appropriate tolerances if differential hollow-core unit camber ± 3/4 in. maximum
± 1/8 in. per 10 ft, 4
tolerances are important for a particular project application. ± 1 in. maximum
± 3/4 in. maximum 3
13.2.6 Weld Plates ± /2 in. maximum
1
5, 15
Camber, differential
In general, it is easier to hold plates to closer tolerances at 1
/4 in. per 10 ft, 1, 2, 5
the bottom of a component (as cast or against the side form) 3
/4 in. maximum
than with plates cast in the top of the component. Bottom and ± 1/4 in. per 10 ft, 15
± 1/2 in. maximum
side plates can be fastened to the form and, hence, are less Bearing plates, position
susceptible to movement caused by vibration. This applies to ± 1/2 in. 1, 2, 3, 12, 15
position of weld plates as well as tipping and flushness. ± 5/8 in. 4
Bearing plates, tipping and
The tolerance on weld plates is less restrictive than for
flushness
bearing plates. The position tolerance is ± 1 in. for all prod- ± 1/8 in. 1, 2, 3, 4, 12, 13, 15
ucts. Tipping and flushness tolerance is ± 1/4 in.
13.2.7 Haunches of Columns and Wall Panels Key:
10 = architectural wall panel
The importance of corbel- or haunch-location tolerances 1 = double-tee
11 = pile
depends on the connection at the base of the component. 2 = single-tee
12 = joist
Because base connections usually allow some adjustability, 3 = building beam
13 = step unit (see section
it is more important to control dimensions from haunch to (rectangular and ledger)
13.2.2)
haunch in multilevel columns or walls than from haunch to 4 = I-beam
14 = sheet piling
the base of the component. 5 = box beam
15 = stadium riser unit
The haunch-to-haunch tolerance is ± 1/8 in. to ± 1/4 in. Bear- 6 = column
16 = prison cell module –
ing surface squareness tolerance is ± 1/8 in. per 18 in. with a 7 = hollow-core unit
single
maximum of ± 1/4 in., except for architectural precast con- 8 = ribbed wall panel
17 = prison cell module –
crete panels, which have a tolerance of ± 1/8 in., and columns, 9 = insulated wall panel
double
which have a maximum tolerance of ± 1/8 in. in the short 18 = prestressed concrete
direction and ± 3/8 in. in the long direction. panels for storage tanks

PCI DESIGN HANDBOOK/SEVENTH EDITION First Printing/CD-ROM Edition 13–5