... is not the same!
Well, OK, it is. Kinda.
When looking at precast hollowcore concrete, you come across quite a few product/brand/trade names. Elematic, Flexicore, Spancrete, Ultra-Span, Dynaspan, etc. It can be hard to derive the difference between them, or to decide it's worth it to parse out these differences, especially when it comes to specifying. Sometimes, a given name is repeated, even while crossing wide gaps in project size, location, and time period.
To be fair, all of these trade names refer to a common construction product: precast concrete hollowcore planks (or slabs). The value in hollowcore slabs is their premium span to thickness ratio. By using hollowcore plank, one has the ability to create a transfer condition for multi-level projects along with providing required fire resistance and a lighter weight system. The value per square foot of this type of product is pretty unbelievable when you compare the resulting living space.
These planks come in a nominal width (depending on manufacturer) and are designed, fabricated, and cut to length based on project needs. Because of their designed-to-order and built-to-order nature, you can be assured that the installation and life span of each of these products is the best you can get. That said, the design and installation requirements of each brand can and will vary. Sometimes a standing name can and does get carried over into multiple projects; it pays to review the project to ensure the correct brand is being referenced.
So what does this mean to you? It pays to review either the project specifications or the master precast specifications to make sure they are in line with the current manufacturing market and the resulting construction requirements for this product. While even though you may still question the value of discerning each plank type, there's still one piece missing from all of this, and it is likely the most important piece of all - the service that comes with the product. Each precast provider has their own way of taking you through the process and we would love to show you ours.
Confused? It's OK. your best bet is to give us a call. We'd be happy to review your current specs and provide our feedback. If you have master specs that haven't been updated in a while, we can also help with those. While we'd like to sell you our hollowcore, we'd love to simply be your go-to source for information and pricing.
Give us a call anytime at 800.236.1072.
Precast Chalk Talk: Episode 3-2
In Part 2 of Episode 3 of Precast Chalk Talk, Hagen Harker, president of Mid-States Concrete, talks with a one of our Senior Project Designers about how our team completes drawings.
Precast Chalk Talk: Episode 3-1
In Part 1 of Episode 3 of Precast Chalk Talk, Hagen Harker, president of Mid-States Concrete, talks with a couple of our Engineers about reinforcement.
Team Member Takes Second in Archery Tournament
Colin Jones, a member of our preconstruction team, recently tied for second place in the professional class of the Wisconsin State Indoor Archery Tournament.
On Feb. 16 and 17, Jones spent the weekend competing in Wisconsin Rapids, with his wife Jessica spotting for him. On day one, Jones shot a 300 with 59X and on day two, Jones shot a 300 with 58X, for a total of 600 with 117X. A perfect score is 600 with 120X.
Jones started shooting archery in 4H at nine-years-old. Growing up watching the Robinhood movies and reading the books, archery just always fascinated him, plus, he said, he was naturally gifted at it.
He joined the Beloit Field Archers when he was 18-years-old and by 19-years-old, he was shooting competitively. Jones said he first learned how to shoot by watching other people and then just started asking questions of other archers. In 2012, he turned pro after winning the state amateur championship for a second time.
”There’s a little bit of luck involved and a lot of skill,” Jones said.
The skills necessary for archery, according to Jones, are a positive mental attitude, good form and lots of practice. It also helps to have a supportive wife, Jones said, crediting Jessica for taking care of the kids and holding things down at home while he shoots.
Before having kids - Jones is father of Cole, 3, and Lorelei, 3 months - Jones was practicing about four times a week. Now, he only shoots in a league on Thursday nights, sometimes taking Cole with him. Cole already has his own bow and shoots in between dad’s practice when he goes to league night.
”That fact that he’s showing interest, that’s pretty neat,” Jones said.
Jones loves the competitiveness of shooting and chooses to shoot in the professional class because he wants to shoot against the best archers in the world, some of whom are from Wisconsin. He competes up to six times each year across the country. He currently shoots a Dave Barnsdale Bow.
”It’s an older bow, but I feel comfortable with it,” he said.
For anyone interested in trying archery, Jones advises starting with used equipment, joining a club and not being afraid to ask questions.
”Everybody in archery is willing to help everybody, especially someone new,” he said.
Jones will compete in the NFAA Nationals in Cincinnati, Ohio this weekend. Nearly 2,000 archers will compete.
Precast Chalk Talk: Episode 2
In the second installment of Precast Chalk Talk (previously Precast Chat), Hagen Harker, president of Mid-States Concrete Industries, discusses precast reinforcement.