C001 Retrofit Strategies for Precast Concrete Façades
Advanced Short Course on Retrofit Strategies for Precast Concrete Facades inspired by the 20th-Century Brutalist Icon - Welbeck Street Car Park (London, the United Kingdom).
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Applicable knowledge
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Transformative learning experience
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Engaging and enjoyable interactive course materials
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Technical competence through continuous professional development
Who is this course intended for?
This course is suitable for Façade Engineers, Technical Directors, Architects, Architectural Technologists, Design Managers, Estimators and Quantity Surveyors, Project Managers, Sustainability Consultants, and professionals in related roles with a keen interest in façades and relevant experience in the industry.
Course Schedule
Recommended time allocation: 4-10 hours
Self-paced online study mode tailored for busy professionals
Unlimited individual access to course materials and updates
Peer-reviewed by industry leaders
Structured professional development
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How to Navigate a Course
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Course Objectives
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RB-02-01 - Design Principles
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RB-02-02 - Interactive Detail - Design Principles
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RB-02-03 - Test
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RB-03-01 - Types of Façades
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RB-03-02.1 - Interactive Detail - Types of Facade - Precast
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RB-03-02.2 - Interactive Detail - Types of Facade - Curtain Wall
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RB-03-03 - Test
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RB-04-01 - Parts of Façades
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RB-04-02 - Interactive Detail - Parts of Facade
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RB-04-03 - Test
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RB-05-01 - Materials
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RB-05-02 - Interactive Detail - Materials
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RB-05-03 - Test
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About this online course
- 38 lessons
- 100+ test questions
- 10 interactive 3D details
- CPD Certificate
1. Introduction
In this course, we examine three retrofitting strategies and two variations of the most common approach.
The first strategy is to retain both the facade and the structure while improving
the existing condition of the building with minimal design interventions. In the
context of Welbeck Street Car Park, that means retaining the whole structure as it
is and installing windows in the existing apertures of the precast concrete
façade. However, in the case of a change of use from a car park to a residential or
commercial building, the strategy may not be appropriate.
The strategy of retaining the façade and introducing a new primary framework is
more appropriate for change-of-use scenarios. In this case study course, we
analyse two variations of this approach: a new in-situ concrete frame directly
attached to the existing façade and a new mass timber frame attached to the
existing concrete screen through a terrace-style balcony.
Finally, we look at the strategy of reclaiming the precast concrete panels of the
existing structure for the construction of the new building.
2. Design Principles
This module introduces principles of compliance, safety, and buildability in the
context of the proposed retrofitting strategies and in the context of the new use
of the building. We discuss normative documentation and design guidance
relevant to the development, as well as buildability and practicality parameters to
consider for façade types, as well as the parts and materials used in the
construction of the building.
3. Types of Façades
Here, we introduce the types of façades used in the various retrofitting strategies
of the case study. We discuss stick curtain walls, load-bearing precast concrete
facades and window panel facades, including their assembly strategy and how
they achieve weather and air-tightness.
4. Parts of Façades
This module offers an opportunity to examine balcony drainage, balustrades,
doors, windows, and ventilation outlets. We explore the incorporation of balconies
as buffer zones between the existing concrete and new timber frame, detailing
their design considerations for drainage, accessibility, and safety. The module
focuses on challenges associated with placing windows into existing concrete
apertures, as well as the positioning of doors in relation to internal floor finishes
and balcony decking.
5. Materials
In the Materials section, we delve into various considerations regarding concrete,
glass, metals, and mass timber. We discuss the types of glasses that are suitable
for various application areas in the building and the process of glass selection.
When it comes to concrete, we pay particular attention to the types of fixings and
intricacies of their application in the context of existing and new structures.
6. Building Physics
The Building Physics module focuses on the thermal performance of the façade
and its evaluation methods. We also examine strategies for analysing build-up
walls and interface details for condensation risks and discuss strategies for
mitigating these risks.
8. Acoustics
Here, we discuss the acoustic aspects of the façade, including external sound
insulation, as well as the risk of flanking sound transmission and façade self-
noise.
7. Fire Safety
The fire safety module is focused on materials' reactions to fire and
compartmentation strategies. One of the retrofitting strategies offers a great
opportunity to delve into fire-protection methods for the mass timber primary
framework in more detail.
9. Movement and Tolerances
In the movement and tolerance module, we discuss how fabrication and
installation tolerances, as well as primary building frame deflection and thermal
movement, are accommodated by load-bearing precast concrete, window panel
precast concrete façade and stick curtain wall. A part of the module is designated
for timber shrinkage and how it is addressed on individual floors by stick curtain
walls and precast concrete screens throughout the entire height of the façade.
10. Access
Access for installation is one of the key factors in selecting the procurement route
for the façade. This consideration becomes even more crucial when retrofitting
existing complex façade assemblies, such as the Welbeck Street Car Park. In this
module, we discuss the considerations of using scaffolding and motorised
access platforms. Additionally, we explore installation strategies that require
minimal external work and could be completed with rope abseiling. This section
of the course also extensively covers maintenance strategies for the façade
post-completion, including the use of building maintenance units. The course
concludes with a discussion of various access strategies for both construction
and maintenance of the completed façade.
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