A new Precast Studio at Idaho State University will start up in January and be co-funded by the PCI Foundation and the NPCA Foundation. During the first year, the focus will be on precast bridges and include:
Introduction to precast/prestressed concrete
Plant tours to Teton Prestress Concrete in Idaho Falls
Presentations by Idaho Transportation Department, Sika, Forterra Structural Precast, PCI Mountain States, HDR, and Lochner
Precast bridges, basic structural analysis/design, construction technologies, hydraulic considerations
Precast bridge site visit (non-seismic)Introduction to precast buildings/differences between precast bridges and buildings
Bridge aesthetic using precast concrete
Bridge competition: Construction and testing of precast bridge specimens under gravity loads considering strength, weight, cost, durability, and aesthetic
The studio will focus on the use of precast/prestressed concrete in transportation systems (seismic and non-seismic zones) for four years and will include both bridges and culverts. Mustafa Mashal is the lead professor for the program.