Microsoft Data Center Site Walls |  Palmetto, Georgia

Efficient Construction: EFCO’s E-BEAM & SUPER STUD System for Secure Cast-in-Place Concrete Walls 

Palmetto, Georgia

Cast-in-Place Concrete Walls for Extra Security

Microsoft recently contracted the construction of a massive 250,000 sq ft (23,225 m2) data center in Palmetto, Georgia. The project included constructing cast-in-place concrete walls surrounding the Microsoft Data Center site. North Georgia Concrete, the project sub-contractor, approached EFCO for a formwork solution that would allow for quickly and efficiently pouring concrete walls of various heights. EFCO proposed using gangs of the E-BEAM & SUPER STUD system due to its flexibility, efficiency, and ability to cycle quickly, a critical factor considering the project’s tight deadline.
 

Adaptability of E-BEAM and SUPER STUD

The E-BEAM & SUPER STUD system’s adaptability allowed for the formwork to be easily reconfigured to the heights required between 13 ft (4.0 m) and 18 ft (5.5 m). North Georgia Concrete was able to quickly assemble the 19 ft (5.8 m) tall by 24 ft (7.3 m) wide gangs and pour 90 feet (27.4 m) of wall at a time while simultaneously setting and tying the rebar for the next 90 feet (27.4 m) of concrete. They would then ‘hopscotch’ the formwork from the front end of the previous gang to begin the new section. EFCO Rugged Taper Ties support up to a 30-kip (133.4 kN) load without sleeves, setting them apart from other systems. Greasing the tie before concrete placement and leveraging the tapered shaft design will make removal effortless the following day. This design feature enables greater tie spacing compared to ganged handset systems of comparable weight. Such flexibility in tie spacing proves advantageous, especially when precise architectural tie spacing and finish are needed.