Project Spotlight: Precast concrete columns support new civic landmark

The project team for the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Tex., initially considered supporting the monolithic building with full-height precast concrete columns. Through engineering analysis, the precast concrete specialty engineer determined that only hollow columns could meet all load requirements while accommodating utilities. The columns’ taper angle required PCI-certified precast concrete producer Gate Precast (now Wells–Hillsboro, Tex.) to design and fabricate unique formwork for each ring, which was cast inverted and flipped postcure.