Why would you use stainless steel lifting sockets in precast concrete elements?

Question

We are erecting 128 buildings out of precast elements consisting mainly of load-bearing walls (no columns) and hollow-core slabs. Specifications say all embedded items in precast elements should be stainless steel. The precast manufacturer says that SS for lifting sockets is not required since the sockets will be used for lifting only and therefore need not be stainless steel as carbon steel sockets will serve the same purpose.

Answer 1

Having been through this type of question many times in my career, I suspect this is a case where the person writing the specification did not think about the lifting sockets when specifying stainless steel embedments.

Now the vendor asks for relief on this one item and those who can make the decision don't know the intent of the original spec with regards to lifting sockets. Since it is in the spec and the vendor probably didn't take exception when bidding he is now stuck with cost he didn't include in his bid and the buyer doesn't want to give him relief.

If this were my project I would ask the spec writer for an explanation of the need for the stainless lifting sockets and if they can't come up with a good explanation, I would let the vendor off the hook.

Answer 2

Will you be taking the buildings apart in the future? Reusing the elements in a new location or in a different arrangement? Long delay after elements are cast with movement of elements before they are finally assembled? Then stainless steel will preserve the lifting points for future use at a fair expense. If once up the buildings will stand until destroyed, then no point to use other than carbon steel.

Answer 3

Concrete is likely to be sitting in water?
Otherwise mild steel would do.
Stainless steel don't corrode none.

Answer 4

hmmm, never see stainless....usually specify galvanized for anything exposed and painted for anything in dry, insulated areas. If in doubt, I galvanize.

Answer 5

carbon steel will corrode