Architectural Institute of Korea certifies H-PCW system for code compliance

H-Link joint technology boosts structural safety and construction efficiency

Researchers pose for a photo after completing structural testing of the H-PCW system at the HMG Construction Technology Research Institute's structural laboratory in Mabook-dong, Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. [Hyundai Engineering & Construction]
Researchers pose for a photo after completing structural testing of the H-PCW system at the HMG Construction Technology Research Institute's structural laboratory in Mabook-dong, Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. [Hyundai Engineering & Construction]

Hyundai Engineering & Construction is accelerating its push into off-site construction (OSC) by securing a series of core structural technologies for apartment buildings.

Hyundai E&C announced Friday that it has obtained a code-compliance certification from the Architectural Institute of Korea's Building Certification Center for its H-PCW — a precast concrete (PC) structural wall system that uses H-Link joints to achieve seismic performance.

The certification is significant because it demonstrates that the core sections of apartment buildings — elevator shafts and stairwells — can be built using PC methods rather than the conventional reinforced concrete (RC) approach, which requires on-site rebar placement and concrete pouring and curing, while still meeting seismic performance and safety standards.

Hyundai E&C jointly developed the H-PCW technology with Sampyo P&C and Camus Engineering & Construction. The system uses ring-shaped U-hook rebar connectors called H-Links to improve the ease of vertical joint construction between PC wall panels and enhance structural performance. A patent application is currently pending.

Hyundai E&C had already obtained technical certification last year from the Korea Association of Structural Engineers for its residential PC rahmen structural system. With H-PCW now validating safety in the core zone as well, the company says it is moving closer to realizing fully PC-based construction for apartment buildings.

"Despite OSC's many advantages — including improved quality and productivity and reduced safety incidents and environmental impact — some concerns about structural safety have persisted in the apartment market," a Hyundai E&C official said. "Because H-PCW meets the structural performance requirements of the national design standard KDS 41 20 10, we expect it to mark a new turning point in expanding PC construction and revitalizing the OSC market."

Meanwhile, Hyundai E&C is also expanding its presence in the European nuclear power market, having recently joined the front-end engineering and design process for a large new nuclear power plant project in the Netherlands.


lucky@heraldcorp.com