Test Results
Ready to pass the toughest test: Yours.
Rigorous laboratory testing has affirmed a number of CarbonCast’s performance characteristics. Below is a sampling of tests that demonstrate the suitability of CarbonCast products for a variety of applications. Contact your AltusGroup precaster for more information and complete test reports.
- Strength of Shear Grid in Architectural Panels
- Pull-out Tests of Inserts and Lifting Devices in Thin Ribbed Architectural Panels
- RILEM Tube Moisture Absorption Test
- Uniform Static Load Testing of a Precast Concrete Panel
- Thermal Cycling
- Flexural Strength of Thin Faced Architectural Panels
- Prestressing of C-GRID Grids for use in Architectural Panels I
- Prestressing of C-GRID Grids for use in Architectural Panels II
- Debris Impact Performance of Architectural Precast Concrete Wall Panels
- Uniform Static Load Testing of a Precast Concrete Panel for the Symphony House Project (ATI)
- Uniform Air Pressure Load Test on Precast Wall Panel
- Petrographic Examinations of Precast Architectural Panels with Color Variations (Mark Patton, Ltd.)
Strength of Shear Grid in Architectural Panels
The objective of the test program reported here is to determine the shear flow capacity of C-Grid used in typical V-rib configuration appropriate for architectural panels. Push-through tests led to a recommended shear flow design value.
Pull-out Tests of Inserts and Lifting Devices in Thin Ribbed Architectural Panels
The objective of this testing is to verify the capacity of connection and lifting devices when used in thin rib sections as occur within the carbon fiber architectural and housing panels. Previous testing by the manufactures of these devices do not cover this usage. This testing is being conducted at Lehigh University, and is in progress. Note that similar testing has been conducted at High Concrete, however, we are wanting to have this completed by an independent lab.
RILEM Tube Moisture Absorption Test
The objective of this test was to evaluate the absorption of water into thin sections (1.25″) of High Performance Concrete to verify that rain water would not be able to intrude into the thin face of the architectural panel. The work was completed by Dr. Mark Patton in compliance with ASTM C642, which simulates a test of driving rain onto the face of a panel for a 24 hour period. The absorption rate was in fact so low that we were able to continue the test successfully over a period of several months.
Uniform Static Load Testing of a Precast Concrete Panel (ATI)
A full scale panel, 8.5′ x 30′, was tested for a variety of wind loads. The testing was conducted by Architectural Testing, York, PA in compliance with ASTM E330-97. The panel passed all phases of the testing for standard and non-standard connection methods for a variety of loading conditions of up to 60 psf of wind pressure and wind suction.
Thermal Cycling
This testing was completed by Dr. Mark Patton, Carnegie-Mellon University, and was conceived as a means to verify serviceability of thin faced panels to work well through rapid heating and cooling cycles. Panels were heated to a temperature of 135 to 150 degrees F and then cooled by a water spray to 90 to 95 degrees F to replicate the effects of a panel on a building which are cooled by rain. Panels 30′ long by 8′-6″ tall were inserted into a controlled chamber where these cycles were repeated every two hours, 24 hours per day for up to 2 months.
Flexural Strength of Thin Faced Architectural Panels
Thin carbon fiber reinforced slabs (1.25″) were tested under uniform loads to determine the maximum span which could be used for the thin face of the architectural and housing panels. This work was completed by Lehigh University, within the ATLSS Lab.
Prestressing of C-GRID Grids for use in Architectural Panels I
This testing was completed to establish a method to prestress carbon fiber grid for the thin face of the architectural and housing panels. Much of the testing was aimed at development of an effective means to grip the mesh and to be able to maintain a prestress force. The work was completed by a team at Lehigh University.
Prestressing of C-GRID Grids for use in Architectural Panels II
This is a parallel program to the testing of 5.7 which is in progress at Penn State University.
Debris Impact Performance of Architectural Precast Concrete Wall Panels
The objective of this test program was to evaluate the debris impact performance of architectural cladding panels reinforced with C-GRID™. Panels were subjected to a series of missile impacts consisting of 2×4 boards weighing 9 lbs and striking on-end at 34 mph. Testing showed that even though the concrete was damaged, “no missile penetrated the concrete and no cracks longer than 5” and 1/16” wide through which air could pass developed. C-GRID™ reinforced architectural cladding panels met the requirements of Section 1626.2.8 of the Florida Building Code.
Uniform Static Load Testing of a Precast Concrete Panel for the Symphony House Project (ATI)
This test report summarizes the results of performance testing of the curtain wall mock-up required for the Symphony House high rise project in Philadelphia, PA. Tests included air infiltration, static pressure water resistance, dynamic pressure water resistance, and structural performance.
Uniform Air Pressure Load Test on Precast Wall Panel
The objective of this test was to evaluate the structural performance, under a uniform load generated by differential inward and outward pressure of a CarbonCast architectural cladding panel. Testing was done by Construction Research Laboratory (CRL) in Miami, Florida and data acquisition was done by University of Miami and University of Missouri-Rolla. This report summarizes the data collected and compares to the predictions made from a finite element model.
Petrographic Examinations of Precast Architectural Panels with Color Variations (Mark Patton, Ltd.)
This report summarizes the petrographic analysis done by Mark Patton in investigating color variations on the front faces of panels CarbonCast architectural cladding panels produced in Tennessee.
