Technical Resources

The concept of sustainability in construction has been steadily redefined over the past decade. This brief explores how the idea of resiliency has risen to the fore and how ratings systems have advanced to keep pace. The sustainable aspects of precast insulated wall systems are itemized and explained.

ALT CES 130: Learn how to unleash the full creative, aesthetic possibilities of architectural precast concrete exteriors and how new technologies are giving you more options than ever. The program showcases the vast finish options of precast concrete including surface treatments, pigments, aggregate selection, formliners and other articulations, embedded elements such as thin brick and tile, and graphic imaging technology that imparts any image or pattern onto the face. The program will also educate about PCI’s newly improved architectural precast concrete certification program and how to specify products with the help of the new guidelines. Contact us to schedule an online session or face-to-face program.

This course on AEC Daily explains and illustrates how high-performance, fully composite insulated sandwich wall panels can be detailed to achieve continuous insulation. It explores the pros, cons, and attributes of wythe connectors such as carbon fiber trusses as well as panel insulation options, manufacturing and testing procedures, and installation methods. It concludes by providing a comprehensive set of sample installations to illustrate the broad range of building types and appearances that can be created with insulated sandwich wall systems. 1 AIA CEU/HSW will be awarded upon successful completion of the course.

Course #ALTCES120. Learning Objectives: Discuss variety of wall design solutions and rationale for wall panel selection to achieve “c.i.” requirements Discuss types of wythe connectors (carbon fiber grid trusses) for insulated precast walls including features and benefits Review insulation foam types and properties for CFRP reinforced precast sandwich wall enclosures (EPS, GPS, XPS, polyiso, phenolic) Address manufacturing and design consideration aspects for the various wall designs including finishing options for precast concrete enclosures Detail successful case studies for insulated precast walls using carbon fiber reinforcing technology

Five types of rigid foam insulation are available for CarbonCast® enclosures: expanded polystyrene (EPS), graphite polystyrene (GPS) extruded polystyrene (XPS), polyisocyanurate (ISO) and phenolic. CarbonCast technology is one of the few enclosure systems that enables the use of any of the five options. The information here will help you decide which type of insulation is best suited for your application.

This three-page brochure provides an overview of lightweight CarbonCast Insulated Architectural Cladding, which provides continuous insulation and up to 40% reductions in weight compared to conventional six-inch thick solid precast.

This 16-page brochure features information on CarbonCast High Performance Insulated Wall Panels and CarbonCast Insulated Architectural Cladding. It includes inspirational project photography, example detail drawings and an overview of finish options.

Though designing for building performance — not just energy efficiency — is a holistic endeavor, this document will address the evolution of ASHRAE 90.1 requirements for thermal insulation and air sealing in the building envelope.

This brief will assist you in determining the R-value of a precast insulated wall panel by helping you understand how the various components influence thermal performance and what questions to ask precast concrete manufacturers to ensure they are using the proper, most accurate formulas and meeting code requirements in the design and manufacturing process.

With CarbonCast Enclosure Systems, you can select from a variety of cement colors, pigments and aggregates to create a distinctive wall surface. These 25 samples demonstrate the versatility and remarkable visual range possible with CarbonCast walls. Finish options, aggregate choices and other aesthetic treatments vary depending on geography and precaster. Your AltusGroup precaster will help with a mix design that meets your aesthetic desires as well as technical requirements. You can also incorporate eye-catching patterns, images and designs using the Graphic Concrete process from your AltusGroup precaster. It’s an ideal way to add a distinctive, highly aesthetic look to complement the palette of precast finishes. Click on a thumbnail to enlarge and zoom to see texture. White Burnish White Polish White Sandblast White Acid Etch White Fossil Gray Burnish Gray Polish Gray Sandblast Gray Acid Etch Gray Fossil Black Burnish Black Polish Black Sandblast Black Acid Etch Black Fossil Buff Burnish Buff Polish Buff Sandblast Buff Acid Etch Buff Fossil Cream Burnish Cream Polish Cream Sandblast Cream Acid Etch Cream Fossil

High Performance Insulated Wall Panels in Data Center Construction and Efficiency Data centers require significant HVAC capacity to offset the heat generated by the servers. Precast concrete walls with continuous insulation are an ideal solution for energy efficiency and resilience.

This information sheet provides an overview about the Graphic Concrete treatment to impart designs, patterns and images onto the face of precast concrete wall panels. It includes FAQs about designing and fabricating with the Graphic Concrete technology.

This course on AEC Daily presents information on graphically imaged precast concrete: a creative, inspiring technology that can be used by architects and designers to create visually impactful building façades and other concrete surfaces. Discussed are the fabrication process, design possibilities, and budgeting considerations. Global case studies present a range of applications of both stock and unique designs. 1 AIA CEU/HSW will be awarded upon successful completion of the course.

The building envelope is critical in regulating internal building temperatures and determining how much energy is required to heat or cool a structure. Thermally efficient exterior wall systems aim to mitigate heat transfer and energy loss. This brief explores the concept of thermal transfer and illustrates how CarbonCast products provide outstanding thermal efficiency.

The purpose of architectural acoustics is to create an environment where sounds are clearly heard by the intended listener and noise is isolated or absorbed. Precast concrete can provide good acoustics that can enhance productivity in offices, provide a more conducive learning environment in schools and deliver a better quality of life in residential units.