Technical Resources

Course #ALTCES3001. Learning Objectives: Discuss options for insulated sandwich wall panel system design including CFRP truss wythe connectors to achieve “ci” compliance and the range of insulation materials available to produce precast sandwich walls and building envelopes. Address mix design and manufacturing considerations for wall panels including carbon-reducing finishing options for precast concrete enclosures Present wall design strategies for reducing the embedded and operational carbon of precast and prestressed wall systems using CFRP reinforcement Detail successful case studies for insulated sandwich precast walls in North America using CFRP technology

This 1.0 LU/HSW (AIA) course describes the makeup and cost efficiencies of composite precast panels, their benefits when made with carbon fiber grid shear trusses, and considerations for selecting among the insulation options. The majority of the course focuses on case studies of successful precast enclosure projects in a wide variety of building types across a range of markets.

Setting a new standard for sandwich wall panels Section 03 41 00: CarbonCast® High Performance Insulated Wall Panels are structural precast concrete insulated wall panels with prestressing strands and/or mild steel reinforcement, C-GRID® carbon fiber shear grid and welded wire steel mesh or C-GRID epoxy-coated carbon fiber open strand mesh. The panels can act as either load bearing or non-load bearing building elements including shear walls. This specification details their manufacture, transportation, handling, erection and other related items such as anchorage, insulation, storage and protection of the units.

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.

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.

If you’re weighing a decision between precast and tilt-up walls, this technical brief will help you evaluate a range of considerations including design options, job site space, dry-in speed, installation, carbon footprint and performance to determine which option is best suited for each project.

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.

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

As net zero energy buildings become more common, it is crucial to find ways to reduce concrete’s carbon footprint without losing the performance characteristics that make it valuable to the building team. This AEC Daily course explains the sources of concrete’s carbon footprint and explores strategies for reducing embodied carbon and operational carbon in precast sandwich wall panels and insulated architectural cladding.

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.

We examine the difference between non-composite, partially composite and fully composite insulated precast concrete wall panels and illustrate the advantages with full composite action, including improved structural performance and lower raw material usage.

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.

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.

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.