Technical Resources

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.

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.

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.

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.

Learning Objectives:  Identify four precast enclosure design options that can reduce weight and attain sustainable design goals Understand thermal performance and moisture management attributes of precast enclosure systems Summarize precast aesthetic options and design economy principles that assist in managing cost and quality Examine the impact of precast enclosure systems through six specific case studies featuring aesthetic options, R-value contribution, solutions to construction challenges, reductions in energy expenditures and lower CO2e footprints

Learning Objectives:  Identify three types of carbon fiber grid-reinforced enclosure systems Discuss three ways precast contributes to LEED points and conforms to IgCC requirements Explain three key characteristics of carbon fiber grid reinforcement in precast concrete Compare the strengths of carbon fiber grid-reinforced precast with three alternative systems

Learning Objectives: Identify common perceptions about precast enclosures and contrast them with realities Identify technologies and designs that can reduce precast weight List three precast forming options Explain three ways that precast can attain sustainable design goals

Learning Objectives: Explain how LEED® and IgCC apply to precast enclosures Explain three ways precast helps to control heat flow in wall design Distinguish two types of insulation and their uses in precast wall assemblies Discuss three ways precast controls moisture flow in wall design

Learning Objectives: Identify seven project cost drivers Compare panel sizes and their impact on erection costs Discuss three ways reduced weight can influence project costs Evaluate cost impact of three precast finishes

Learning Objectives: Identify four precast enclosure design options that can reduce weight and attain sustainable design goals Understand thermal performance and moisture management attributes of precast enclosure systems Summarize precast aesthetic options and design economy principles that assist in managing cost and quality Examine the impact of precast enclosure systems through six specific case studies featuring aesthetic options, R-value contribution, solutions to construction challenges, reductions in energy expenditures and lower CO2e footprints

Learning Objectives: Identify aesthetic options for carbon fiber grid reinforced enclosures through commercial case studies Evaluate how three different carbon fiber grid reinforced enclosures contribute to R-value by reviewing specific projects and thermal imaging studies Discuss strategies for carbon fiber grid reinforced precast design and construction challenges by examining specific case studies Explain how carbon fiber grid reinforced precast buildings are engineered to reduce energy expenditures and lower CO2e footprints

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.

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.