Technical Resources

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.

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.

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.

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 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) takes on the difficult task of building and maintaining various military and government facilities and recreational American infrastructures around the world. This mission requires high-performance materials that can hold up to challenge.

Rain screen systems can be complex to design and complicated to install, while a properly designed and installed precast wall system provides a virtually impenetrable exterior moisture barrier. This five-page PDF explains rain barrier/rain screen philosophies and showcases CarbonCast’s ability to limit the chance for moisture infiltration. Several diagrams illustrate the two approaches.

Designing and building for the military can be challenging and demanding. In an effort to safeguard the public’s money, government-funded projects are typically accompanied by extensive regulations, rigorous processes and exhaustive bidding processes. This paper examines the suitability of CarbonCast products to meet stringent military demands.

Precast is a favored building material for educational facilities because of its long-term durability and construction speed. In addition, CarbonCast Enclosure Systems provide continuous insulation to meet ASHRAE codes and enable a reduction in energy costs. This brief also discusses aesthetic options and acoustic benefits of CarbonCast products.