Far Eastern University Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts PRECAST CONCRETE WALL PANELS PRECAST CONCRETE WALL PANELS are cast and steam cured in a plant off site transported to the construction site and set in place with cranes as rigid components Fabrication in a factory environment enables the units to have a consistent quality of strength durability and finish and eliminates the need for on site formwork The precast wall panels may be conventionally reinforced or prestressed for greater structural efficiency reduced panel thicknesses and longer spans In addition to the required tensile shrinkage and temperature reinforcement extra reinforcement may be necessary to resist the stresses of transportation and erection Carefully distinguish between the more specialized architectural wall panels and the structural wall panel which is a derivative of floor systems Always work with manufacturers as a derivative of floor system Always work with manufactures early in the design process Careful attention must be given to manufacturing and joint tolerances during design Thoroughly examine joint sealants for adhesion and expected joint movement ARC 1418 BUILDING TECHNOLOGY 5 SEC 7 AR MARIE DANIELLE MAGTIBAY Far Eastern University Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts ADVANTAGES OF PRECAST WALL PANEL SYSTEM Design Flexibility Precast wall panels can be produced in different sizes and depths offering more design flexibility than other building systems where components may be limited to standard sizes and dimensions Wall systems can accommodate nearly any design requirement unusual lengths and widths wide openings and varying wall thicknesses Specially constructed forms allow for the casting of curved or radiused panels to create uniquely shaped buildings Panels can be cast with block outs for windows ductwork and electrical as well as entrance and egress openings Panels can also be fabricated with pre installed windows and stud nailers applied at the plant The entire panel can then be lifted into place with minimum preparation Aesthetically Versatile Exteriors Precast is an extremely adaptable material and offers unlimited aesthetic options Precast easily accommodates the use of other building materials to create a cohesive appearance Unique and intricate personalized designs can be cast into the panels using form liners This makes it easy to add details such as reveal patterns names emblems and symbols Multi color paint treatments can further highlight architectural features Panels can be sandblast acid etch trowel polishing stain and paint The results can include a produced in one or multiple colors and in a variety of textures and aggregates A variety of surfacing techniques may also be applied to the panels These include ribbed or exposed aggregate finish They can also replicate the smooth appearance of wooden boards Furthermore panels can also be clad in brick tile terra cotta limestone sandstone granite marble or stone Interior Surfaces Panels create a double wall system where the interior walls are essentially prefinished eliminating the need for and expense of additional surface treatments including drywall A wide variety of finishes including paint can be applied to the panels if desired Intermediate bracing is not needed as panels typically offer clear heights of 30 ft creating unobstructed use of the full interior height of the building ARC 1418 BUILDING TECHNOLOGY 5 SEC 7 AR MARIE DANIELLE MAGTIBAY Far Eastern University Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts Economical Precast wall panels are an excellent budget conscious choice that does not sacrifice high quality Wall panel systems are cost competitive with other systems that do not offer the benefits of precast Fabrication on a permanent long line facility allows for more panels to be cast simultaneously resulting in decreased labor costs and an accelerated project schedule Precast wall systems facilitate building expansions which help keep future construction costs to a minimum manufacturing facility simultaneously with job site preparation and there is no need to Expedited Construction Schedule Wall panel systems can be cast at the cast the interior slab before panel erection Thus installation can begin immediately following delivery In addition the availability of large panel sizes means fewer panels to be cast and erected Wall panels and systems can be fabricated and erected in inclement weather conditions and in environments that would otherwise interfere with building construction Finished interior walls also eliminate the time and expense of furring strips and drywall Green Construction Sustainable Thermally efficient and having low life cycle costs a precast wall system is an excellent building solution in today s environmentally conscious climate Plant fabrication results in reduced construction time and less job site waste and congestion all of which have less of an impact on the landscape Unlike other building and framing materials precast concrete does not release toxins when burned Concrete provides thermal mass which delays heat transfer through building walls and moderates indoor temperature fluctuations as outdoor temperature varies Along with lowering heating and cooling costs this helps to meet stricter energy requirements With integral sandwich panels further reduce energy consumption forgoing the need for extra insulation insulation high performance High Quality Plant Casting yields a more predictable product with greater quality control consistency and finish With focus placed on ultimate strength rather than cure time and temperature precast wall panels are stronger than concrete blocks or walls that are cast on site and tilted into place Prestressing reinforcement yields ARC 1418 BUILDING TECHNOLOGY 5 SEC 7 AR MARIE DANIELLE MAGTIBAY Far Eastern University Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts inherent structural and serviceability advantages such as increased strength ductility crack control and panel flatness Safety and Security Precast concrete is naturally fire resistant while wall panel systems inhibit fire spread This helps to ensure a blaze remains contained Consequently more time is provided for fire detection evacuation and suppression Wall panels protect a building from the spread of adjacent fires and aid in compliance with special building code requirements Foam block outs are used to accommodate plumbing mechanical and electrical penetrations This minimizes the amount of on site