Precast Concrete Wall Panels Overview

Study Notes

Precast concrete wall panels are manufactured off-site in a controlled environment, ensuring consistent quality.
Panels come in various types (solid, composite, ribbed) with differing heights and thicknesses.
Solid panels range up to 24 feet high and 3-12" to 10" (90 to 255 mm) thick.
Composite panels reach up to 24 feet high and have thicknesses from 5-2" to 12" (140 to 305 mm).
Ribbed panels reach up to 48 feet, with depths from 12" to 24" (305 to 610 mm).
Panel widths typically are 8' (2440 mm) but can extend up to 12' (3660 mm).
Panels are often prestressed for structural efficiency allowing for longer spans.

Form liners are used to achieve specific textures and patterns in the precast concrete panels.
Examples include sandblasted plywood, board-and-batten, and ribbed textures.

Panel connections can use various methods such as:
Clipping panels to the structure.
Utilizing shims for stacking and spacing, as well as dowels grouted into sleeves, for a solid base connection.
Different configurations for panel-to-structure connections, including bearing and flexible connections.
Details for deflection, including threaded rods, steel beams, and an angle with a slot.
Panel-to-panel connections, with specifics on lapped corners and miter cuts.

Wall-to-wall connections include vertical and horizontal joints.
Construction involves plates, washers, bolts specified by design requirements.
Grouting and caulking are also needed to enhance the design.
Insulation materials, like polyisocyanurate rigid insulation can be incorporated for thermal properties. The materials are placed between the exterior and interior surfaces.

Prefer punched openings over the less desirable "pork-chop" or "C-shapes" for openings.

Precast composite wall panels are durable and cost-effective, with similar finishes to conventional construction.
The panel construction allows for the inclusion of other components during the manufacturing stage of the panels.
The panels can be larger.

Tilt-up wall panels are fabricated on-site in a horizontal position offering advantages like reduced transportation cost but with potentially less consistent quality compared to precast.
Tilt-up wall panel design can incorporate reduced reinforcement, leading to less need for on-site work.

Panels are hung from the structure using glass fiber reinforced concrete and light gauge steel framing.
Panel thickness, flange dimensions, and steel rod anchors are specified.