Precast concrete with carbon-fiber-grid reinforcement
CarbonCast is a precast-concrete technology that uses a carbon-fiber grid for secondary reinforcing or shear transfer, depending on the application. Because carbon fiber reinforcing resists corrosion, CarbonCast precast products require less concrete cover, resulting in added durability, lighter weight, and improved sustainability over traditional precast concrete. In addition, the reduction of concrete enables the integration of insulation, which can increase R-values of wall panels.
CarbonCast architectural cladding panels can weigh up to 66 percent less than conventional precast panels. This weight reduction permits engineers to reduce substructure or specify smaller cranes for lifting the panels into place. When used in the flanges of CarbonCast pretopped double tees, the carbon-fiber grid can reduce weight by 12 percent and eliminate the need for sealers and sacrificial barrier coatings. When used as a shear connector in CarbonCast high-performance insulated wall panels, the carbon-fiber grid improves thermal performance, given its relatively low thermal conductivity.
Contact: Altus Precast, Lancaster, PA, USA.
For more information, see Transmaterial 2: A Catalog of Materials That Redefine our Physical Environment
