Cladding

Precast concrete panels are reinforced concrete units available in a wide range of mixes, colours and finishes. Finishes can include acid-etched, smooth or coarse ground, grit or sand-blasted, rubbed or polished. Mixes designed to resemble natural stone can also be produced. Highly articulated designs can be accommodated by the mouldable concrete mix.

Benefits

• Faster programme times - not affected by weather or labour shortages.
• Improves buildability.
• Early enclosure of dry envelope enables follow-on trades to start sooner.
• Produces a high standard of workmanship in factory conditions - reduces potential for accidents, addresses on-site skill shortage.
• Has a high quality finish that can be left exposed - concrete's thermal properties can be exploited in low-energy buildings.

Process

Precast concrete panels are cast face-downwards in purpose-built moulds, usually made of either timber or fibre glass. A steel reinforcement cage is placed in the mould prior to the concrete being poured. Timber moulds can be easily adjusted so that maximum use can be made of each basic mould, further contributing to cost efficiencies.

By inserting mats or rods in the base of the mould different designs and effects can be created - from false joints to intricate leaf patterns. Increasingly, maximum use of off-site fabrication is being made by fixing other elements, from insulation to entire windows, during manufacture of precast panels. Once de-moulded, the exposed surface of the unit can be treated in a variety of ways - acid-etched, smooth or coarse ground, grit or sand-blasted, rubbed or polished.

Precast concrete cladding

Architectural precast concrete provides architects with an exciting medium when designing facades for a wide range of buildings, from healthcare facilities to shopping malls, commercial office buildings to sports stadiums.

Precast concrete provides:

• Complete thermal protection
• Continuous air/vapour barrier
• Effective rain screens
• Superior lifespan
• Reduced construction schedule and on-site labour
• High quality control standards
• Numerous finish options and colours

Primary functions

• Keep water out
• Prevent air leakage
• Control light
• Control radiation of heat
• Control conduction of heat
• Control sound

Secondary functions

• Resist wind forces
• Control water vapour
• Adjust to movement
• Thermal and moisture expansions/contraction
• Structural movements
• Resist fire
• Weather gracefully
• Easy to install