Resources

CEU Lunch & Learn Program

Ultra-Thin Prestressed Precast Technology

Course Number: ALTCES108 AIA: 1 LU

Learning objectives:

1. Explain the benefits for ultra-thin prestressed precast concrete in architectural applications
2. Outline the general manufacturing process for the production of ultra-thin prestressed architectural products and design/cost considerations for the technology
3. Detail several possible economical connection and fastening system for ultra-thin prestressed precast cladding systems
4. Examine several ultra-thin precast architectural façade projects and case studies.

Contact your closest ARCIS precaster or 866-GO-ALTUS to schedule your session.

Testing overview

ARCIS™ technology has been thoroughly tested for architectural review and system validation. ARCIS manufacturers require projects provide periodic third party inspections of field installations including fasteners. ARCIS manufacturers will perform concrete testing for each day’s casting along with maintaining in-house quality control procedures, which are in accordance with PCI MNL 116 and 117. Please contact your AltusGroup precaster if you are interested in more information about embed testing, stress relaxation, tendon bond strength, durability testing, flexural strength and more.

Manufacturing

ARCIS panels are manufactured from high performance concrete and stainless steel prestressing cables. Each panel is custom manufactured for a specific project, with exacting dimensional tolerances. The reinforcement used in both directions is a stainless steel pretensioned braided cable. These cables are located in groups of two, spaced every 3” (76mm) to 4” (101mm). No other reinforcement is used in the panel construction, eliminating corrosion, rust, and long term moisture problems. The reinforcement is fully bonded and has a development length of approximately 2” (50mm), allowing the panels to be cut to fit and modified with ease. Panel thicknesses can range from 0.75 inches (19mm) to 2 inches (51mm), depending on application, and have final installed weights of 9.4 psf (46 kg/m2) to 25 psf (122 kg/m2). Each concrete mix design is specially formulated for the project’s specification, with strengths in excess of 5,000 psi.