Carbon Cast concrete is an innovative technology that uses conventional steel for primary reinforcing and C-GRID epoxy-coated carbon fiber composite grid for secondary reinforcing and shear transfer. Because of this, Carbon cast concrete weighs a lot less than reinforced concrete.
Better insulation and durability make it more sustainable when measured against other concretes. This technology is the first advancement in precast concrete in half a century. These precast panels can weigh up to 66% less than the normal precast.
Advantages of using Carbon Cast Concrete panels
· Energy efficient
· They are light weight as a lot of the concrete mass in traditional precast panels is not needed
· The panels are dry and mould free
· Superior compared to ordinary precast concrete panels at load bearing
· Non-combustible
· The panels are quickly erected as they are light
· The heating costs in the finished structure are reduced due to the insulation used in the panels
· Carbon fibre will not corrode
The development Habitat for Humanity in New York City was built using Carbon Cast concrete panels. A quicker build of the houses was afforded because of the lightweight panels, which also allowed more cost effective smaller machinery to move the panels on site. This meant that the project could be completed in a short space of time and families had homes a lot earlier than they would have had otherwise. Carbon Cast panels will last longer than the usual framed structures that are used. Carbon fibre reinforcement is used in the face of the panels instead of welded wire mass.
This allowed 50% of the concrete content to be removed because it's normally used to protect the steel mass from corroding and this will not occur with carbon fibre. As a lot of the mass has been removed EPS insulation could be incorporated in the panels. This reduces the energy costs for the owner greatly. Concrete is still in the panels which enables noise reduction throughout the houses. Concrete helps to keep internal noise inside and street noise on the outside. This improves the living conditions in the houses compared to conventional frame construction or brick dwellings.
These panels are resistant to insects, pests, mould and fire. This gives the occupier piece of mind that their home is safe. Carbon cast panels have an outer surface adaptable to the majority of materials which allows designers the freedom to make their buildings attractive without modifying the structure.
