Carboncast

CarbonCast is a precast concrete technology that uses carbon fiber grid as secondary reinforcing or as a sheer truss. It was introduced in 2003 by AltusGroup, a partnership of United States precast concrete manufacturers that originated to expedite the development and national commercialization of concrete innovations.

Properties

The use of carbon fiber grid over conventional reinforcement yields a number of unique properties to CarbonCast components:
* Lower weight. When carbon fiber grid replaces steel mesh in the face of concrete products, the manufacturers can use less concrete cover, which would ordinarily protect the mesh from corrosive elements. Non-corrosive carbon fiber eliminates the need for extra concrete.
* Improved thermal performance. The relatively low thermal conductivity of carbon fiber permits CarbonCast components to provide higher R-values than conventional precast concrete.
* Improved strength. Because carbon fiber is four times stronger than steel by weight, it provides better surface crack control when used as secondary reinforcing and 100% composite action when used as a truss in insulated wall panels.
* Comparable cost. Carbon fiber grid is more expensive than mesh reinforcement. Costs tend to balance when one factors in savings in foundation and super structure (reduced weight), energy costs (insulation) and maintenance (reduced corrosion). Sometimes, the benefits accrued by carbon fiber grid reinforcing provide a cost savings.

Applications

CarbonCast technology is commonly applied into one of three precast components:
* Architectural cladding panels, where carbon fiber grid is used to replace the secondary steel mesh reinforcing in the panel face.
* Pretopped double tees, which use carbon fiber grid in the flange to replace secondary mesh reinforcing.
* Insulated wall panels, which use carbon fiber grid as a truss connector between the inner and outer concrete wythes of the wall panel.Additional applications, such as residential walls and stem decks and other structural components, are being evaluated by AltusGroup members.

Examples

Prominent structures that have used CarbonCast technology include:

* Lucas Oil Stadium http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucas_Oil_Stadium
* University Commons at Georgia State University
* Symphony House condominiums in Philadelphia, Pa.

External links

[http://www.altusprecast.com Official website for Carboncast ]