Reinforced concrete external wall panels are most often made in a single-row cut, i.e. one floor high and one or two rooms long, and in terms of design they are single-layer, two-layer and three-layer (Fig. 3.4 and 3.5). All wall panels are equipped with lifting loops and embedded parts for attaching one panel to another and for connections with other structural elements of buildings.
a) Single-layer reinforced concrete external wall panels
Such panels are made from lightweight structural and thermal insulating concrete on porous aggregates or from autoclaved cellular concrete (Fig. 3.5). On the outside, single-layer panels are covered with a protective and finishing layer of cement mortar 20–25 mm or 50–70 mm thick, and on the inside with a finishing layer 10–15 mm thick, i.e. such panels can be conventionally called “single-layer”. The thickness of the outer protective and finishing layers is determined depending on the natural and climatic conditions of the construction area, and they are made from vapor-permeable decorative mortars or concrete or from ordinary mortars followed by painting. The finishing of the outer facade layer can also be done with ceramic, glass tiles or thin tiles made of sawn stone or crushed stone materials.
Rice. 3.4. External reinforced concrete one-, two- and three-layer wall panels:
a – single-layer; b – two-layer; c – three-layer; 1 – lightweight structural and thermal insulating concrete; 2 – outer protective and finishing layer; 3 – structural concrete; 4 – effective insulation
Rice. 3.5. Component elements of the cross sections of external reinforced concrete wall panels: a – with an external protective and finishing layer; b – with external protective-finishing and internal finishing layers; c – from cellular concrete; d – two-layer with an internal load-bearing layer; d – three-layer with rigid connections between concrete layers; e – three-layer with flexible connections between layers; 1 – structural thermal insulation or cellular concrete; 2 – outer protective and finishing layer; 3 – internal finishing layer; 4 – outer and inner load-bearing layers; 5 – lightweight thermal insulating concrete; 6 – fittings; 7 and 8 – flexible connection elements made of anti-corrosion steel; 9 – effective insulation; δ – thickness of the insulating layer
Single-layer panels are reinforced along the contour with a welded mesh frame, and above the window openings - with a welded spatial frame. To prevent cracks from opening in the corners of the openings, cross rods or L-shaped meshes are laid outside (Fig. 3.6).
Single-layer panels made of autoclaved cellular concrete cannot be made in height to fit the entire floor wall and walls with linear strip cutting are made from them. The reinforcement of such panels is protected from corrosion by coating with an anti-corrosion compound.
Rice. 3.6. Scheme of reinforcement of a single-layer lightweight concrete panel of an external wall:
1 – lintel frame; 2 – lifting loop; 3 – reinforcement frame; 4 – L-shaped reinforcing mesh in the façade layer
Due to the high vapor permeability of lightweight concrete and, therefore, the possibility of water vapor condensation forming inside single-layer panels and freezing at low outside temperatures, it is advisable to use such panels for buildings with low relative humidity of indoor air (no more than 60%). The thickness of single-layer panels is 240–320 mm, but not more than 400 mm.
b) Double-layer reinforced concrete external wall panels
Double-layer wall panels consist of an internal load-bearing layer made of heavy or lightweight structural concrete, and an external insulating layer made of structural and thermal insulating lightweight concrete. The thickness of the internal load-bearing layer is at least 100 mm, and the thickness of the outer insulating layer is determined by calculations for thermal protection. On the outside, double-layer wall panels have a protective and finishing layer of cement mortar 20–25 mm thick with the same finishing as in single-layer panels.
Since the internal load-bearing layer of dense concrete in two-layer panels has low vapor permeability, such panels can be used in buildings with high relative humidity of internal air. Reinforcement of double-layer wall panels is carried out similarly to single-layer panels, i.e. the reinforcement frame is placed in the load-bearing and insulating concrete layers, but the working reinforcement of the lintels is placed in the load-bearing concrete layer. The total thickness of two-layer wall panels is no more than 400 mm (Figure 3.7).
c) Three-layer reinforced concrete external wall panels
Three-layer external wall panels consist of an inner and outer layer made of heavy or dense lightweight structural concrete, between which an insulating layer of effective thermal insulation material is laid. The thickness of the insulating layer is determined by calculations for thermal protection, and the thicknesses of the inner and outer concrete layers depend on the design solution of the wall panel and the magnitude of the perceived loads.
The inner layer of the panels is reinforced with a spatial frame, and the outer layer with reinforcing mesh. Depending on the design, three-layer wall panels are available with flexible or rigid connections between the inner and outer concrete layers (Fig. 3.5 and 3.8). Flexible connections are metal rods in the form of vertical hangers and horizontal struts connecting the reinforcing frame of the inner layer and the reinforcing mesh of the outer layer of the wall panel, i.e. they are attached by welding or tied to the spatial reinforcement frame of the inner layer and the reinforcing mesh of the outer layer. The metal rods of flexible connections are made of corrosion-resistant steel or they have an anti-corrosion coating in the insulation area.
Flexible connections ensure independent operation of the concrete layers of the wall panel and eliminate thermal forces between layers. The outer layer in panels with flexible connections performs enclosing functions and its thickness must be at least 50 mm. The thickness of the inner layer in three-layer panels with flexible connections in load-bearing and self-supporting wall panels is not less than 80 mm, and in non-load-bearing panels - not less than 65 mm.
Figure 3.7. Two-layer concrete panel of the outer wall: 1 and 2 – embedded parts for fastening heating radiators; 3 – lifting loops; 4 – reinforcement frame; 5 – internal load-bearing layer; 6 – outer protective and finishing layer; 7 – drain; 8 – window sill board; 9 – lightweight concrete thermal insulation layer; N– floor height; IN– panel length; h– panel thickness; δ – thickness of the thermal insulation layer
In three-layer wall panels with rigid connections, the inner and outer concrete layers are connected using vertical and horizontal reinforced concrete ribs. Rigid connections ensure joint static operation of the concrete layers of wall panels and protect the connecting reinforcing bars from corrosion. Connecting reinforcing bars are placed in concrete tie ribs and are attached by welding or tied to the reinforcing cage of the inner layer and the reinforcing mesh of the outer layer.
The disadvantage of installing rigid connections in external wall panels is through heat-conducting inclusions formed by the ribs, which can lead to condensation on the inner surface of the walls. To reduce the influence of the thermal conductivity of the ribs on the temperature of the inner surface of the walls, they are made with a thickness of no more than 40 mm and preferably from lightweight concrete, and the inner concrete layer is thickened to 80–120 mm. The thickness of the outer layer is at least 50 mm. Exterior finishing of three-layer wall panels is carried out in the same way as single- and two-layer ones. In all external wall panels, embedded parts for fastening to other structural elements are placed in the load-bearing layer.
Rice. 3.8. Three-layer concrete panels of external walls and connections between their concrete layers:
a – layout diagram of flexible connections; b – the same rigid connections: 1 – suspension; 2 – spacer; 3 – strut; 4 – rib made of concrete outer layers; 5 – rib made of lightweight concrete; 6 – internal concrete layer; 7 – outer concrete layer; 8 – reinforcement frame of the inner layer; 9 – reinforcement mesh of the outer layer; 10 – reinforcement of ribs; 11 – effective insulation
Reinforced concrete wall panels are widely used in modern construction; they are used in the construction of external walls of residential buildings, public and industrial buildings, and also as base slabs.
Types of reinforced concrete wall panels
Reinforced concrete wall panels are divided into:
- carriers(perceiving vertical load from its own weight and other building structures - roofing, floor slabs, etc.)
- self-supporting(external wall panels that bear the load only from their own weight and the weight of the panels located above)
- mounted(not intended for supporting building structures on them, with the exception of internal doors, windows, gates)
Load-bearing wall panels are more often used in the construction of residential buildings, and curtain walls - in the construction of administrative buildings.
External wall panels are made from light or heavy concrete; recently, expanded clay concrete wall panels have become most widespread. Reinforced concrete panels can be single-layer or multi-layer, with mineral wool or expanded polystyrene insulation, with an external protective and decorative layer, designed for both heated and unheated rooms.
Marking of reinforced concrete products
All reinforced concrete products must be marked with indelible paint. It displays information about the technical side of the product and includes 3 groups of alphanumeric characters, separated by a hyphen. Thus, the first group indicates the type of product, the second informs about the type of concrete, reinforcement and load-bearing capacity of the panel. The third group describes special characteristics.
Advantages of reinforced concrete panels
Modern three-layer reinforced concrete panels consist of an inner layer of heavy concrete, a thermal insulation layer and an outer layer of architectural or ordinary heavy concrete, due to which they have a high load-bearing capacity. When using reinforced concrete panels for building a house, you can:
- reduce energy costs
- use different sizes and configurations of panels, which will help realize the most interesting planning and architectural solutions
- use effective mineral insulation
- minimize building installation costs due to the speed of their construction
Our company also offers to buy prefabricated reinforced concrete wall panels, which are increasingly used in private construction. Manufactured like a designer (each part is connected to adjacent elements in a special way), these panels form a durable and reliable structure that meets all safety requirements and many years of operation.
Concrete fence panels
Concrete fencing is becoming increasingly popular. We offer customers to buy concrete panels for fencing, using them to fencing industrial enterprises, warehouses, cottages or private homes.
Three-layer wall panels are used in the construction of multi-storey residential buildings, cottages and industrial facilities.
They are manufactured in a factory from three plates, which are connected to each other by a reinforcement cage.
Heat-saving material is placed in the free space. The release of such panels made it possible to speed up and optimize the construction process.
Let's consider the types of reinforced concrete slabs and their characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, and regulatory requirements for production.
Features of panels
Depending on the design features, reinforced concrete wall panels are divided into types:
| № | Kinds | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Single layer | They are made of concrete with porous aggregates: foam concrete, aerated concrete, ash gravel. Expanded clay, slag, etc. serve as fillers. The outer side is covered with a facing layer 2-4 mm thick to protect the panel from moisture and other atmospheric influences. The inside is plastered. |
| 2 | Double layer | They are made from two layers: outer and insulating. An insulation material is fixed to the inside of the slab and covered with cement mortar. Install the structure with the heat-saving side facing inward. |
| 3 | Three-layer | They are made in the form of a sandwich of two outer plates and insulation between them. They have increased properties to retain heat and block out street noise. |
Depending on their design features, the panels accept and distribute the loads falling on them in different ways. Depending on resistance to loads, they are divided into:
| Type depending on load resistance | Characteristics | Manufacturing materials |
|---|---|---|
| Bearers | Receive and distribute loads from their mass, floors, and finishing materials. | Blocks from small to large. Internal panels are made hollow, solid, often ribbed or with ribs located along the contour of the slab. |
| Self-supporting | They take the loads of their weight and wind influences and transfer them to the frame part of the building. | Large panels. |
| Mounted | They can withstand wind loads and their own gravity within one floor. | Multilayer lightweight energy efficient materials. Serves as an enclosing structure. |
Mineral wool, fiberglass and other fireproof materials are used as insulation.
The outer layer is made depending on the requirements for operational, protective, and decorative properties.
It can be finished with concrete, tiles, natural stone, sprinkled with decorative crushed stone or painted with facade paint.
For the installation of walls and in heated housing construction, multilayer wall panels are used, the design of which includes: external protective and finishing, heat-saving and load-bearing layers.
Requirements for wall panels
Wall panels undergo strict quality control and compliance with requirements Wall panels used in construction must comply with the requirements of regulatory documents:
- strict compliance of sizes and geometric shapes;
- high rates of heat saving and noise insulation;
- high strength, low specific gravity;
- fire resistance;
- high-quality reinforcement, all intersections of reinforcement must be fastened together by welding;
- quality of connecting connections;
- resistance to atmospheric and mechanical influences;
- efficiency.
High stability of reinforced concrete wall panels is ensured when they are connected to each other and to the floors. The concrete panels themselves are not stable enough due to their shape: large length, width and small thickness.
Flaws
The disadvantages of reinforced concrete slabs include the fact that due to their large weight and size, it is necessary to use special equipment when transporting and installing the blocks.
How to distinguish high-quality concrete products
Without special equipment, it is impossible to determine the quality of concrete used in the production. But there are several secrets on how to visually try to establish the quality of a wall panel. 
The grade of concrete can be determined by color:
If, upon external inspection, defects and thin reinforcement are visible, then most likely the slab is of poor quality The surface of the slab must be free of cracks, chips, and other defects. The reinforcement should not protrude from the concrete slab.
According to GOST, hinges are made of metal with a thickness of more than 10 mm.
If you see that the hinges are made of thin metal, you can assume that they also saved on internal reinforcement.
If during inspection you find at least one of the described shortcomings, it is better not to buy such wall panels. By saving on material, you will lose in the fact that the building will last much less and will need frequent repairs.
Panel marking
Each wall panel is marked, which allows you to find out its characteristics Precast concrete products must be marked with letters and numbers separated by a dash.
The first group of symbols indicates the purpose and overall dimensions of the structure. An example of marking PST 700-350-25, where length is 700 cm, width is 350 cm, thickness is 25 cm.
The last part of the marking indicates additional parameters:
- resistance to seismic ground vibrations greater than 7 points is designated by the letter C;
- possibility of operation at temperatures lower than 40 degrees, letter M;
- permeability: normal - N, reduced - P, very low - O.
The marking also indicates the following parameters:
- Shape, configuration of the end sides.
- Location and dimensions of door and window openings.
- Type and location.
- The presence and shape of grooves at the junctions of adjacent elements.
For construction, you need to purchase reinforced concrete slabs manufactured in accordance with all standard requirements. In this case, house construction will be reliable and warm. For more information about the installation of three-layer reinforced concrete structures, see this video:
The best option for energy-efficient construction is the use of three-layer reinforced concrete panels.
©2014 site
Very often in an apartment we want to hang a TV, a shelf, or maybe just a picture on the wall, but we are afraid to drill holes in the wall of a panel house. What if the drill goes right through? And in order not to be afraid, you need to know the thickness and types of walls in panel houses, which I will talk about in this article.
As a rule, panel manufacturers do not deviate from standard sizes, so the thickness of such walls is, in principle, predictable, unlike the thickness of a brick wall of an individual house.
Walls, as we know, are usually divided into three types:
- external
- internal load-bearing
- internal partitions
External walls of a panel house
These walls are the thickest and come in two types:
- single-layer external walls consisting of lightweight concrete
- multilayer walls consisting of reinforced concrete and, as a rule, polystyrene foam slabs
Single-layer panels
Most often, single-layer panels are made of expanded clay concrete with a thickness of 300-350 mm, depending on the climate zone. Expanded clay concrete is suitable for these purposes, both in strength and thermal conductivity.
There are single-layer slabs consisting of cellular concrete. The thickness of such panels also ranges from 300 to 350mm.
Multilayer panels
Most often, such panels consist of two layers of reinforced concrete (external and internal) and polystyrene foam (foam) slabs between them.
The standard thickness of such a wall is 380mm.
The internal reinforced concrete layer is 80-100 mm (previously the layer was thinner). The outer reinforced concrete layer is at least 60 mm.
Expanded polystyrene is usually used as insulation, since mineral wool is too “soft” a material, and if it is used for the production of panels, it is very rarely.
Thickness of the internal walls of a panel house
Internal walls are also of two types: firstly, these are load-bearing walls, on which the entire structure of the house rests, and secondly, these are internal partitions, which serve exclusively to divide the area of the house or apartment into rooms.
Thickness of load-bearing walls of a panel house
Load-bearing panels of reinforced concrete structures are usually from 140 to 200 mm thick. To be more precise, the most common panels have thicknesses of 140mm, 180mm and 200mm.
It is very rare to find a load-bearing wall 120mm thick.
Thickness of internal partitions
In most panel houses, internal partitions consist of gypsum concrete panels, the thickness of which does not exceed 80mm.
Sometimes the thickness of the internal partitions of a panel house varies from 80mm to 100mm.
How to distinguish a load-bearing wall of a panel house from a partition
When remodeling an apartment, you need to know exactly where the load-bearing walls are located, which cannot be touched, and where there are simply internal partitions that can be demolished, moved, etc.
Remember! When moving or demolishing walls in an apartment, you must first order a redevelopment project from a licensed organization. If this is not done and the layout is changed without approval, then in the future problems may arise with the design and re-decoration of your apartment.
And so, let's continue.
The easiest way, without drawings and projects, to determine where the load-bearing wall is and where it is not, is to measure the thickness of the wall with a tape measure or ruler.
I have already talked about the thickness of load-bearing walls, it starts from 120mm. Therefore, we take a ruler and measure the wall, if it is greater than or equal to 120mm, then this wall is load-bearing, if less, then it is a partition.
Using this method, you can quite accurately determine the type of wall, since in most cases the panels of a panel house have standard sizes, but it must be remembered that the thickness of the wall is measured without finishing layers, i.e. without plaster, wallpaper, additional internal insulation, and so on.
Reinforced concrete panels have found widespread use in the construction of industrial facilities, public buildings and residential buildings. At one time, more than half a century ago, their appearance in our country became a revolutionary breakthrough in mass housing construction, which made it possible to increase the pace of building construction tenfold.
Since then, construction technologies have come a long way. High demands are placed on modern precast concrete wall panels. They must be high-strength, durable, environmentally friendly, and thermally efficient.
What is reinforced concrete
Reinforced concrete is a monolith made of concrete and metal reinforcement. Reinforced concrete structures have been used in construction for a long time, but were widely used in the 20th century. The combination and interaction of such different materials has proven to be very effective: concrete firmly adheres to metal reinforcement, reliably protecting it from corrosion. Steel and concrete successfully complement each other in terms of resistance to various types of load.
Concrete is more durable in compression; steel, on the contrary, has high tensile strength. A big disadvantage of reinforced concrete products is their high density, but this problem is being solved in modern conditions through the use of cellular concrete and light concrete mixtures with the addition of artificial or natural porous aggregates.
Structures made of reinforced concrete are fire resistant and durable. They do not require any protective measures against adverse atmospheric influences. The reinforcement inside the concrete does not corrode, and the concrete itself becomes even stronger over time. Reinforced concrete is characterized by high load-bearing capacity and resistance to static and dynamic loads. Reinforced concrete products are suitable for creating structures and structures of a wide variety of shapes and help achieve expressiveness of architectural solutions.
The main volume of reinforced concrete is occupied by common building materials - sand, crushed stone, gravel. The use of ready-made reinforced concrete products allows for high rates of construction of residential buildings and industrial facilities.
What types of reinforced concrete products are there?
Reinforced concrete products are divided into:
By reinforcement:
- pre-stressed;
- reinforced in the usual way.
By density and class of concrete:
- especially heavy, density from 2500 kg/m3;
- heavy, density - 1800-2500kg/m3;
- light, density up to 1800 kg/m3;
- especially light, density - 700 kg/m3.
According to the composition of the binder component:
- cement-concrete;
- silicate concrete;
- gypsum concrete.
By structure:
- solid;
- hollow;
- one type of concrete;
- different types of concrete.
By purpose
- for public and residential buildings;
- for industrial facilities;
- for engineering structures.
How are concrete products produced?
The production of reinforced concrete products and parts for construction work is carried out industrially at specialized enterprises.
Precast concrete factories, as a rule, produce products intended for the construction of residential buildings and industrial facilities. These are floor slabs, partitions, wall panels, foundation blocks, trusses, flights of stairs, columns. Individual factories produce sleepers, mine supports and other reinforced concrete products for special purposes. Each product has its own technology and reinforcement system. For example, in the production of floor slabs and lintels, prestressed reinforced concrete is used.
What are the methods for manufacturing reinforced concrete products?
Bench method
Designed for the manufacture of large-sized products.
Precast concrete products are prepared in fixed forms. Special mechanisms, concrete pavers and vibrators, one after another approach the stand to carry out technological operations.
Cassette method
It is a modification of the bench method. Precast concrete products are molded in stationary cassettes containing several metal mold compartments. A reinforcement cage is placed in the molds and filled with concrete. Heat treatment is carried out by contact through the walls of the molds. After heating, the walls of the molds are removed, and the reinforced concrete products are removed using an overhead crane. The cassette method is used for the production of flat reinforced concrete products: floor panels and walls.
Flow-aggregate method
Forms with reinforced concrete products move along the technological chain from one unit to another. Heat and wet processing occurs continuously.
Vibration rolling method
The entire technological cycle is carried out on one continuous production unit - a vibratory rolling mill. The vibro-rolling mill is a conveyor forming belt made of rubber-coated steel. The belt moves along technological posts, where the following is carried out: laying the reinforcement frame and concrete mixture, vibration compaction of concrete, contact heat treatment. This is how floor slabs, external wall reinforced concrete panels from lightweight concrete mix, and partition panels are made.
Technical requirements for reinforced concrete products
A number of technical requirements are imposed on reinforced concrete structures in general and wall panels in particular:
- Precise dimensions and geometric shapes. Optimal design of components and connections. Exact location of embedded elements.
- Correspondence of the weight and dimensions of prefabricated reinforced concrete structures to the operational capabilities of lifting and transport vehicles.
- Dimensions of reinforced concrete structures are within the tolerances and deviations established by GOST 130-15.4-84.
- The dimensions of the embedded elements correspond to the design values with an error of no more than ±5 mm.
- The permissible displacement of the axes of embedded elements for columns, beams and trusses is no more than 5 mm, for other reinforced concrete products - no more than 10 mm.
- The location of embedded parts flush with the surface of reinforced concrete products or higher is no more than 3 mm.
- High-quality processing of products and no need for additional finishing.
How to transport and store reinforced concrete products
Transportation of concrete products is usually carried out by trucks. Large-sized concrete products are transported on special vehicles. Wall panels are delivered on panel trucks. Concrete products are unloaded using a crane. Storage of reinforced concrete products is carried out in accordance with the requirements of GOST and TU. Reinforced concrete products are stacked with mounting loops facing up. Their position must correspond to the installation conditions during construction work. During transportation and storage, damage to the reinforced concrete products is possible.
Therefore, it is important to follow the rules for storing concrete products, even if construction is planned in the coming days. The storage area must have a flat surface. Contact of reinforced concrete products with the ground should be avoided. If there is no canopy, use covering material. Wooden blocks are placed between the floor slabs to reduce stress.
Wall reinforced concrete panels
Large panel prefabricated buildings were developed to speed up the pace of construction. Wall panels are used for the construction of external walls of residential, public and industrial buildings.
The wide demand in construction is explained by the main characteristics of precast concrete wall panels:
- high strength;
- load bearing capacity;
- good thermal insulation;
- fire resistance;
- resistance to temperature changes.
Prefabricated concrete wall panels are produced industrially. They are made of concrete reinforced with steel mesh or reinforcing cage.
For the insulated version of internal and external wall reinforced concrete panels, thermal insulation materials are used.
Reinforced concrete panels are used for the construction of plinths, technical undergrounds, above-ground floors and attics.
Wall panels are the most complex element of building structures. This is explained by a set of various technical and functional requirements: load resistance, high thermal protection and sound insulation, architectural design.
Wall reinforced concrete panels have various standard sizes approved by GOST. Precast concrete wall panels are fire resistant and highly durable.
Types of large-panel construction
Large-panel construction is divided into two categories: frameless and frame. This division depends on the type of wall panels: load-bearing and enclosing or only enclosing. In frameless-panel buildings, the load of the floors falls on the wall panels. In frame-panel structures, the load-bearing function is performed by the frames, and the wall panels serve for heat and sound insulation.
Wall panels are used for the construction of external and internal walls. External panels come in two types: single-layered from lightweight or cellular concrete and layered from heavy concrete with a heat insulator. Single-layer wall reinforced concrete panels have become widespread in residential construction.
On the outside, the wall panels are covered with decorative mortar, concrete, weather-resistant compound or ceramic tiles. The inner surface of the wall reinforced concrete panels is leveled and prepared for painting or wallpapering.
Door and window blocks are placed in the openings of the wall panels. The height of the wall reinforced concrete panels is equal to the height of the floor, the width is designed for 1-2 rooms - 3000-7200 mm, thickness - 200-350 mm. The dimensions of the interior wall panels correspond to the perimeter of the room. The thickness of the internal wall panels is 30-160 mm.
Classification of wall reinforced concrete panels
There are different classifications of wall reinforced concrete panels depending on the principle taken as a basis: typical features, functional purpose in the building, composition and structure.
By design
Panels are divided into solid and composite. The number of layers varies from one - single-layer panels, to several - three or two-layer panels. Laminated wall panels can be monolithic or with air layers.
- Single-layer wall panels are made from homogeneous materials with low thermal conductivity. The thickness of the outer side is 20-40 mm. The inside of the panel is covered with decorative finishing.
- Double-layer panels have a solid structure and consist of a load-bearing and heat-insulating layers. As a rule, the load-bearing layer is made of dense reinforced concrete and is the inner side during installation. At the same time, it performs a vapor barrier function. The second layer, heat-protective, is located outside and covered with cement mortar.
- Three-layer wall panels are assembled from two reinforced concrete slabs with insulation between them. The reinforced concrete layers are connected by welded reinforcement frames.
According to bearing capacity
- Bearers.
- Mounted.
- Self-supporting.
By intended use
Wall panels are used for the installation of multi-storey buildings, basement floors, underground spaces for communication systems, and attic spaces.
Characteristics of various types of concrete wall panels
External wall reinforced concrete panels
Height from the floor and length up to 6 m. Designed for the construction of fully prefabricated heated buildings. Composition: light class concrete with porous aggregate, cellular concrete, heavy concrete with a heat-saving layer.
Precast concrete panels for unheated buildings and internal load-bearing walls
Large-size panels as high as a floor and up to 6 m long for the construction of fully prefabricated buildings. Produced from heavy or light concrete mixtures. For external wall panels, heavy concrete is used, starting from class B15, for internal panels - from class B12.5.
Partition panels
Large-size panels as high as a floor and up to 6 m long for the construction of prefabricated buildings. For the manufacture of reinforced concrete partition panels, high-strength concrete or gypsum concrete is used, which is characterized by high frost resistance and water resistance. Panel partitions are reinforced with steel wire meshes or rods made of thermo-mechanically strong steel At-IIIc and A-III. All metal elements are treated with a special anti-corrosion compound.
Single-layer wall panels
For the manufacture of single-layer wall reinforced concrete panels, materials with a homogeneous structure and high thermal insulation are used. For example, lightweight cellular concrete. The outer walls of the panels are covered with a finishing layer 2-4 cm thick to protect against negative environmental factors. Cement plaster and various facing materials are used as finishing materials for interior walls.
Double-layer reinforced concrete wall panels
Double-layer reinforced concrete wall panels most often have a solid structure. The first layer is a load-bearing layer, made of high-density concrete with preliminary reinforcement. The second layer serves for thermal insulation. The thermal insulation layer is located on the outside and covered with cement plaster. The supporting layer faces the inside and additionally performs a vapor barrier function.
Wall reinforced concrete panels with a three-layer structure
The most popular today are three-layer reinforced concrete wall panels.
The three-layer panel structure consists of an external main load-bearing element to which internal wall panels are attached. Thanks to the space between them, heat loss from the building is reduced.
There are various modifications of multilayer panels, which consist of two reinforced concrete slabs and a heat insulator (mineral and stone wool, cement fiberboard, polyurethane, foam silicate).
External and internal wall panels are connected into a single structure using welded steel reinforcement frames. Three-layer reinforced concrete wall panels have standard dimensions and differ in thickness. The thickness of the wall panels is selected taking into account thermal parameters and climatic conditions of the area. This type of panels is made from durable lightweight concrete or heavy concrete with a compressive strength of B12.5 - B15. Reinforcement of the slabs is carried out using welded mesh or volumetric frames made of high-strength steel. All reinforcement and embedded elements are coated with an anti-corrosion compound. The properties of three-layer reinforced concrete panels are strictly regulated by the requirements and standards of GOST 31310-2005, GOST 13015-2003.
Standard size
The main parameters when choosing wall panels made of reinforced concrete are the dimensions indicated in the plan, taking into account the structural diagrams of the building and the floor plan.
The dimensions of the panels, the number and size of openings, technical properties and layer thickness are determined in accordance with the customer’s design documentation.
Reinforced concrete wall panels have different standard sizes, which are regulated by GOST.
The usual dimensions of the panels are the width of a typical room and the height of a floor. External wall panels are equipped with built-in window and door blocks, internal panels are solid or with openings for doors.
The thickness of the panels is 20-30 cm, one square meter of panel is 5-7 times lighter than a standard brick wall of the same area. Factories for the production of prefabricated reinforced concrete produce wall panels for residential construction, designed for 1-2 rooms, and for industrial buildings - 6, 9 and 12 m long. Factory panels are completely ready for installation. For example, panels with window filling and glazing are produced for residential buildings. The thickness of the wall panels depends on the climatic conditions of the region and the thermal parameters of the materials used and is 20-50 cm.
Rules for transporting wall panels
Prefabricated concrete wall panels are produced in factories. They are large in size and require the use of special equipment for delivery to construction sites. They lift, load and unload reinforced concrete panels using special gripping devices or using mounting loops. Precast concrete panels are delivered on panel trucks and railway platforms. Trucks are equipped with special fastening and supporting devices and ensure the immobility and safety of the panels.
Panel carriers are designed to accommodate two panels. The panels are transported in an almost vertical position, at a slight angle, maximum 8-10 degrees. The panels are securely fastened, which prevents them from being damaged or tipping over.
Warehousing and storage of wall panels
The panels are stored in cassettes in a vertical position or with a slight inclination. Each panel is placed on wooden stands 30 mm high. When storing and transporting multilayer panels, supports are placed only under the load-bearing layer. If there are protruding elements at the bottom of the panel, install supports 20 mm greater than their height. Cassettes with panels are placed on flat areas with a solid base.
House made of reinforced concrete panels
It has already become a long-standing tradition to construct various construction projects from structures such as wall reinforced concrete panels, floor slabs, and foundation blocks. Now there is an opportunity to build a house from reinforced concrete materials according to a specially developed project.
Precast concrete wall panels are especially in demand in prefabricated building construction. These are complex structures with high strength, sound insulation, and thermal efficiency. Modern wall panels are produced ready-made, require virtually no additional decorative finishing and give the building a modern architectural style. Based on the design features of the walls, prefabricated construction is divided into two types: large-panel and large-block. In large-block houses, the load-bearing and enclosing function is performed by a wall made of blocks. In large-panel buildings, wall panels serve as the load-bearing and enclosing basis.
Advantages of large-panel construction
- Fast pace of construction.
- Long service life of buildings.
- Resistance of structures to static and dynamic loads.
- Moisture resistance.
- Universal use of slabs for the construction of objects for various purposes.
Disadvantages of large-panel construction
- Heavy weight (eliminates with lightweight aggregates).
- Lower sound and heat insulation compared to brick houses.
- The need to use special equipment for transportation and installation.
- Lack of ability to control the wear of building structures for early detection and elimination of defects.
Houses built from reinforced concrete wall panels have great resistance to static and dynamic loads, as well as resistance to physical, chemical and biological factors.
What are the types of installation of reinforced concrete wall panels?
Despite the rapid development of monolithic construction, reinforced concrete products are still in great demand in the construction market due to their high performance characteristics. Installation of wall panels is carried out in various ways, the choice of which is determined by the principle of assembly, the type of equipment and fixtures, and the design features of the interface between wall and partition panels. Installation of wall reinforced concrete panels is carried out vertically with sealing of seams. Internal finishing work and installation of technical communications are carried out taking into account the high strength of concrete and the presence of a reinforcing device for wall panels.
Free installation
Free installation - installation of panels according to the risks on the floors. With the help of struts and corner clamps, a stable position and temporary fastening of individual panels is ensured.
Fixed installation
Fixed installation (restricted-free) - installation using group equipment. First, the base panels (transverse and longitudinal) are aligned and rigidly fastened together with a permanent connection. Then the following transverse panels are installed. The wall elements are immediately placed in a vertical position.
Lock installation
Self-fixing is a method of installation using locking clamps. The locking method is suitable for panels with fixing parts. In the lower part of the panel they are fastened with pin-type fasteners, and in the upper part - with locking fasteners.
Mounting method "on weight"
External and internal wall panels are installed, then slinged in two to four places, depending on the size of the structure, using flexible slings and various traverses.
Before installing load-bearing wall panels, the marks of the lower edge of the wall panels (installation horizon) are determined and fixed on the floor and a plastic cement mortar is spread.
The installation of external wall panels begins with the panel farthest from the crane, after which the internal walls are installed, and then the panels of the external wall closest to the crane are installed.
After installation in place, the wall panel is aligned freely against the lower base or using clamps (locking method). Next, check the vertical position of the wall panel on the outside.
Complex (group) equipment for installation of panels and temporary fastening are verified and prepared. Then the internal panels are installed. After installing the base panels, the following row panels are installed. They are completely fixed after installing adjacent and adjacent longitudinal wall panels. Before installing the next internal wall panel, concrete mortar is spread in its place. After the panels are aligned, the concrete solution is compacted on both sides.
The curtain panels of multi-storey buildings are installed after the construction of load-bearing structures. The position of the prefabricated elements is preliminarily determined according to the project.
Large panels are placed and combined in the transverse direction. Wall panels are adjusted in height. First, the end part of the panel is fixed in height, then the lower edge of the panel is fixed, and after that the vertical position of the panel is controlled.
External wall panels of one-story houses are installed to the entire height of the building. Self-supporting wall panels are placed below on foundation beams on a layer of mortar. In all subsequent rows, the panels are mounted one on top of the other on a layer of concrete mortar.
Marking of wall panels
The brand of wall reinforced concrete panels has an alphanumeric designation with hyphens.
- The first fragment of symbols indicates the type of panel and dimensions: length, height (dm), thickness (cm).
- The second fragment indicates the class (brand) and type of concrete: T - heavy concrete, L - lightweight concrete, I - autoclaved cellular concrete.
- The third fragment of the marking contains additional information about the characteristics of reinforced concrete panels: C - seismic resistance of more than 7 points, M - frost resistance below -40°C. Permeability indicators: N - normal, P - reduced, O - especially low. This part of the marking includes designations of the design features of wall panels: shape; configuration of end zones, presence, type and location of openings; the presence and shape of fines in terms of the junction of adjacent structures, the type and location of reinforcement outlets and embedded products, the presence of reinforcement to reduce the load due to uneven deformation of the base (subsidence, swelling, frozen, peat, bulk soil).
Example: PS 240-300-14
- PS – wall panel;
- 240 – length;
- 300 – height;
- 14 - width.
Price and quality of wall panels
The strength and durability of reinforced concrete wall panels depends on the quality of the source materials, compliance with technological rules and calculations. The grade of concrete for the manufacture of panels is selected according to technical requirements. For the outer layer, 3 types of coating are used: on fresh concrete, on hardened concrete and finishing with tiles.
Reinforced concrete products must comply with GOST and SNiP documents. For fire safety purposes, the fire resistance limit and the spread of flame along the wall are taken into account. It is mandatory to have a quality guarantee for all types of products and services provided.
The dimensions and shape of wall reinforced concrete panels, the number and size of openings, the thickness and arrangement of layers are determined in accordance with the customer’s design documentation. As a rule, manufacturers of reinforced concrete products post price lists and calculators on their websites, with the help of which you can calculate the cost of wall panels, taking into account their dimensions and functional structure. You should also inquire about the cost of transporting reinforced concrete products and loading and unloading operations.
Large-panel technologies are still a promising direction in construction. The use of new materials, compositions and design solutions in the production of precast concrete wall panels allows us to optimize the construction process and ultimately make housing more affordable, comfortable and safe.
