Cellular concrete is also applied in the making of pre-fabricated panels.
Their production is obtained from a single composition of mix. There may be other processes such as washed gravel, white overlay concrete, etc., according to aesthetic requirements. The pouring surfaces are nevertheless fully similar to those of a normal concrete.
The production of compacted panels may be achieved with horizontal formwork, such as with battery moulds.
The particular composition of the concrete indicated above resists vertical collapse even in formwork of 3 metres in height.
Nevertheless, of particular importance in this case is curing of the product.
THERMALLY GRADED SANDWICH PANELS
A new technology is available with thermally graded “sandwich” panels. Within the two rigid surfaces, cellular concrete is used as an insulation core at a density of 130 kg/m3, as against polystyrene.
The most usable density for making pre-fabricated panels, such as for vertical structures cast on site, are:
|1000 kg/m3||350 kg||590 kg||140 volume in litres||490 litres|
|1200 kg/m3||400 kg||750 kg||160 volume in litres||380 litres|
|1400 kg/m3||400 kg||900 kg||168 volume in litres||310 litres|
|1600 kg/m3||400 kg||1100 kg||170 volume in litres||240 litres|
Note: all this data is merely indicative and should be confirmed with practical tests on materials currently in use.
PHOTO GALLERY: PRE-FABRICATED PANELS IN CELLULAR CONCRETE