Industrial Sandwich Panels

A variety of industrial type buildings are finding key benefits can be achieved by specifying insulated precast concrete wall panels. These include manufacturing facilities, warehouse distribution centres, high-tech facilities, retail outlets and food-processing centres. All require durable, wide-open spaces that are ideally suited to this material.

These ‘sandwich panels’ comprise an outer leaf of precast concrete, an insulation layer and a backing leaf of plain grey concrete. They are cast monolithically and the insulation, installed under controlled factory conditions, is well-protected by the concrete. The type and thickness of insulation contained in the sandwich panels can be varied to achieve the required U-value of the project.

The two layers are connected by proprietary stainless steel connectors, typically consisting of wind and shear connectors. The latter are strategically positioned orthogonally to achieve suitable suspension of the outer leaf. Coldbridging through the steel connectors is minimal as these have a typical diameter of 4mm. Furthermore, the system provides structural integrity as it does not rely on insulation for load transference.

Various insulation types can be used, including mineral fibre insulation materials. A cavity can be introduced, if required. Compared to expanded polystyrene products, mineral fibre insulation is environmentally friendly and entirely resistant to fire or chemical attack.

The insulated panels provide acoustical dampening for large equipment that might otherwise disturb a neighbourhood. Precast industrial buildings also can reduce mechanical needs by providing an insulated space needing little heating or cooling equipment.

In order to optimise the cladding system, the inner leaf of the sandwich panel may be used as a load-bearing structural element to support floor units. This provides further efficiencies for the construction process and minimises the need to co-ordinate different trades.

From a visual point of view, sandwich panels offer many options for adding details and for emulating textures and colours. This allows buildings to project a stronger, more attractive image than many industrial facilities receive, which aids to their viability in high-traffic areas.The precast concrete panels also provide flexibility for easy building expansion later on.

Whether tied to an all-precast structure or other framing system, the advantages in speed, aesthetics, durability and design flexibility are leading more high profile companies to build their industrial and warehouse facilities with precast concrete insulated wall panels.