Wall Panel Beds

Prestressed Concrete Wall Panels

- offer architects, developers and contractors a host of distinct advantages over traditional methods of construction. The speed of build is fast, an average size industrial building can be completed in a day, if so required. Prestressed walls can be erected in all weather. This is particularly significant when an average of 50 working days per annum are lost for block and brickwork construction due to bad weather conditions. As an alternative to conventional brick and block work, prestressed wall panels excel.

Wall panels combine excellent load bearing performance with thermal properties, fire rating, transmission of sound and is vandal proof. This cost effective system is durable and comes as a finished unit as specified. Prestressed wall units are used throughout Europe and North America as a standard method of construction wall in the Agri and Industrial building sectors. The units are prestressed to achieve maximum strength with min wall thickness for load bearing applications as bulk grain stores, earth retaining walls, etc.

Most of the construction in prestressed wall units are fitted horizontally between the steel or concrete columns. Some of the units have been fitted vertically and cast in a concrete foundation. The edge detail on each is designed to form a tongue and groove joint with a 12mm taper at 45 degree on both faces of the unit to conceal any misalignment and further act as a feature. A space of 3mm between the tongue and groove allows for a polyurethane mastic sealant to provide a watertight seal if required.

Furthermore, prestressed panels offer a wide variety of finishes that allow a real architectural alternative to the ubiquitous tin shed. Prestressed panels can be painted, formed in coloured concrete or have a variety of exposed finishes. These finishes can be combined with rebates, patterns and textures. “There is great scope for architectural expression that cannot be matched by metal cladding.”