FOR WALLS

The Panel System can be used for exterior and interior load bearing walls. A wall panel has superior axial load bearing capacity i.e. the strength to support the vertical loads from the floor or roof above. They can be used to form the entire wall (without columns). It has great resistance against shearing, buckling and bending. These characteristics are important attributes for resisting lateral seismic and wind forces. They can also be applied to framing as non-structural exterior insulated cladding, curtain wall, or as partition.

FOR ROOFS AND FLOORS

The structural properties of the Panel Systems are as beneficial in their floor and roof applications as when they are used for walls. Because the panels are superior in energy performance characteristics in roofs, the construction of ceilings is not necessary and unlike steel-reinforced concrete slabs, the Panel system will not require formworks. The horizontal loads imposed on buildings by earthquakes and extreme winds can be effectively resisted by the floor and the roof acting as diaphragms. The two-dimensional structural continuity provides rigidity and stability as well as creating an uninterrupted layer over supporting beams or walls. Because the Panel System provides the bending strength necessary to withstand live and dead loads, they usually can span freely from the beams. If greater rigidity is required, the Panel System may be provided with additional steel reinforcement for increased bending strengths and reduced deflection.

Construction methods and sequences for the Panel System are not dissimilar to those of CHB construction. Once the foundation is completed a Panel System shell structure can be completed in a matter of days saving construction time and labor. Panels are fastened together side by side with 203mm wide wire fabric strips called flat mesh. The flat meshes are placed along the middle of the joints on both surfaces of the panels to be jointed and are tied to the panels by means of number 18 ga. G.I. tie wire. For corner connections, 152mm x 152mm angle meshes are used. Panels and rough openings for doors and windows are easily cut. The edges and perimeter of the openings are reinforced by U-meshes to prevent the spalling of mortar. Electrical and plumbing rough-ins are easily routed by the coring-out of the foam through which the wiring can run.