CarbonCast is a precast-concrete technology that uses a carbon-fiber grid for secondary reinforcing or shear transfer, depending on the application. Because carbon-fiber reinforcing resists corrosion, CarbonCast precast products require less concrete cover, resulting in added durability, lighter weight, and improved sustainability over traditional precast concrete. In addition, the reduction of concrete enables the integration of insulation, which can increase R-values of wall panels.
CarbonCast architectural cladding panels can weigh up to 66 percent less than conventional precast panels. This weight reduction permits engineers to reduce substructure or specify smaller cranes for lifting the panels into place. When used in the flanges of CarbonCast pretopped double tees, the carbon-fiber grid can reduce weight by 12 percent and eliminate the need for sealers and sacrificial barrier coatings. When used as a shear connector in CarbonCast high performance insulated wall panels, the carbon-fiber grid improves thermal performance, given its relatively low thermal conductivity. [Contact:
Altus Precast, Lancaster, PA]
Labels: 03, carbon fiber, concrete, reinforcing, ultraperforming
Luccon represents a new breed of light transmitting concrete. Unlike other versions that use acrylic rods or optical fibers, Luccon is comprised by translucent fabric cast layer by layer into fine-grained concrete in prefabricated molds. The result is a collection of fluid, organic lines captured within a sturdy panel.
Since the proportion of synthetic fibers to concrete is relatively low, and because the fibers have a small diameter, Luccon has the same strength and durability as conventional concrete. The virtually lossless light conduction allows light, shadows, and colors to project through the concrete with negligible degradation. [via Luccon; suggested by Karen Miller, Columbus]
Labels: 03, concrete, fabric, fiber, lighting, recombinant
Just when you think you've seen everything that can be done with concrete, along comes another surprise. Developed by Netherlands-based designers Frederik Molenschot and Susanne Happle, Solid Poetry is a concrete tile that reveals a pattern when wet. The floral patterns depicted here are the result of a carefully-applied surface treatment that reveals itself only when exposed to water or humid air.
Molenshot and Happle imagine their Solid Poetry tiles to be appropriate for gardens, poolsides, bathrooms, saunas, or any environment that encounters frequent humidity changes. Solid Poetry thus enhances environments with its additional aesthetic state that results from a rapid response to natural or user-driven stimuli. [via Peerswereld; suggested by Shawn Gehle, Los Angeles.]
Labels: 03, concrete, pattern, transformational, water, wet
