CPCI

Architectural Precast
Concrete Walls

Best Practice Guide

ARCHITECTURAL PRECAST
CONCRETE WALLS
Best Practice Guide

Canadian Precast/Prestressed A Division of 2174863

Concrete Institute Ontario Limited
PO Box 24058 Hazeldean 44 Cityview Circle
Ottawa, ON, Canada K2M 2C3 Barrie, Ontario L4N 7V2

Tel: (613) 232-2619 Tel: (647) 861-5348

Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Web: www.cpci.ca
 Copyright 2017

by

Canadian Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute

www.cpci.ca

All rights reserved. This book or any part thereof must not
be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the
Canadian Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute.

Disclaimer: This Guide is not intended to replace professional expertise. When the information contained within this Best Practice
Guide is used as guidance and incorporated into the design of buildings, it must be reviewed by knowledgeable engineering and
building envelope professionals and reflect the specific and potentially unique conditions and design parameters of each building.
Readers are advised to evaluate the information, materials and techniques cautiously for themselves and to consult appropriate
professional resources to determine whether information, materials and techniques are suitable for their application. The drawings
and text are intended as general best practice guidelines only. The project and site specific factors of climate, cost, aesthetics, and so
on must be taken into consideration. Use of the Guide does not relieve designers of their responsibility to comply with local building
codes, standards and bylaws with respect to the design and construction of the building envelope.

ii CPCI Architectural Precast Concrete Walls: Best Practice Guide

Contents
CHAPTER 1 Introduction.........................................................................................................................................1-1
1.1 Context / Background...............................................................................................................................1-1
1.2 The Purpose of this Best Practice Guide ................................................................................................1-2
1.2.1 The Canadian Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute..............................................................1-2
1.2.2 Other Related Building Science Publications............................................................................1-3
1.3 Technical Review .......................................................................................................................................1-3
Members of the technical committee of CPCI (2017):............................................................................1-3

CHAPTER 2 Architectural Precast Concrete Wall Panels Defined..........................................................................2-1

2.1 Panel Types................................................................................................................................................2-1
2.1.1 Single Wythe Precast Concrete Wall Panels..............................................................................2-1
2.1.2 Double Wythe Precast Concrete Insulated Wall Panels............................................................2-2
2.2 Other Panel Configurations......................................................................................................................2-5
2.2.1 Drained Assemblies – Single and Double Wythe Insulated Precast Concrete
Wall Assemblies with ‘rain screen’ drainage layer – Not recommended but discussed........2-5
2.2.2 Thin Veneer Single Wythe Wall Assembly..................................................................................2-6
2.3 Wall Panel Layout (and its effect on joints)..............................................................................................2-6
2.3.1 Categories of Precast Panel Layout............................................................................................2-7
2.3.1.1 Horizontal Precast Spandrels with Vertical Column Covers.....................................2-8
2.3.1.2 Alternate Bands of Precast Spandrels and Glazing..................................................2-8
2.3.1.3 Punched Windows.......................................................................................................2-8
2.3.1.4 Solid Wall Panels..........................................................................................................2-8
2.3.2 Double wythe insulated wall panel sizes .................................................................................2-11
2.4 Colours, Finishes, and Veneers...............................................................................................................2-12
2.4.1 Colour..........................................................................................................................................2-13
2.4.2 Textures and Finishes.................................................................................................................2-14
2.4.2.1 Smooth as Cast .........................................................................................................2-15
2.4.2.2 Exposed Aggregate ..................................................................................................2-16
2.4.2.3 Abrasive Blast (Sandblast) Finish..............................................................................2-16
2.4.2.4 Acid Etching...............................................................................................................2-17
2.4.2.5 Bush Hammered Finish.............................................................................................2-17
2.4.2.6 Sand Embedment......................................................................................................2-17
2.4.3 Stone Veneered Precast Panels.................................................................................................2-17
2.4.4 Clay Product Faced Precast (Brick, Tile and Terra Cotta)........................................................2-18
2.4.5 Form Liners ................................................................................................................................2-20

CHAPTER 3 Manufacturing, Transportation and Installation...................................................................................3-1

3.1 Manufacturing, Materials and Quality Control........................................................................................3-1
3.1.1 Precast Concrete Panel Manufacturing......................................................................................3-1
3.1.2 Form Configurations ...................................................................................................................3-1
3.1.3 Materials........................................................................................................................................3-3
3.1.4 Precast Concrete Panel Manufacturer Certification .................................................................3-3
3.2 Transportation and Installation.................................................................................................................3-4
3.2.1 Precast Panel Transportation from Plant to Site........................................................................3-4
3.2.2 Installation Techniques.................................................................................................................3-5
3.2.2.1 Precast Concrete Panel Installation............................................................................3-5
3.2.3 Connections..................................................................................................................................3-7

CPCI Architectural Precast Concrete Walls: Best Practice Guide iii

 Contents continued
CHAPTER 4 Performance Criteria............................................................................................................................4-1
4.1 Building Science........................................................................................................................................4-1
4.2 Structural Considerations.........................................................................................................................4-2
4.2.1 Cast-in-place Concrete Building Frame.....................................................................................4-2
4.2.2 Precast Concrete Building Frame...............................................................................................4-3
4.2.3 Steel Building Frame....................................................................................................................4-3
4.2.4 Hybrid Building Frame.................................................................................................................4-3
4.2.5 Structural Design of Panel Connections.....................................................................................4-4
4.2.6 Structural Design of Precast Concrete Panels............................................................................4-5
4.2.7 Insulating Precast Concrete Wall Assemblies............................................................................4-8
4.2.8 Thermal Bridging .........................................................................................................................4-9
4.2.9 Thermal Mass Effects.................................................................................................................4-11
4.3 Air Leakage Control................................................................................................................................4-11
4.4 Vapour Diffusion Control........................................................................................................................4-12
4.5. Precipitation Control...............................................................................................................................4-14
4.5.1 Causes of Water Leakage Across the Building Envelope.......................................................4-14
4.5.2 Water Leakage Forces................................................................................................................4-14
4.5.2.1 Air Pressure Differences............................................................................................4-14
4.5.2.2 Capillary Action..........................................................................................................4-15
4.5.2.3 Kinetic Action.............................................................................................................4-15
4.5.2.4 Gravity.........................................................................................................................4-15
4.5.3 Water Leakage Control Strategies............................................................................................4-15
4.5.3.1 Mass Assemblies........................................................................................................4-16
4.5.3.2 Drained Assemblies...................................................................................................4-16
4.5.3.3 Perfect Barrier.............................................................................................................4-17
4.5.3.4 Precipitation Design Considerations........................................................................4-18
4.6 Noise.........................................................................................................................................................4-19
4.7 Solar and Ultraviolet Radiation...............................................................................................................4-20
4.8 Fire............................................................................................................................................................4-20
4.9 Durability..................................................................................................................................................4-21
4.10 Energy ......................................................................................................................................................4-22
4.10.1 Design of Building Envelope Details........................................................................................4-23
4.10.2 Thermal Mass Effects.................................................................................................................4-23
4.11 Aesthetics.................................................................................................................................................4-24
4.12 Life Cycle Assessment.............................................................................................................................4-24

CHAPTER 5 Detailing for Success...........................................................................................................................5-1

5.1 Design Criteria for Detailing of Precast Concrete Wall Panel Joints....................................................5-1
5.2 Precast Concrete Wall Panel: Edge Joint Design...................................................................................5-2
5.2.1 Joints as Architectural Treatment................................................................................................5-2
5.2.2 Butt Joints.....................................................................................................................................5-3
5.2.3 Chamfered and Chamfered Reveal Joints.................................................................................5-3
5.2.4 Recessed or Reveal Joints...........................................................................................................5-3
5.3 Precast Concrete Panel Joint Design.......................................................................................................5-4
5.3.1 Sealant Joints for Single Wythe Wall Panels..............................................................................5-4
5.3.2 Sealant Joints for Double Wythe Insulated Wall Panels...........................................................5-6

iv CPCI Architectural Precast Concrete Walls: Best Practice Guide

Contents continued
5.3.3 Preferred Sealant Installation Practice........................................................................................5-8
5.3.4 Joint Sizing and Sealant Selection..............................................................................................5-8
5.3.5 Structural Expansion (Contraction) Joints................................................................................5-10
5.3.6 Seismic Storey Drift and the Effect on Joint Widths ..............................................................5-11
5.3.7 Sealant Selection........................................................................................................................5-11
5.3.8 Joint Preparation........................................................................................................................5-14
5.3.9 Primers.........................................................................................................................................5-14
5.3.10 Cold Weather Sealant Applications .........................................................................................5-15
5.3.11 Other Considerations.................................................................................................................5-16
5.3.12 Sealant Backer Rod ...................................................................................................................5-17
5.3.13 Installation and Tooling of Sealants..........................................................................................5-17
5.3.14 Durability of Sealants.................................................................................................................5-18
5.4 Details Overview......................................................................................................................................5-18

CHAPTER 6 The Design, Tender & Construction Process.......................................................................................6-1

6.1 Quality Assurance and the Design and Construction Process..............................................................6-1
6.2 Detailing.....................................................................................................................................................6-2
6.3 Specifications.............................................................................................................................................6-3
6.4 Tender.........................................................................................................................................................6-4
6.4.1 Samples.........................................................................................................................................6-4
6.4.2 Pre-Bid Conference......................................................................................................................6-5
6.4.3 Contract Award ...........................................................................................................................6-5
6.5 Plant Visits..................................................................................................................................................6-6
6.6 Mock-Ups...................................................................................................................................................6-6
6.6.1 Production Approval Samples.....................................................................................................6-6
6.6.2 Full-Scale Mock-Up on Site.........................................................................................................6-6
6.6.3 Periodic Field Review during Construction................................................................................6-7
6.7 Quality Assurance (QA) Procedures and Documentation......................................................................6-7
6.8 LEED and Sustainability ...........................................................................................................................6-9
6.8.1 Building Reuse (Materials Credit #1)...........................................................................................6-9
6.8.2 Construction Waste Management (Materials Credit #2)...........................................................6-9
6.8.3 Recycled Content (Materials Credit #4)....................................................................................6-10
6.8.4 Local/Regional Materials (Materials Credit #5)........................................................................6-11
6.8.5 Durable Building (Regional Priority #1).....................................................................................6-11
6.8.6 Life Cycle Assessment, Environmental Impacts and Resource Measurements.....................6-11
6.8.7 Environmental Product Declarations........................................................................................16-3

CHAPTER 7 Maintenance........................................................................................................................................7-1

CHAPTER 8 Glossary...............................................................................................................................................8-1

CHAPTER 9 References...........................................................................................................................................9-1

CHAPTER 10 Bibliography....................................................................................................................................10-1
Architectural and Building Science References:................................................................................................10-1
Technical Bulletins and Manuals:........................................................................................................................10-1
Sustainability Resources:.....................................................................................................................................10-1

CPCI Architectural Precast Concrete Walls: Best Practice Guide v

 List of Figures
Figure 2-1: Single wythe (architectural) precast concrete wall panel assembly at slab edge...................................2-2

Figure 2-2 Double wythe insulated precast concrete panel assembly.....................................................................2-3

Figure 2-3: Hand Set Precast....................................................................................................................................2-7

Figure 2-4: Precast horizontal panels with column covers. ......................................................................................2-9

Figure 2-5: Precast spandrel panels.........................................................................................................................2-9

Figure 2-6: Precast Punched Window Panels.........................................................................................................2-10

Figure 2-7: Solid wall panels with reveals..............................................................................................................2-11

Figure 2-8: Granite veneer concept.......................................................................................................................2-18

Figure 3-1: Form types. ...........................................................................................................................................3-2

Figure 3-2: Detail of Sealant and Shim placement. .................................................................................................3-7

Figure 3-3: Panel Articulation.................................................................................................................................3-10

Figure 4-1: Horizontally and vertically ribbed precast concrete panels...................................................................4-5

Figure 4-2: Examples of mass or storage approach to precipitation management...............................................4-16

Figure 4-3: Examples of drained approach to precipitation management............................................................4-17

Figure 4-4: Examples of the perfect barrier approach to precipitation management...........................................4-18

Figure 4-5: Typical Drip Edges on a Precast Concrete Panel. ...............................................................................4-19

Figure 5-1: Joint Types.............................................................................................................................................5-4

Figure 5-2: Detail of Transverse Baffle Joint Locations............................................................................................5-4

Figure 5-3: Details of a two-stage joint at a drainage/vent hole..............................................................................5-5

Figure 5-4: Details of a two-stage joint at a drainage/vent hole..............................................................................5-5

Figure 5-5: Sealant joint detailing for double wythe precast concrete insulated wall panel....................................5-7

Figure 5-6: Proper Joint Sealant Profile....................................................................................................................5-9

Figure 5-7: Proper Joint Sealant Profile....................................................................................................................5-9

Figure 6-1: Visual Schematic of the Sustainable Plant Tracking Program showing the input materials
through their life cycle stages of extraction, processing, and finally their optimization in the precast
manufacturing process...........................................................................................................................................6-12

vi CPCI Architectural Precast Concrete Walls: Best Practice Guide

List of Detail Drawings
Detail drawing 5-1: Single wythe precast panel—bottom bearing and lateral foundation wall connection..........5-20

Detail drawing 5-2: Single wythe precast panel—lateral foundation wall connection...........................................5-21

Detail drawing 5-3: Single wythe precast panel—suspended soffit.......................................................................5-22

Detail drawing 5-4: Single wythe precast panel—slab bearing connection...........................................................5-23

Detail drawing 5-4a: Single wythe precast panel—slab bearing connection total precast....................................5-24

Detail drawing 5-4b: Single wythe precast panel—slab bearing connection total precast....................................5-25

Detail drawing 5-5: Single wythe precast panel—lateral connection at parapet...................................................5-26

Detail drawing 5-6: Single wythe precast panel—window head/sill connection....................................................5-27

Detail drawing 5-7: Single wythe precast panel—window jamb connection.........................................................5-28

Detail drawing 5-8: Single wythe precast panel—connection to curtain wall jamb...............................................5-29

Detail drawing 5-9: Single wythe precast panel—connection to EIFS cladding....................................................5-30

Detail drawing 5-10: Connection to precast panel—junction at brick veneer cladding........................................5-31

Detail drawing 5-11: Single wythe precast panel—projecting exterior column cover...........................................5-32

Detail drawing 5-12: Double wythe precast panel—bottom bearing foundation wall connection........................5-33

Detail drawing 5-13: Double wythe precast panel—suspended soffit and lateral connection. ............................5-34

Detail drawing 5-14: Double wythe precast panel—bearing connection to slab edge.........................................5-35

Detail drawing 5-14a: Double wythe precast panel—bearing connection total precast.......................................5-36

Detail drawing 5-15: Double wythe precast panel—lateral connection at parapet...............................................5-37

Detail drawing 5-16: Double wythe precast panel—connection to door head......................................................5-38

Detail drawing 5-17: Double wythe precast panel—connection to door jamb......................................................5-39

Detail drawing 5-18: Double wythe precast panel—window head/sill connection................................................5-40

Detail drawing 5-19: Double wythe precast panel—connection to curtain wall....................................................5-41

Detail drawing 5-20: Double wythe precast panel—service penetrations.............................................................5-42

Detail drawing 5-21: Double wythe precast panel—connection to brick veneer cladding....................................5-43

CPCI Architectural Precast Concrete Walls: Best Practice Guide vii

viii CPCI Architectural Precast Concrete Walls: Best Practice Guide
CHAPTER 1 Introduction

1.1 Context / Background

Architectural precast concrete wall panels have been used as cladding on buildings since the 1920s and have
become increasingly popular since the 1950s. In the last 10 years, the range of products has broadened as
manufacturers have incorporated new manufacturing methods, new finishing techniques and materials, new
insulating and anchoring methods as well as improved methods for addressing rain, wind, vapour and heat
movement. Current panel types include single wythe wall panels and double wythe insulated wall panels.
Concrete has the advantage that it can be formed to any shape while in its plastic state and then once cured,
is virtually indestructible. A wide range of design aesthetics can be achieved through the use of reveals and
rustication, form liners, stencils, sandblasting techniques, set retarders and facings. Various materials may be cast
into or attached onto the face of panels to supplement the colours and textures attainable with conventional
finishing methods. Natural stone, clay masonry, tile and other materials have been attached to precast panels to
provide additional choices of exterior or interior finish as well as colour and texture.
Architectural precast concrete wall panels are fabricated under controlled factory conditions to exacting tolerances
and manufacturers are now producing thinner panels with simplified connections. Composite panels with
“punched windows”
(See Chapter 2) can
provide the entire wall
assembly from a single
source. Year-round
construction is possible
with panels that are
quickly erected at the
site, providing the
opportunity to rapidly
enclose a building and
speed up construction.
Architectural precast
concrete wall systems,
like others, are sensitive
to the installation
and performance of
each component and A variety of shapes and textures can be created with architectural precast panels.
those adjacent to Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering

CPCI Architectural Precast Concrete Walls: Best Practice Guide 1-1

CHAPTER 1 Introduction

it. It is important to consider the overall requirements of the building envelope during both the design and the
construction stages. Understanding how architectural precast concrete can be utilized as an integral part of the
complete building envelope enables designers to make appropriate design choices.

1.2 The Purpose of this Best Practice Guide

The purpose of this Best Practice Guide is to summarize the most current information and best practices in
architectural precast concrete wall construction and to provide designers with an understanding of this construction
system by illustrating recommended design details and site practices.
This Guide is organized to take the user through the design and construction process starting with a discussion of
the characteristics of architectural precast concrete, then present the fundamentals of building science, building
envelope performance and how precast concrete fulfils these performance criteria, and finally end with an
explanation and illustration of current best practice assemblies, details and specifications. This guide is intended
for use when designing occupied spaces that require all of the building envelope separation criteria described
in Chapter 4. Chapter 6 outlines quality assurance considerations during the design, fabrication and erection
processes, and Chapter 7 introduces the reader to maintenance and renewal practices, post-construction and
during the service life of the precast concrete panels. Chapter 8 includes details to illustrate how precast concrete
wall panels can be used effectively to create a superior building envelope solely as a cladding or while also
functioning as part of the structure.
The Guide does not consider the requirements of architectural precast that is installed as the façade of unenclosed
structures such as parking garages and stadiums. As well, the Guide does not consider the requirements of
architectural precast that is installed on a building with extreme interior environmental conditions. Finally, the Guide
does not address unusual structural issues or the structural requirements of load-bearing architectural precast.

Disclaimer: This Guide is not intended to replace professional expertise. When the information contained
within this Best Practice Guide is used as guidance and incorporated into the design of buildings, it must
be reviewed by knowledgeable engineering and building envelope professionals and reflect the specific
and potentially unique conditions and design parameters of each building. Readers are advised to evaluate
the information, materials and techniques cautiously for themselves and to consult appropriate professional
resources to determine whether information, materials and techniques are suitable for their application.
The drawings and text are intended as general best practice guidelines only. The project and site specific
factors of climate, cost, aesthetics, and so on must be taken into consideration. Use of the Guide does
not relieve designers of their responsibility to comply with local building codes, standards and bylaws with
respect to the design and construction of the building envelope.

1.2.1 The Canadian Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute

The Canadian Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (CPCI) is the body of knowledge (BOK) for precast concrete
in Canada and represents the manufacturers of precast concrete in Canada. CPCI’s member plants produce more
than 85% of the precast concrete manufactured annually in Canada. The institute’s primary responsibility is to
advance the body of knowledge and the use of structural, architectural and specialty precast concrete for the
precast industry in Canada. The CPCI conducts research, develops and disseminates technical standards and other
best practice information relating to the design, production, and erection of precast concrete structures of all
types. Through the certification of personnel, facilities, and processes involved with precast concrete, the goal is to
improve the quality and durability of precast concrete and increase the demand for precast concrete products in
Canada (www.cpci.ca).
The CPCI Precast Concrete Certification Program for Structural, Architectural and Specialty Precast Concrete
Products and Production Processes was designed and implemented to qualify and increase the capabilities of

1-2 CPCI Architectural Precast Concrete Walls: Best Practice Guide

 CHAPTER 1 Introduction

manufacturers who fabricate structural, architectural and specialty precast concrete products. The purpose of the
audit based program is to provide owners and designers with the confidence that when a CPCI certified precast
concrete manufacturer is awarded a contract, the precaster will be qualified to manufacture the products they
supply to the marketplace, are competent to provide quality precast and have adequate personnel and facilities to
do so. The intent of this program is to certify only those precast manufacturers who demonstrate strict conformance
to current standards, and who are committed to continually improving the quality of their products and systems. The
CPCI Certification program has reintroduced common, measurable, nationwide standards for precast certification. In
accordance with the requirements of the National Building Code of Canada, CPCI Certification is aimed to make the
CPCI certification designation, a recognized requirement for all project specifications and for all precast operations.
CPCI Certification should always be the default certification in architectural specifications. More information can be
found in Section 3.1.4 or by visiting www.precastcertification.ca.

1.2.2 Other Related Building Science Publications

This Guide is the Fourth in a series of architectural precast building envelope guides prepared by and for the
Canadian Precast / Prestressed Concrete Institute. It supercedes all similar previous guides on this subject matter
published by others.
The other three guides in this series, authored by Dr. John Straube, RDH Building Science, are essential reference
documents for any designer of a precast wall assembly. They are: 1) High Performing Precast Concrete Building
Enclosures: Rain Control, 2) Maintenance and Inspection Manual for Precast Concrete Building Enclosures, and the
newest addition released in 2017, 3) Meeting and Exceeding Building Code Thermal Performance Requirements.

1.3 Technical Review

This document was prepared by primary author M. E. Hachborn Engineering in conjunction with the CPCI Technical
Committee. Additional assistance was provided in part by Bruce Taylor and Morrison Hershfield Limited.

Members of the technical committee of CPCI (2017):

Sonia Saari (Chair) – Coreslab Structures (Ont) Inc.
Anil Mehta (Vice Chair) – Prestressed Systems Incorporated
Chris Christidis – Sika Canada Inc.
Dr. Ned Cleland (PCI Liaison) – Blue Ridge Design Group
Osama Eissa – IES Associates
Dr. Paul Gauvreau – University of Toronto, Department of Civil Engineering
Dr. Medhat Ghabrial – HGS Ltd
Malcolm Hachborn – M. E. Hachborn Engineering
Wayne Kassian – Kassian Dyck Associates
Bill LeBlanc – Armtec
Raymond Lee – Lafarge
Ifan Lim – Lafarge
Dave Marshall – Black Mint Software Inc.
Mel C. Marshall – MCM Industrial consultants, Inc.
Richard J. McGrath (CAC Liaison) – Cement Association of Canada
Dr. Dave Rogowsky – UMA Engineering Ltd.
Don Simms – Armtec
Karl Truderung – Tower Engineering Group
Clark Weber – Bluerock Engineering Ltd.
Robert Burak (CPCI President) – CPCI

CPCI Architectural Precast Concrete Walls: Best Practice Guide 1-3

CHAPTER 1 Introduction

1-4 CPCI Architectural Precast Concrete Walls: Best Practice Guide

CHAPTER 2 Architectural Precast Concrete
Wall Panels Defined

An architectural precast concrete wall panel is a high quality, durable, economical, sustainable, factory produced
cladding panel with the inherent architectural features of shape, colour, texture and finish that can provide the
aesthetic and all of the specified building envelope performance requirements for the exterior wall (see Chapter 4).
Architectural precast concrete wall panels are of consistent high quality as they are produced in the controlled
environment of a CPCI certified precast plant by certified personnel using quality materials. The high quality of
manufacture ensures the durability of the product which ultimately leads to its sustainability.
Finish selection requires an understanding of how the panels are manufactured and the effects material selection
has on mix design, finish consistency and durability. For instance, the selection of architectural aggregates, local to
the manufacturer will typically be more cost effective and have a lower environmental impact, owing to the shorter
shipping distances.
The use of architectural precast concrete wall panels is cost-effective for many reasons, including production in a
controlled environment and reduced site construction time and site labour. The advent of larger capacity hauling
and lifting equipment has allowed precasters to install larger panels and reduce construction time, enclosing the
building more quickly. This can be very beneficial in regions with a shorter construction season such as the majority
of Canada.
Typically, architectural precast concrete wall panels used as cladding are supported from the structure. The
gravity, wind and seismic loads must be resisted by the panels and the resultant loads transferred to the structure
through the connections. The CPCI Design Manual and CSA Standard A23.4-16 “Precast Concrete–Materials and
construction” provide useful guidance.

2.1 Panel Types

Architectural precast concrete wall systems can vary in complexity from simple, non-loadbearing single wythe wall
panels, to load bearing double wythe insulated wall panels with preinstalled windows that function as the entire
environmental separator. All panel types allow designers to choose from a wide selection of panel finishes, such as
textured concrete, brick, stone, or other material integrated within the precast concrete panel.

2.1.1 Single Wythe Precast Concrete Wall Panels

Single wythe wall panels, also commonly referred to as “conventional” or “architectural” precast concrete panels,
traditionally consist of a single exterior wythe that incorporates the desired finish and the required structural
parameters of the cladding system. Single wythe wall panels may be used in a non-insulated wall assembly, but
may also include a variety of site-constructed additional elements to complete the full building envelope assembly.

CPCI Architectural Precast Concrete Walls: Best Practice Guide 2-1

CHAPTER 2 Architectural Precast Concrete Wall Panels Defined

Non-insulated systems are

suitable for unheated spaces
such as dry warehousing and
parking garages. Single or
preferably two-stage joints
control air, vapour and water
leakage through the joints.
Non-insulated systems
utilizing precast panel wall
assemblies are outside the
scope of this Best Practice
Guide.
This guide is intended
for use when designing
occupied spaces that require
all of the building envelope
separation criteria described
in Chapter 4.
Single wythe precast
concrete wall panels with
two-stage drained joints
are sometimes referred to
as “single skin”, “perfect
barrier” systems. The very
low porosity of the plant-
fabricated precast concrete
acts as a robust weather Figure 2-1: Single wythe (architectural) precast concrete wall panel assembly at slab
barrier. The precast concrete edge. Image copyright RDH Building Science Inc., used with permission
panel is typically installed
first onto a structural frame.
This is followed by other trades erecting interior, non-structural studs (not carrying wind loads), insulation, air/
vapour barrier and interior gypsum finishing wall board. Alternatively, adhered insulation installed with a vapour
barrier (or spray-applied urethane insulation) combined with steel studs provides economical commercial and
institutional enclosures.
In this type of assembly, two-stage joints are preferred for effective and long lasting control of rain
penetration and air and vapour leakage (See Section 5.3). The two seals are installed from the exterior of the
building, thereby ensuring a continuous seal by avoiding the interruptions caused by the interferences of
beams and columns and simplifying construction sequencing. The exterior seal provides a protective weather
seal to the interior seal, while the interior seal can serve as the air barrier while being protected from the
elements, leading to improved performance and durability. Any moisture, condensation or frost occurring
in the joint space behind the exterior weather seal is drained to the exterior or dried with the exchange of
air through the vent openings. The two-stage joint detail is referred to as a “drained joint” and is unique to
precast wall systems.

2.1.2 Double Wythe Precast Concrete Insulated Wall Panels

Double wythe insulated wall panels are also commonly referred to as “insulated panels” or “sandwich” panels.
Straube (2013) also uses the term “double wythe integrally insulated wall panels with two-stage joints”. These

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 CHAPTER 2 Architectural Precast Concrete Wall Panels Defined

panels incorporate thermal

insulation, generally
extruded or expanded
polystyrene, between an
exterior “architectural”
wythe and an interior
“structural” wythe. Double
wythe insulated wall panels
can vary in thickness, and
typically range from 170 mm
to 350 mm in total thickness
depending on panel size
and thermal performance
requirements. A typical panel
consists of a minimum 75
mm exterior architectural
precast concrete wythe, a
layer of thermal insulation
governed by thermal
performance requirements,
and an interior wythe with
a thickness governed by
structural requirements. For
more information on thermal
performance requirements,
refer to the RDH Building Figure 2-2 Double wythe insulated precast concrete panel assembly.
Science guide document Image copyright RDH Building Science Inc., used with permission
Meeting and Exceeding
Building Code Thermal
Performance Requirements.
The very low porosity of the plant fabricated precast concrete wall panel provides a very robust weather barrier.
A two-stage joint, similar to that used in the single wythe wall panel system is installed from the exterior, thereby
ensuring a continuous seal by avoiding the interruptions caused by the interferences of beams and columns if
installed from the interior and simplifying construction sequencing. The interior seal acts as the air barrier and
vapour retarder and is installed along the exterior edge of the interior or “structural” wythe. The exterior weather
seal is installed along the exterior edge of the exterior wythe to complete the joint detail as in the single wythe
precast wall system. Any moisture, condensation or frost accumulating in the joint space in front of the interior seal
but behind the exterior weather seal is drained to the exterior, or dried, with the exchange of air, through the vent
openings in the joint.
Fabrication: During fabrication of the double wythe insulated precast concrete wall panel, connecting ties
(commonly called “tension/compression ties” or “wythe ties”) are embedded in the exterior wythe (typically
cast face down), then rigid insulation is applied with or without a polyethylene bond breaker on top of and
against the front face of the interior wythe. The interior wythe is then cast onto the insulation or bond breaker, if
used, to complete the panel. The ties must be designed to support the exterior wythe through the fabrication,
transportation and erection processes. They must also accommodate the differential thermal movement which will
occur because of the large thermal fluctuations of the exterior wythe compared to the interior wythe as a result of
the insulation between the wythes. Some precasters manufacture the panels with the interior wythe down against
the form and the exterior wythe up in a reverse configuration to produce a very smooth interior faced panel with

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CHAPTER 2 Architectural Precast Concrete Wall Panels Defined

a rolled exterior profile and finish. This is normally done for

warehouses, distribution centres or clean room type structures
in order to provide the smooth interior and where a precise
architectural exterior finish is not required.
For typical double wythe insulated wall panels, the use of
an internal drainage layer within the x-y plane of the panel
construction is not considered necessary and in many ways can
be considered a negative attribute that can lead to premature
failure of the wall system. (See section 2.2.1).
Veneer panels: Double wythe insulated wall panels may also
be constructed with granite or limestone exterior veneer, but
rarely as the sole outer wythe. With these types of panels, it is
recommended that a concrete exterior wythe be used to “hold”
or support the veneer. Unlike the previously described single
wythe wall panels and double wythe insulated wall panels, in
this type of panel an “air space”, “cushion” or “bond breaker
is introduced behind the veneer material for drainage of any
moisture passing through the veneer material. This is due
to the increased number of joints in the veneer, the higher Double wythe precast concrete insulated wall panel
possibility of moisture migrating through the veneer owing to being installed. Source: CPCI
the potentially higher porosity of the veneer material versus
concrete and differing rates of thermal expansion of the veneer
material and the concrete. (See sections 2.5.3 and 2.5.4).
There are generally two types of double wythe insulated precast concrete wall panels:
1. Non-composite – Double wythe insulated wall panels where the outer wythe is supported by the
inner wythe with relatively flexible ties and hangers that permit differential movement between the
two wythes caused by varying temperature and humidity conditions. The inner wythe is generally
thicker and stiffer than the outer wythe. The structural interior wythe is designed to resist all structural
and wind loads applied to the panel. Non-composite panels allow differential thermal movement
between the inner and outer wythes thereby reducing thermal bowing in the panel.
2. Composite – Double wythe insulated wall panels where the inner and outer wythes are
interconnected via rigid ties or shear transfer mechanisms that act as webs in the panel to limit
relative movement between the wythes. Composite panels have thinner wythes as both contribute to
the panels rigidity as the inner and outer precast wythes act together to make the panel behave like
an I beam when resisting the externally imposed loads. In this configuration the potential for thermal
bowing is significant and must be recognized and considered in the design of both the panel and
the connections.
Key advantages of the double wythe insulated precast concrete wall panel system include:
• Complete exterior wall in one unit, completed under factory conditions, including exterior finish,
insulation and structural interior wythe (with or without an interior finish).
• When windows are installed in the panels, the entire panel area is virtually complete once installed on
the structure, and
• the drained joint for reliable control of air and water leakage.

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Design and Construction Considerations:

1. Interior structural wythes are typically a minimum of 100 mm thick, but can vary depending on the
nature of the panel (composite or non-composite), the structural design requirements; exterior
wythes are typically a minimum of 75 mm if concrete only, and a minimum of 90 mm if faced
with other products such as thin brick, marble, limestone or granite. Thinner sections can be
used if nonmetallic reinforcing is used as cover requirements can be somewhat reduced. Cover
requirements must always meet those specified in CSA 23.4.
2. Panels with architectural “false joints” may require additional thickness to maintain minimum cover
requirements. Review reinforcement cover and aggregate size with potential precasters.
3. As a rule of thumb, the maximum panel dimension for composite panels is generally limited to 48 times
the overall concrete thickness, excluding the thickness of the insulation. Consult the precast manufacturer
for maximum panel size as there may be plant, transportation, erection or other limitations.
4. Maximum panel weights can vary by precast manufacturer due to factors such as materials,
experience, plant capacity (including in-plant crane capacity) and capacity of shipping equipment.
Project specific weight limitations are governed by applicable shipping regulations, jobsite crane
capacities, and handling equipment.

2.2 Other Panel Configurations

2.2.1 Drained Assemblies – Single and Double Wythe Insulated Precast Concrete Wall
Assemblies with ‘rain screen’ drainage layer – Not recommended but discussed
There has been a significant amount of discussion in the design community and the precast industry on the
applicability of incorporating a 10 to 25 mm ‘rain screen’ drainage layer (or air space) as part of a precast concrete
drained wall assembly. Some designers propose to introduce the additional drainage layer behind the face wythe
of a precast panel wall assembly due to the mistaken belief that the precast panel will allow water penetration
through the field of the panel similar to brick masonry. Precast concrete panels are sufficiently water tight in and
of themselves to not require this additional layer. These additional layers are not required nor recommended for
designs that use the previously described two stage drained joint system for single wythe wall panel or double
wythe insulated wall panel configurations. This statement is supported by years of demonstrated performance.
For more discussion on this issue, please refer to High Performing Precast Concrete Building Enclosures: Rain
Control by RDH Building Science, Inc.
The addition of the rain screen “drainage layer” air space introduces significant additional risks to the successful
performance of the overall wall with regards to water tightness and air tightness, and these risks outweigh the
perceived benefits of design intent. These types of panel configurations are no longer recommended or used
by building science professionals and designers for precast concrete wall assemblies, especially those who have
researched these systems in the context of state of the art building science principles.
A summary of the added risks include as follows:
1. Interruption of precast panel seals in a single wythe precast concrete wall panel system at the
through-wall flashing locations needed to drain this additional drainage layer. The interruption
of the seal means that the two-stage joint can no longer perform as a complete air barrier seal,
thus allowing air penetration and movement into this added drainage layer, which will allow water
infiltration or accumulation due to air movement and the accumulation of condensation.
2. There is an increase in overall system construction complexity to ensure proper air barrier, vapour
barrier, and water management layer continuity. This complexity is accentuated at the intersection
of the introduced drainage layer and the precast panel anchors, where it now becomes difficult to

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CHAPTER 2 Architectural Precast Concrete Wall Panels Defined

ensure the continuity of the air, vapour and water management layers while still allowing for proper
precast panel anchor installation.
3. The introduction of a separate air barrier layer in the wall system must also be integrated with the
back-up wall construction. When located at the exterior face of the back-up wall construction, this
air barrier layer must be constructed prior to the installation of the precast panels, which will then
be compromised when the precast anchors are installed. Penetrations must be provided through
the introduced air barrier layer for the panel anchors and once the precast panels are installed,
these penetrations must then be properly sealed. When one considers the construction sequencing,
the complete, impermeable air barrier backup wall, once constructed, would be punctured and
compromised in multiple locations to accommodate the fastening of the precast panels. Depending
on panel size and loading, every precast panel requires a minimum of 4 and sometimes up to 10
connections to the structural frame (See section 3.2.3). Therefore, a structure with 500 panels would
require at least 2000 penetrations, and potentially 5000 penetrations (if the panels are large) that would
be introduced into this newly constructed barrier layer– and these would all require resealing.
4. There is an increased opportunity in the winter for interior warm air to bypass the insulation layer and
find its way into the “cold” drainage layer, resulting in condensation accumulating on the back of the
panels and in the cavity, creating water problems, a loss of thermal performance and an increase of
the loads on connections. This phenomenon has been observed with significant consequences.
5. There is an opportunity for the introduction of a significant amount of water into the body of a
double wythe insulated precast concrete wall panel with an integral drainage layer due to wind gusts
related to the stiffness of the panel wythes and the pressure equalization of the drainage cavity within
the wall panels.
6. The compartmentalization of the joints is almost impossible as the drainage layer would also have to
be compartmentalized and all compartmentalizing beads would have to coincide. Logistically, this is
impossible to achieve and verify.

2.2.2 Thin Veneer Single Wythe Wall Assembly

Thin veneer systems are typically “handset” thin precast
concrete panels that are used with a “grid pattern” panel
support structure, in a similar manner to that used for metal,
ceramic, porcelain, limestone, granite or marble panel systems.
Unlike typical single and double wythe insulated precast
concrete wall systems, small handset thin veneer single wythe
assemblies should include a drained air space behind the
exterior cladding elements, since there would be a large
number of joints making them more susceptible to incidental
water penetration. These systems must include proper air,
vapour, insulation, and water management layers integrated
into the overall wall design.
Handset precast panels installed in a drained
wall system. This approach might be necessary
2.3 Wall Panel Layout for retrofit projects but is discouraged for new
(and its effect on joints) projects. Image copyright RDH Building Science
Inc., used with permission
Panel layout has a direct effect on joint location. The choice
of the joint locations and the joint configuration can be
as important as, if not more important than, the panel design itself. These are the areas that require the most
attention, to minimize the risk of water and air leakage in architectural precast wall assemblies. This includes the

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Figure 2-3: Hand Set Precast. Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering

joints between panels, joints at the interface with other material types, and joints at the interface of windows and
doors. Details for interfacing are covered in Chapter 5.
When considering panel layout, the number and location of joints in the architectural design should be minimized
to reduce the risk of water and air leakage. Water and air leakage may occur when either: 1. The sealant reaches
the end of its typical service life and starts to fail, 2. The sealant is not maintained according to the sealant
manufacturer’s guidance, or 3. Premature joint failure occurs due to poor adhesion or poor joint profile. See
Section 5.3 on ways to avoid possible sealant failure and Chapter 7 on maintenance.
Panel layout is important for all precast systems. It is particularly important with double wythe insulated precast
concrete wall panels as they provide all of the building science functions in one system. When installed with the
recommended two-stage jointing system, they provide an excellent continuous thermal insulation layer, an air and
vapour barrier and act as the rain screen or perfect barrier as integrated components within the overall precast
panel design. However, the joints between panels, since they can act as discontinuities in the wall system when
not addressed properly, must be located such that they can be easily and properly sealed. Joints between panels
are typically located near structural elements, and designers must locate panel joints to avoid problems of access
for sealant installation, maintenance and replacement. Panel size must also reflect the realities of precast panel
manufacturing, transportation, and job-site handling.

2.3.1 Categories of Precast Panel Layout

Precast panel layout on a facade has a large impact on joint complexity and the costs of sealant material and
installation. Panel sizes should be maximized to minimize the total number of joints and hence the total joint sealant
length. Panel size must also reflect the realities of precast panel manufacturing, transportation, and job-site handling.
Only joints essential to accommodate panel and structural movement should be provided (false joints to simulate real
joints may be added if desired for appearance). Most panel layout schemes fall into the following four categories:

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CHAPTER 2 Architectural Precast Concrete Wall Panels Defined

Precast horizontal panels with column covers. Alternating bands of Precast Punched windows within precast
Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering Panels and Windows. panels. Source: CPCI
Source: CPCI

2.3.1.1 Horizontal Precast Spandrels with Vertical Column Covers

• Horizontal span dimensions as determined with the manufacturer.
• Column covers to introduce the vertical elements of the design.
• Joints at window heads and sills, and at column covers.
• May require the addition of “false” joints to achieve architectural effects.
• Column covers may be incorporated as part of spandrel panels.

2.3.1.2 Alternate Bands of Precast Spandrels and Glazing

• Often called “ribbon window” installation.
• Horizontal span dimensions as determined with the manufacturer.
• Joints between windows and panels.
• May require the addition of “false” joints to achieve architectural effects.

2.3.1.3 Punched Windows

• Maximum panel dimensions to be determined with the manufacturer. Integration of panels sizes
and structural bay widths is important to coordinate anchor locations and harmonize the building
aesthetics. Panels typically span horizontally with one or more punched window locations or vertically,
more than one floor height.
• Location of horizontal joints above the floor line will allow for cleaner two-stage joint seal installation,
and allow for flexibility of anchor installation. Coordination with the manufacturer is important.
• Vertical architectural visual elements can be integrated with the panel joints as desired.
• To prevent precipitation concentration at joint locations, locating vertical and horizontal precast joints
in line with window jamb, head, or sill lines is not recommended.
• The panel-to-window joint is controlled by the precaster.

2.3.1.4 Solid Wall Panels

• False joints are often used to delineate floor lines, but also for visual effect.
• Locate horizontal joints above the floor line to allow for easier two-stage joint seal installation, and
allow for flexibility of anchor installation. Coordination with the precast manufacturer is important.

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Figure 2-4: Precast horizontal panels with column covers. Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering

Figure 2-5: Precast spandrel panels. Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering

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Figure 2-6: Precast Punched Window Panels. Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering

Solid wall panels with alternating patterns of smooth and ribbed textures.
Source: CPCI

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Figure 2-7: Solid wall panels with reveals. Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering

2.3.2 Double wythe insulated wall panel sizes

The size of double wythe precast concrete insulated wall panels will be determined primarily by architectural
design considerations and the capability of the local precast manufacturers.

• The maximum panel dimensions and weight should be determined based on manufacturing,
handling, transportation and installation limitations.
• The maximum dimension of composite double wythe precast concrete insulated wall panels will
generally be in the order of L = 48t, where “L” is the maximum dimension and “t” is the overall panel
thickness, excluding the thickness of any ribs or other architectural features.
• The maximum dimension of non-composite precast concrete insulated panels will generally be in the
order of L = 48c, where L is the maximum panel dimension and c is the concrete thickness, i.e. the
overall panel thickness less the thickness of the insulation.
• Typical panel thickness can vary from 170 to 350 mm depending on structural design considerations
and the required thermal performance.
Consult the CPCI Design Manual and CPCI members for specific design information. CPCI members can assist
in the optimization of the building design for maximum economy by using the manufacturer’s standard panel
widths as much as possible. The designer is encouraged to seek input from precast manufacturers in the design
development discussions to ensure that the desired design and sizes can be properly accommodated.

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2.4 Colours, Finishes, and Veneers

The versatility of precast concrete gives designers a freedom
that is not available with most other materials. The proper
selection of concrete matrix colour, aggregate type, colour and
combinations, finishing process, and profiles is instrumental in
creating successful aesthetics. The development of samples,
generally 300mm x 300mm x 25mm thick, by a preferred
precast manufacturer, will help in the final selection of colour
and texture at the pre-bid stage. As sample preparation
requires considerable effort, credit should be given to the
pre-bid sample manufacturer. Following project award,
final samples will be required from the successful bidder to
confirm finish capability as different material sources and
manufacturing techniques may influence the final product
finish. These samples should be reviewed and approved by
the owner’s representative under wet, dry and a variety of
lighting conditions. Three or four panels (range samples) of
approximately 1200 x 1200 mm to 1800 x 1800 mm are required
to establish an acceptable range of colour and texture. These
range samples can be kept at the precast manufacturer’s yard
or sent to the site for the architect’s review of panels on site.
In addition, prior to full production, a full size, mock-up should
be produced and finished in accordance with the proposed
production techniques. Mock-ups may be required to confirm
compliance with the approved samples and confirm the A variety of visually pleasing patterns and
architectural intent. Mock-ups are not normally required before textures can be created with architectural
contract award unless the owner or architect is prepared to pay for precast wall panels. Source: CPCI

Sample Board. Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering

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Depth of sandblast or acid etching can produce distinct colours. Source: CPCI

them. These full or partial scale mock-ups illustrate the finished product and
should include panel elements such as reveals, corners, returns and other
unique features. The architect may also require proof of repair capabilities
for damage such as chips and spalls. In addition, the owner may want to
consider performance testing of mock-ups incorporating transitions at
glazing systems and other materials, to evaluate the building envelope
performance. By testing at the mock-up stage, corrective measures can be
implemented inexpensively and systematically as required to improve the
entire building performance prior to the actual building construction.
Sections 2.4.1 and 2.4.2 provide an overview on the topics of colour,
texture and finish. Form liner patterns and textures can be found on form
liner manufacturer’s websites to give the designers and owners a good
idea of what can be achieved. A great deal of additional information,
including photographs of sample colours and textures, can be found in
the CPCI Architectural Precast Concrete Colour and Texture Selection
Guide available by following this link. http://www.cpci.ca/en/resources/
technical_publications/

2.4.1 Colour
Colour varies with aggregate colour and matrix colour, size of aggregate, Pigments in the concrete mix can be
finishing process and depth of aggregate exposure. As with most natural used to replicate materials such as
materials, colour variations do occur, and reasonable variations should masonry. Source: CPCI
be expected when specifications are written for the acceptance of
architectural precast concrete. Colour variations will occur due to variations in quarrying, crushing, and screening
of aggregates. Precast manufacturers control the curing conditions of the precast concrete in order to reduce the
variations attributable to temperature and humidity variations in the plant. The precast manufacturer can assist the
designer in the selection of shapes, colours and textures and finishes to minimize variations.

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Surface applied stain can be used for interesting Efflorescence on a precast concrete panel.
architectural effect. Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering Source: CPCI

Colour can also be introduced by using pigments to colour the concrete matrix to enhance the tone of the
aggregates in the concrete mix or to duplicate the appearance of other materials.
Stains can also be used to colour the precast to give more vibrant colours or to create interesting colour
combinations on buildings.
Colour and finish can sometimes be affected by efflorescence. Efflourescence is a white, powdery deposit that
can form on the surface of all concrete and masonry products including brick, cast-in-place concrete and precast
concrete. Efflourescence is typically caused by the migration of free soluble salts from within the masonry or
concrete to the surface following periods of wetting and drying, and tends to be most visible at the beginning
of the cladding’s life and diminishes as the salts are bound and retained or washed away by natural rain.
Efflourescence changes the surface aesthetics by leaving a temporary white “stain” on the surface. Possible
methods to reduce the occurrence of efflourescence are presented in the CPCI Architectural Precast Concrete
Colour and Texture Selection Guide. The guide also suggests ways to address efflourescence if it is already
present.

2.4.2 Textures and Finishes

Textures can be created using form liners during casting, treatment of the concrete surface prior to hardening, or
post-treatment of the concrete when the concrete has reached sufficient strength.
In general, the cost of texturing can be approximated as shown in Table 1.

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Table 1. The relative cost of different texture treatments for architectural precast concrete wall panels

Lowest Cost                ß  à                Highest Cost

• Smooth form finish • Exposed aggregates by • Exposed aggregates by • Honing or polishing

using chemical retarders acid etching
• Thin brick or stone
or water washing
• Hammered ribs veneers
• Form liners
• Fractured fins • Tooling or bush
• Sand or abrasive hammering
• Sand embedment
blasting

2.4.2.1 Smooth as Cast

Smooth form finishes are amongst the most
economical, but are not normally recommended as
they accentuate minor surface imperfections. The
following are considerations:
• Visible colour variations can occur with
typical grey cements due to the difference
in the cement itself.
• White cement can provide improved
uniformity but at an additional cost.
• Flat, glossy, impermeable forms must not
have any surface imperfections and must Smooth precast concrete panels coated with paint.
be constructed to avoid leakage of finishes Source: CPCI
which will show on the finished face.
• The uniformity of manufacturing procedures is critical, including cleaning of forms, application of
release agent, concrete curing and concrete quality.
• Repair of smooth surfaces after casting is difficult and the results are often more noticeable if
conducted after a period of weathering.
If a smooth finish is desired, painting or staining is recommended. Use the following approaches to reduce the
aesthetic limitations of smooth concrete:
1. Create profiled surfaces,
2. Subdivide large panels into smaller areas with false joints, and
3. Introduce shadow effects, etc., through architectural details.

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2.4.2.2 Exposed Aggregate

Chemical retarders, usually applied to the form
surfaces, retard the hardening of the concrete
matrix near the surface creating an exposed
aggregate (or washed) surface. The surface layer
of matrix is removed shortly after stripping from
the form by brushing or pressure washing. This
removes a portion of the cement paste between
the coarse aggregate. Chemical retarders are
available to achieve various depths of exposure,
and are normally limited to a depth of 1/3 the size
of the coarse aggregate.

2.4.2.3 Abrasive Blast (Sandblast) Finish

Abrasive blasting of surfaces generally creates
three degrees of exposure:

1. Light abrasive blasting removes only the

surface film of cement paste, exposing the
edges of the coarse and fine aggregate
closest to the surface. This creates the Precast panel where the aggregate has been exposed over a
appearance of a small fleck (small specks portion of the face by washing. Source: CPCI
of colour) in the paste colour.
2. Medium blasting removes additional cement
paste, exposing equal areas of coarse
aggregate fine aggregate and cement paste.
This finish creates the appearance of a
larger ‘fleck’ and a more pronounced colour
contribution of the aggregate
3. Heavy blasting removes the cement paste such
that the coarse aggregate is the dominant
surface texture and colour.
While abrasive blasting can be used for any degree
of exposure, it is generally only economical for light
to medium aggregate exposure. The use of chemical
retarders combined with abrasive blasting provides
more economical medium or deep exposures.
Uniformity on blasted surfaces is more easily achieved
with heavier abrasive blasting, whereas light abrasive
blasting requires highly skilled operators and careful
assessment of large panels to establish uniformity and
avoid a patchy appearance.
Abrasive blasting removes the natural reflectance of
aggregates resulting in a somewhat dull appearance
of the concrete compared with panels finished with
chemical retarders.
Precast panel with sandblasted finish. Source: CPCI

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2.4.2.4 Acid Etching

Acid etching is often used for a light exposure. The process dissolves the surface cement paste, revealing primarily
the sand portion of the paste fraction, and makes a small percentage of the coarse aggregate visible. Guiding
principles include:
• Use only acid-resistant siliceous sand and aggregate such as quartz or granite. Other carbonate
aggregate such as limestone, dolomite or marble may discolour and dissolve with exposure to
hydrochloric acid.
• Best results are achieved if acid etching is conducted on concrete that has attained the design
strength and is at a uniform temperature.
• Protect all metal surfaces from exposure to acid with plastic or coatings such as bituminous paints,
vinyl chlorides or chlorinated rubber.
• Thoroughly flush panels with potable water after etching to stop the potential of future chloride ion
penetration and to control efflorescence.

2.4.2.5 Bush Hammered Finish

Bush hammering uses power-driven steel chisels to distress the surface of the concrete. Bush hammering removes
approximately 4 mm of hardened concrete and fractures the larger aggregates near the surface.
The technique is most suitable for flat or convex surfaces and for concretes containing aggregates such as
limestone, dolomite, marble or calcite. Quartz and granite-based aggregate concrete mixes are not recommended
for this application as they are difficult to bush hammer and may fracture into the surface rather than across the
surface, leading to increased risk of water penetration.
It is important to increase the cover for reinforcing steel elements to 50 mm when bush hammering is to be used on
any concrete surface.
If architectural features like ribs, fins or reveals are to be included with a bush hammered finish, it will be important
to discuss the geometry of these elements with the precaster to determine what is economical and achievable.
In most cases the same appearance can be obtained more economically with a form liner and abrasive blasting of
the panel after stripping.

2.4.2.6 Sand Embedment

This finish is used to create an exterior aesthetic that includes specific patterns or uneven materials on the surface
of the precast panel. A layer of sand is placed inside the forms and the desired stones or other objects are pressed
into the sand by hand before casting the concrete for the panel.
Where heavy exposure of stone facing material is desired, stones can be handset into a sand bed within the form to
a depth that keeps the concrete 25 to 35 per cent of the stone diameter from the face.
It is important to consider aggregate density at panel edges and to consult with the precast manufacturer to
determine what is feasible and achievable within the project budget.

2.4.3 Stone Veneered Precast Panels

Stone veneer-faced panels are fabricated by placing the veneer material face down in the form with the associated
veneer anchorage up, followed by application of a bond breaker and placing of the backup concrete. Development for
this design requires the close interaction of stone supplier, the engineer and architect, and the precast manufacturer.
Often, to save on cost, a designer might choose to use stone veneer panels for the first two to four stories of a building
and then emulate the stone veneer with sandblasting, etching or form liners for the remainder of the building’s upper
floors. The following should be kept in mind when developing a stone veneered precast panel design requirement:

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• Coordination of stone purchasing

including arrangements for colour
samples, quarrying, transportation,
cutting and finishing must often be
established prior to tendering of the
main construction project. Long lead
times are required for international
shipping of specialty materials.
• Stone anchorage to the panel is most
often specified by the main design
team engineer with detailed design
completed by the precast engineer who
is responsible for the shop drawings.
• Durability of stone veneer varies widely
with stone type. The properties of the Figure 2-8: Granite veneer concept. Source: CPCI:
stone should be reviewed prior to
acceptance for the project.
• The required thickness of stone veneer
varies widely with the properties of
the stone and the anchorage design.
Generally, the minimum thickness is 30
mm for granite and 50 mm for marble
and limestone.
• Bond breakers can be 2 mil to 10 mil
polyethylene sheet or 1 mm to 6 mm
Omega clip. Source: M. E. Omega clip in granite.
closed cell polyethylene foam. The
Hachborn Engineering Source: M. E. Hachborn
latter provides movement capability
Engineering
when in service, although stone
breakage can be a concern during
transportation to the jobsite unless special care is taken
to accommodate transportation loads.
• Stone anchorage is most often provided using stainless
steel hairpin (Omega (q)) clips or cross-stitch dowels.
These anchorage devices should be supplied with 2 mm
thick polyethylene sleeves to allow for expansion and
contraction of the stone veneer relative to the concrete.

2.4.4 Clay Product Faced Precast

(Brick, Tile and Terra Cotta)
Facing precast concrete wall panels with clay-based products can
provide many advantages:
• Plant production of the masonry-faced elements avoids
the normal job-site challenges associated with typical
masonry construction, including temperature and
moisture control. Photo Caption: Granite veneer precast panels.
• Site batching of mortar is not required Source: CPCI

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 CHAPTER 2 Architectural Precast Concrete Wall Panels Defined

• Curing times are controlled more consistently in the precast plant.

• The impacts of exterior weather conditions are eliminated and are replaced by controlled batching,
manufacturing, and curing processes.
• There is no need for the long on-site construction schedules required for typical masonry
construction, or the additional site costs for scaffolding, hoarding, heating or lift platform rentals.
When facing concrete panels with thin masonry products, special attention should be given to assess the bond
between the clay products and precast concrete. This includes design provisions to limit panel bowing that may
affect the bond while the panel is in service. The re-absorption of water by the masonry products coupled with the
prevention of surface drying on the face of the concrete in the panel due to the clay products and the surface drying
of the concrete on the back of the panel may introduce significant bowing of the panels prior to placement on the
building. Care must also be exercised when choosing dark colours due to the thermal absorption of the facing which
will add to thermal bowing of the panels. Strategies to mitigate these potential problems are outlined below.
The following considerations should be included in any
design using clay products as facer materials:

Bond
• Select face units 13 mm to 20 mm thick with
the back of the unit scored or keyed to improve
bond.
• Face units with a high initial rate of absorption
(IRA greater than 1 gram per minute per
square inch) should be soaked in water prior to
placement.
• Clay products are subject to expansion due to
re-absorption of water following removal from
the kiln, whereas concrete undergoes shrinkage
during the early stages of curing. Generally Masonry elements being placed in the rubber form
the bond between concrete and clay masonry liner, prior to concrete placement in the precast
adequately overcomes these strains for panels up plant. Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering
to 9 m in length.

Aesthetics
• Bricks must be dimensionally accurate (+0, -3
mm or better) for use with typical pre-formed
placement grids.

Panel Bowing
Material properties of clay product facings and concrete
panels are significantly different and can contribute
to panel bowing. The designer and precaster need to
consider the following:
• Colour of the facing material, as dark clay faced
veneers absorb heat from sun exposure and
can contribute to significant thermal bowing,
especially on southern and western exposures.
• Interior-to-exterior temperature differentials Brick-faced precast panels.
across the panel. Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering

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CHAPTER 2 Architectural Precast Concrete Wall Panels Defined

• Coefficients of thermal and moisture expansion of the materials.

• Differential shrinkage of the concrete and expansion of the facing are usually not a problem when
clay products are aged at normal outdoor humidity for two to four months after manufacturing.
• Ratio of cross sectional area of the materials and their respective modulus of elasticity.
• The reinforcement type, location and amount.
• Use of prestressing.
• The type and location of connections to the structure.

2.4.5 Form Liners

A wide variety of materials can be used as form liners to create a wide assortment of appearances, including
simulated wood, textured or striated panels, or bush hammered concrete. The precast manufacturer should be
consulted for techniques to accommodate different absorption of the concrete mix water due to the form liner,
and to ensure the liner design allows easy stripping of the panel from the form. Panel sizes and available liner sizes
also need to be considered to minimize form liner joint lines. Efficient panelization of the project is a must and the
drawings must be reviewed carefully and quickly to minimize the amount of form liner required. Form liners may be
used on the whole panel or be limited to portions of the panel surface.

Form liners provide options for colour and texture. Form liners can be used to create interesting visual
Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering effects. Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering

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CHAPTER 3 Manufacturing, Transportation
and Installation

3.1 Manufacturing, Materials and Quality Control

3.1.1 Precast Concrete Panel Manufacturing
Most precast architectural panels are manufactured using
wood moulds or forms. Forms are coated with resin that is
often reinforced with fibre glass cloth. A well designed and
maintained wood form can be used to cast 20 to 40 similar
panels if constructed and prepared properly.

3.1.2 Form Configurations

Form configuration and materials vary by precast
manufacturer and with the complexity of the project. The
most cost efficient method of production for the precaster
(and hence the owner) is to ensure that the cost of facilities
Manufacture of custom wood form used to make
and form fabrication are distributed over many production
precast panels.
units. This imposes a discipline of creating repetition in
Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering
the design of the building facade. Variations of the original
common element are possible but the relationship to the
master form should be maintained to achieve the maximum
reuse of the form. Examples of the use of the master form
can be seen on many buildings with repetitive spandrel
shapes or window panel units dominant on the building
elevations.
The aim of repetition in the design is to reduce costs by
increasing plant productivity. Repetition means fewer forms
and a subsequent reduction in form construction costs.
Production-line manufacturing can be implemented in the
plant when a particular casting sequence is repeated each
day, leading to improvements in efficiency through the
repeated operations of familiar tasks. Handling, storage and
delivery are also simplified with subsequent reductions in
the risk of errors. Site efficiency is also improved through the Hilton, Niagara.
repetition of familiar erection sequences. These benefits can Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering

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CHAPTER 3 Manufacturing, Transportation and Installation

only be achieved if there is a

high degree of repetition in
the design and production
of the precast elements.
Often, in the initial design
stage, a high degree of
repetition appears possible;
however, as the design
details are finalized, very
strict discipline is required
by the designer to avoid the
creation of a large number
of non-repetitive elements.
Any budget costs given at
the initial design stage should
consider the possibility that
the number of non-repetitive
elements may increase as
the design progresses. If
non-repetitive units are
unavoidable, the increase in
costs can be minimized when
the elements can be cast from
a master form with simple Figure 3-1: Form types. Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering
modifications. This eliminates
the need for completely
new forms. In general, it is easier to alter a form if the variations can be
contained within the total form envelope. This can be accomplished
through the use of bulkheads or block outs. Cutting into the form
surface should be avoided if possible, and done only as a last resort.

Master Forms
A Master Form can be developed that includes the ability to accept
minor changes such that variations in the appearance of each
panel can be easily accommodated. Alternate panel shapes can be
provided through pre-engineered modifications to the Master Form.
Panels are normally produced from largest to smallest to minimize
damage to the form surfaces.

Conventional and Wedge Up Forms

Conventional Forms employ removable bulkheads at the perimeter
to allow removal of the panel. These forms allow flexibility but
reassembly, realignment and checking is required prior to each casting.
“Wedge Up Forms” employ removeable bulkheads at the perimeter
to allow for removal of the panel similar to conventional forms but
the bulkheads are placed against a base to ensure the panel size,
and alignment remain the same. These bulkheads are then held in Manufacturing with a conventional form.
place with wedges driven between the bulkhead outer edge and Source: CPCI

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 CHAPTER 3 Manufacturing, Transportation and Installation

blocks placed strategically around the perimeter. These forms

are good for repetitious panels but still require some degree of
reassembly and checking.

Envelope Forms
Envelope forms are box forms with all sides remaining in place
during casting and stripping. Set-up cost is higher and this
approach is not normally considered economically feasible unless
a minimum of 25-30 units are required. The appropriate draft
angle is required to allow for stripping and will result in slightly
wider panel-to-panel joints at the face of the panels. The precast
manufacturer should be consulted.
Combination of Envelope and Conventional
3.1.3 Materials Form (Only One Side is Removed for
Stripping). Source: CPCI
The design team must define the performance characteristics of
the various elements within the precast panel assembly and select
the desired finished appearance. Final concrete mix design should be left to the precast manufacturer in keeping with
national standards, good engineering practice, specific structural and environmental loads expected, and the local
climate where the panels are to be in service.
Where possible, the designer should work with the precast manufacturer to ensure the performance expectations
and capabilities of the materials are properly integrated into the aesthetic design and cost balance of the project.
This includes:
1. Concrete mix design,
2. Concrete admixtures,
3. Grout and Mortars,
4. Reinforcement, and
5. Anchor materials and design.
The CPCI Design Manual provides information on these considerations.

3.1.4 Precast Concrete Panel Manufacturer Certification

A unique requirement of precast concrete manufactured for use in Canada is that it must be certified according to
CSA 23.4. This is a legal requirement of the building code and must be adhered to.
Quality audits are an integral part of the CPCI Precast Concrete Certification Program for Structural, Architectural
and Specialty Precast Concrete Products and Production Processes. Audits ensure the CPCI member precast
manufacturers have a quality system in place that is consistently adhered to, reflects national standards, and that
the additional unique program requirements are achieved. Audits evaluate and identify areas requiring upgrading or
corrective action (continual improvement). There are a minimum of two audits in each full calendar year for a precast
manufacturer with ongoing participation; each audit is performed by a professional engineer and is for two full days. The
purpose of the audits is to:

1. Determine the degree of conformity of the manufacturer’s quality system and the finished products
with the specified requirements.
2. Determine the effectiveness of the implemented quality system in meeting specified quality
objectives.
3. Provide the Manufacturer with an opportunity to improve their quality system.

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CHAPTER 3 Manufacturing, Transportation and Installation

4 . Confirm that the Manufacturer meets the requirements of the national standards.
Adherence to the CPCI Precast Concrete Certification Program is monitored by an Accredited Certification
Organization (ACO) that is responsible to conduct quality audits in a fair and objective manner with equal
treatment of all precast concrete manufacturers. Auditors are professional engineers, knowledgeable and trained in
the evaluation of precast concrete manufacturing plants and procedures. The ACO, using a detailed audit system,
determines a grade for each Division of the CPCI Audit Manual, a grade for each Product Group and an Overall
Plant Grade. A passing grade for Certification in each Product Group is a minimum of 80 and a minimum of 70
for any one Division. The CPCI Precast Certification Program is unique in Canada in that plants are audited to the
more stringent requirements of both CSA A23.4 and the U.S. requirements of PCI MNL 116 and 117, on a clause by
clause basis.
The CPCI Precast Concrete Certification Program is governed by a Quality Assurance Council (QAC), a third-
party multi-disciplinary body that oversees the implementation of the program. The Accredited Certification
Organization (ACO) is responsible to the Quality Assurance Council which plans, formulates, oversees and reviews
the CPCI Precast Concrete Certification Program by:
1. Establishing auditing criteria and grading standards,
2. Providing administrative review to ensure that policies and procedures are administered uniformly
and are followed by all manufacturers,
3. Developing, reviewing and approving all information related to the CPCI Precast Concrete
Certification Program,
4. Initiating and overseeing Accredited Certification Organization policies and manuals, and
5. Issuing special advisories to clarify standards or to add to the requirements in the standards.
More information and instructions on the process can be found at www.precastcertification.ca

How to specify CPCI Certification

1. Precast concrete manufacturers to be certified to Canadian Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute
(CPCI) Plant Certification Program in [Architectural Precast Concrete Products, A1,] [Subcategory
AT], [Precast and Prestressed Bridge Products, B,] [Subcategory] [B1] [BA1] [B2] [BA2] [B3] [BA3]
[B4] [BA4] [Commercial Precast and Prestressed Concrete Products (Structural), C,] [Subcategory]
[C1] [CA1] [C2] [CA2] [C3] [CA3] [C4] [CA4] [Precast Concrete Drainage Products, D,] [Subcategory]
[D1] [Standard Products, S] prior to the time of bid.
2. Only precast elements fabricated under the CPCI plant certification program to be acceptable,
and plant certification is to be maintained for the duration of fabrication, [erection,] and until
warranty expires.
3. Precast fabrication to meet the requirements of CAN/CSA-A23.4-16, including Annexes A and B,
together with PCI MNL-116 and 117 and CPCI certification requirements.
4. Note: Visit http://www.precastcertification.ca/en/certified_plants/product_groups/ for the CSA
A23.4 category descriptions, and to view the most current list of CPCI certified plants.

3.2 Transportation and Installation

3.2.1 Precast Panel Transportation from Plant to Site
Transportation of the precast panels may be the deciding factor when determining panel sizes for a structure. The size
of panels should be kept as large as possible to reduce erection costs and the number of panel joints. Panel sizes up
to 3.7 m x 12 m are typically accommodated by most hauling and handling equipment. Considerations include:

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 CHAPTER 3 Manufacturing, Transportation and Installation

1. Types of trailers,
2. Types of frames,
3. Supporting material, and
4. Transportation limitations for weight, width and height. (Load limits, seasonal load limits,
overhead clearances, width restrictions, trailer capacity, height, width, distance from project site,
and condition of roads to the site all influence panel size limits).
For further detailed information on methods, materials and equipment used in handling and transporting all types
of precast concrete units, consult your local CPCI member precast concrete manufacturers.

Transportation of precast panels. Lifting precast panel from transportation truck.

Source: Numesh Inc. Source: Numesh Inc.

3.2.2 Installation Techniques

3.2.2.1 Precast Concrete Panel Installation
Erection of precast panels can be by the precaster, an
erection subcontractor, or the building general contractor,
depending on the project and the particular construction
team involved. Normally the precast engineer designs
lifting devices and checks stresses during handling.
The drawings or specifications should note any structural
limitations of the building frame with respect to precast
erection. The design objectives that apply to the design
of each individual precast element should be consistent
with the objectives of the complete project, of which the
architectural precast concrete is a part. Structural integrity
of the completed structure is the primary objective.
Deflections must be limited to acceptable values, and
stresses limited to prevent instability, reduced service life or
premature failure of an individual element or the structure Installation of precast single wythe wall panels.
as a whole. Source: CPCI

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CHAPTER 3 Manufacturing, Transportation and Installation

Erection of a precast panel using a tower crane. Erection of a precast panel using a mobile crane.
Source: CPCI Source: CPCI

Storage of precast panels in yard. Storage of precast panels on site. Source: CPCI
Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering

Limitations may be necessary to balance loads by elevation, to require rigidity of shear walls or to make sure that
the schedule allows for the effects of concrete frame shortening due to shrinkage and creep.
The designer must clearly envision the erection process to utilize architectural precast concrete successfully. The
following are some of the fundamental requirements for consideration:

1. Ensure unimpeded site access to accommodate continuous erection.

2. Provide a working area and adequate storage space.
3. Allow for a staging area for trailers and cranes.
4. Consider the types and capacities of erection equipment in relation to unit weights and sizes.
5. Allow for the lifting, turning, rotating and tilting of units, at the pickup point, the final location on the
structure and any temporary location in between.

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6. Provide layout points for the survey of the structural frame, the location of cast-in hardware and the
final position of the precast on the structure.
7. Consider the erection requirements of panels left off to accommodate the construction man-hoist.
It is critical that the capacity of locally available erection equipment be considered when sizing precast panels.
Tower crane capacities of 10,000 kg are common in most urban locations. Panel sizes should be maximized in
accordance with crane capacities.
Speed of erection and economy are directly related to crane type and size, panel size, type of connections and the
arrangement of the building frame. Connections should allow for initial setting of the panel, release of the crane and
final alignment of the panels that is completed independently of crane support. Mobile cranes may provide more
flexibility and accommodate larger panel sizes. Reach and crane access conditions must be carefully reviewed.

3.2.3 Connections
Critical to the successful application of architectural precast concrete panels in construction is the design of the
anchorage connections which attach the precast wall panels to the building frame. Typically, the engineering
consultant does this in concert with the precast fabricator, precast engineer and precast erector.
Connections of architectural precast concrete wall panels to the building must provide adequate anchorage to
resist gravity, wind and seismic loads. At the same time, the connections must also allow for horizontal and vertical
adjustment to account for construction tolerances, final alignment of the panels during erection and sliding
capabilities where they are designed to allow for seismic, thermal, and/or shrinkage movements. Connections must
also be designed to minimize thermal bridging and to avoid penetrations of air and vapour barriers. Most precast
concrete wall panel anchoring systems involve one or more of the following connection types:
• Direct Bearing (Gravity): Direct-bearing connections transfer gravity loads to the supporting
building structure or foundation. They are also used where panels are stacked and self-supporting
for vertical loads, and may include horizontal lateral tie-back connections to resist lateral forces.
• Shims: Shims are occasionally used to align panel edges. Care must be taken to avoid crushing of
shims or staining that may result from shim corrosion/degradation. Plastic (Korolath) shims can be
used to eliminate the corrosion concerns.

Figure 3-2: Detail of Sealant and Shim placement. Shim placement for aligning panels.
Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering

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CHAPTER 3 Manufacturing, Transportation and Installation

Eccentric (indicated by arrows) and lateral load Eccentric lateral load connection.
connections. Source: Morrison Hershfield Source: Morrison Hershfield

Lateral tie anchors. Source: Morrison Hershfield Lateral tie anchors. Source: Morrison Hershfield

• Eccentric Bearing (Gravity): Eccentric bearing connections are needed above the first support level
when movements of the support system are possible. Eccentric connections may be created by
reinforced concrete corbels, cast in steel shapes or steel shapes welded to embedded plates after
casting.
• Lateral tie-back: Lateral tie-back connections restrain the panel in the required position and resist
wind and seismic loads perpendicular to the panel only. They do not carry vertical loads like gravity
load. It is advantageous to have adjustment in these connections as panel alignment may need to
be modified once other panels are installed.
• Seismic connection: Seismic connection design can be incorporated into one or more of the gravity
or lateral connections. Additional connections may be required and can be added as required.

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 CHAPTER 3 Manufacturing, Transportation and Installation

Panel to panel alignment and lateral load connections. Lifting Loop (arrow)
Source: Morrison Hershfield Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering

• One or more degrees of freedom for movement in connections may allow for thermal and
shrinkage movement within panels.
• Panel Alignment: Some connectors are used for panel alignment with respect to adjacent building
assemblies and may or may not transfer design loads.
• Lifting / Transportation / Installation Hardware: Hardware is also provided on precast wall panels to
assist with:
1. transferring the panels from the precast manufacturers plant to the storage yard,
2. placing the panels on the transportation trailer, and
3. lifting the panels from transportation trailer onto the building.
These devices range from the simplest form of a looped braided steel cable inset into the precast panel to any
number of proprietary lifting hardware, each with their own specific advantages. Each precast manufacturer has a
preferred system and it is up to the precast manufacturer to use the one best suited for the project.
An individual panel will typically require a minimum of six connections:
• two gravity connections (eccentric or direct bearing), normally located at the same elevation near
columns in multi-level building frames, and
• a minimum of four lateral load tie-backs. In some instances the gravity connections can
accommodate lateral loads in addition to the gravity loads with minimal additional cost, thereby
reducing the number of separate connections by two.
The need for more connections is determined by the precast manufacturer’s engineer, and considers the panel
articulation, the panel loads and the connection capacities. In some instances, additional connections are required
to maintain the panel alignment or to reduce bowing.
The design and the location of connections can have a significant impact on the structure as a whole, and the
performance of the building envelope. They may also contribute to the success of the project as they affect the
ease and speed of erection. The designer should provide sufficient space for the precast panel connections. It is
preferable to locate the load bearing connections close to columns to avoid the effect slab deflection has on the
precast panel alignment. Lateral connections are normally connected to columns, floor beams or floor slabs.

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CHAPTER 3 Manufacturing, Transportation and Installation

Figure 3-3: Panel Articulation. Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering

Additional considerations:
• Locate connections for ease of access during installation. For example, locate connections above
floor slabs, not below, to allow faster and better access to the connections.
• The use of grout, dry-pack or epoxies in connections is often not considered reliable and should be
avoided whenever possible. Special provisions must also be made in cold weather with these types
of connections. The verification of this type of connection by the design engineer is very difficult.
When shims are used for load bearing, care must be taken to ensure the shims are not overloaded
and crushed and that corrosion and the resulting staining of the panels does not occur.
• Keep connection hardware consistent throughout the project where possible. Greater capacities
than the minimum required will maintain hardware size and bolt torque requirements (for
mechanical connections) across the entire project. This simplifies panel design, drawings,
production, and installation and connection verification. Larger sizes will also accommodate minor
changes and any unexpected damage that may occur during handling.
• Use temporary shims in joints of non-load-bearing panels to establish panel spacing as required
during erection. Removal of these temporary shims is important before project completion to
ensure the proper articulation of the panels and to allow sealants to be applied as designed. It is
critical that the shims used for alignment purposes do not transfer loads from one panel to the next
unless the panel connections have been designed for these loads.
• Design connections to reduce penetration of the air and moisture barriers, and thermal insulation.
This requires considerable planning and careful detailing. The installation of precast panels after the
installation of a back-up wall is not recommended and usually results in significant cost implications
and performance problems. The logical sequencing of construction is a must to ensure continuity of
the air and moisture barrier, and thermal insulation, particularly around the connections.

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Steel anchor materials include plain black steel, zinc-rich paint coated steel, zinc plated steel, hot-dipped
galvanized steel or stainless steel. The choice depends on the expected degree of exposure to corrosive elements
while in service, and the required design life of the structure. The connection design may have varying degrees of
complexity to provide for construction tolerances and adjustment in both the horizontal and vertical axes as well as
in and out of the plane of the panel.
Design connections to resist or avoid corrosion. This is especially important for connections that rely on welding of
steel elements, as weld locations can affect the corrosion resistance of steel materials and can nullify the benefits of
zinc galvanizing. As a minimum, zinc plating or hot-dip galvanizing is recommended, with zinc-rich paint touch-ups
of any chipped coating or field-cut components. If connections are expected to have long term moisture exposure,
more rigorous corrosion protection may be necessary, such as the use of stainless steel connection hardware.
The anchorage system must be compatible with the type of building frame and the anticipated exposure
conditions. Connect to or near the columns wherever possible. Concrete frames require hardware to be cast
into the frame to receive the panels. Steel frames may require larger beam sizes and stiffening at the precast
connections as well as additional adjustment capability in the connection hardware to account for frame deflection
and rotation as the precast is attached. The specifications should indicate who supplies and installs these frame
elements. Brackets may be required for large offsets of panels from the building frame or building face. Seismic
requirements can play a significant role in the anchorage design. It is usually beneficial for both the precast
manufacturer and the steel fabricator to meet prior to the completion of precast and steel shop drawings in order
to ensure all connection hardware is located appropriately and steel member sizes are adequate to carry the
precast loads.

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CHAPTER 4 Performance Criteria

Architectural precast concrete wall assemblies are designed to provide effective control of air infiltration and
moisture penetration through the building envelope while at the same time providing the aesthetic appeal
desired by the architect and the owner. With the proper understanding of building science, particularly the use of
insulation and the treatment of joints between interfacing materials, an efficient design can be achieved. Good
detailing and proper construction of the components in these assemblies will enhance the integrity of the entire
building envelope, and reduce the potential for future problems. Choosing the best products available will reduce
maintenance costs during the life of the structure and provide an efficient, long term sustainable solution.
To ensure continuity of thermal insulation, air barriers and vapour retarders, it is important to treat the envelope as
a complete assembly, specifically the interface between adjacent materials and components such as foundation,
wall assemblies, windows, and roof. The key is to understand the physical properties of each material, to optimize
its performance, and use building science principles to ensure that the interaction with adjacent materials does not
adversely affect the overall goal as part of the building envelope. It is helpful to identify each component in each
material assembly and follow these components, one by one, from one assembly to the next.
Without proper integration of all components, the weather tightness of the enclosure may be compromised.
Consideration of the climatic conditions outside the envelope, as well as the activities that may take place within
the interior space of any building, are paramount.

4.1 Building Science

The building envelope is the environmental separator between spaces of different environmental characteristics.
Most often this is the separation between the exterior unconditioned environment and interior conditioned spaces.
This includes the walls, glazing systems, roof and foundation, and it is only through the understanding of how all
these components interact and work that a successful building envelope can be achieved.
Well-designed building envelope assemblies use proven and tested building science concepts to ensure
performance. In Canadian Building Digest CBD-48 Requirements for Exterior Walls, Neil Hutcheon outlined the
following basic performance requirements for exterior walls:
1. Control of heat flow
2. Control of air flow
3. Control of water vapour transmission
4. Control of rain and snow penetration
5. Control of light, solar and other radiation
6. Control of noise

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CHAPTER 4 Performance Criteria

7. Control of fire
8. Provision for strength and rigidity
9. Durability
10. Aesthetic appeal
11. Economy
As outlined in the National Building Code of Canada, the environmental separation requirements – control of
heat, air, water vapour, precipitation, and noise – depends on the loads that are imposed by the location and
the intended functions within the building. Minimum acceptable performance for health and safety is also set by
applicable building codes. These performance requirements will influence the selection of panel type and design
details, and the precast manufacturer’s engineer and the building’s design team should work together to develop
the appropriate design details.
Sustainability and the environmental impact of building materials and systems and their manufacturing and
transportation processes are also important considerations. (See Section 4.13).
Other important issues that need to be considered by the building designer to facilitate the expected building
envelope performance include;
• Materials that will perform for the expected design service life of the building (This includes all com-
ponents of the precast concrete mix design.),
• Efficient operation of a building once commissioned,
• Careful use of energy resources (energy efficiency), and
• Required maintenance of the building envelope components to ensure all components continue to
perform as originally designed.

4.2 Structural Considerations

The structural design of architectural precast panels must consider the performance characteristics of the individual
precast panels, the building support system (beams, columns, slab, etc.), and the connections between these two.
The building structural frame must provide sufficient support to the precast panels to resist both lateral and vertical
forces. The deflection of concrete versus steel frames under short-and long-term loading can vary significantly and
it is vital that the design of the panels and panel connections to the building frame respect the anticipated behavior
of the building frame under the various loads. (See Section 3.2.3)

4.2.1 Cast-in-place Concrete Building Frame

All concrete structural frames undergo drying shrinkage over time, which is the shortening of structural elements,
because of the hydration process and drying of the cement matrix. The shortening of the concrete frame will occur
at different rates dependent on age (duration of curing) and environment. This phenomenon will induce forces at
the lateral connections unless the connections are designed to accommodate some movement of the panel relative
to the frame.
Another dimensional change in concrete frames occurs as a result of creep deflection and creep shortening. Creep
in concrete occurs as a result of sustained loading over time and varies with the age and strength of the concrete at
the time of loading. These changes can introduce significant movements and forces on exterior wall components.
Creep deflection is a factor with precast panels that are connected to concrete frames at the exterior horizontal
slabs or beams. Connections, joint location and joint design must accommodate the anticipated long-term creep.
Locating connections near columns will minimize these problems.

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Creep shortening is cumulative (floor-to-floor) and is most significant in high-rise concrete frames. When not
accommodated within the cladding attachment system, it can cause closing of horizontal joints and potential
compression failure and spalling of exterior precast panels. Connection design and calculation of joint size must
recognize the effect of creep shortening.
The building designer must collaborate with the structural design engineer to determine the expected concrete
frame shortening from shrinkage and creep such that this adjustment can be accommodated within the cladding
joint and anchorage system.

4.2.2 Precast Concrete Building Frame

Precast concrete structural frames are subject to the same general effects of load deflection and creep as cast-in-
place frames. However, creep is generally less of a concern with precast concrete frames compared with cast-in-
place concrete, since the precast elements of the structural frame are installed and placed under design load after
the precast concrete has reached a higher percentage of its ultimate strength and after the precast concrete has
cured to a large degree. The behaviour of precast frames and the cumulative effects of gravity loads and creep will
be different depending on the connections between elements and the number of joints.
If a precast concrete structural frame is being used, then the building designer should coordinate calculation of the
expected structural frame movements with the precast manufacturer to ensure that the expected movements can
be accommodated by other building elements, for example HVAC systems or other cladding materials.

4.2.3 Steel Building Frame

Steel building frames do not undergo shrinkage or creep. Structural steel will expand or contract due to changes in
environmental temperature, so it is common for structural frames in Canada to remain on the interior of the building.
Steel frames are inherently lighter and undergo deflection and torsion rotation more readily than typically stiffer
concrete frames. This characteristic will have an impact on the design of connections, joints and sizing of the
architectural precast elements to be supported. Locating load bearing connections at or near columns will
minimize problems with deflection of steel spandrel beams.
The building designer must coordinate with the structural designer to identify expected frame movements under
design conditions such that these movements can be accommodated in the design of the architectural precast
panel connections and joint design.

4.2.4 Hybrid Building Frame

A hybrid building frame is defined as a structural frame that uses at least two different construction materials to
form the complete structural frame.
In some hybrid systems, the non-load bearing precast elements serve as cladding solely designed to withstand
lateral wind forces, seismic forces, and their own dead load. All of these loads are transferred laterally to the
adjacent primary building structural frame through the precast connections.
Some hybrid precast panel cladding systems are load bearing (self-supporting for vertical loads) but still transfer the
lateral loads back to the primary building structure, for example steel, concrete, precast or other structural frame.
Some frame designs use the exterior precast elements as a component of the primary building structural frame,
with the precast cladding also serving to transfer vertical loads to the foundations. Load bearing panels resist and
transfer vertical and transverse loads applied from other structural elements, and cannot be removed without
impacting the structural integrity of the building structure.

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Regardless of which approach is being used, it is the

building designer’s responsibility to coordinate the
structural design to ensure proper accommodation
of all loads and load paths within the main building
structural system. For precast elements that form part
of these structural systems, the designer is encouraged
to work together with the precast manufacturer and the
precast engineer as early as possible in the design of
the building such that the performance capabilities of
the precast elements can be properly integrated and
optimized into the overall design.

4.2.5 Structural Design of Panel Connections

The connections for load bearing panels are subject
to larger and different loading than non-load bearing
panels. Load-bearing precast panels not only Gravity (vertical) load and lateral load connection, and
accommodate the same loads as non-load bearing lifting loop. Source: Morrison Hershfield
precast panels but they must also accommodate the
primary structural loads like roof and floor, seismic, and
possibly earth pressure loads. The panel connections must also accommodate volume changes due to shrinkage,
creep and temperature variations, and may also be required to withstand blast loads, depending upon the design
requirements. Chapter 4 of the CPCI Design Manual provides design information and illustrations for vertical and
horizontal joint connections for load bearing panels.
For non-load bearing panels, deformations of the building structure may induce unintended loading of the precast
panels, causing deflection and potentially moment and torsion loads. Common factors include:
• The weight of the precast elements,
• Volumetric changes of the supporting structure, and/or
• Torsion of the spandrel beams.
Lateral translation of the structural frame can also result in diagonal tension within panels if they are restrained.
Lateral translation may also create interferences between panels if connected at different levels or to different
structural members, limiting movement and creating unintended loads.
The panel connections must be designed and installed to permit unrestrained deformation. Illustrated examples of
these conditions can also be found in Chapter 5 of the CPCI Design Manual.
The design of connections and horizontal joint widths of non-load bearing precast panels located at the base of
buildings needs to consider column shortening (creep) of concrete columns, particularly if the precast element is
rigidly connected at its base.
Non-load bearing precast panels containing openings may develop stress concentrations at the corners of these
openings due to unintended loading or restrained bowing. The designer should avoid imposed restraints such that
the loads are properly distributed across the panels and back into the primary structure.
Finally, the loads imposed in the movement of panels from forms-to-storage, storage-to-transportation, and from
transportation-to-installation must all be accommodated in the connections intended to manage these loads. The
use of temporary connectors for these purposes is common, with some being abandoned within the panels once
installed on the building.

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4.2.6 Structural Design of Precast Concrete Panels

The design of architectural precast wall panels requires consideration of the effects of the various loads that the
panels will be subjected. Considerations include, but are not limited to:
• Manufacturing and construction stresses such as those incurred during stripping, handling, trans-
portation and erection,
• Strain gradients across the thickness of the panel due to thermal and moisture differentials, during
curing, and when the panel is restrained from bowing in service,
• Stresses in panels and their connections due to restrained volume changes and distortion of the
building frame.
• Deflection of precast elements due to dead and live loads, wind and seismic loads and thermal
loads,
• Tolerances for the support structure and for the fabrication and erection of precast panels, and
• Acceptable crack locations and crack widths.
The design of non-load bearing panels will be governed by the need to limit cracking. Since the precast panel is
to provide the primary resistance to water penetration, cracking must be limited. Panel pre-stressing can be used
to control cracking. Prestressing is achieved by pre-tensioning or post-tensioning in such a way that out-of-plane
deformations are minimized. Thin panels (75 mm to 100 mm thick) can be prestressed eccentrically to counteract
the tendency for bowing. It is very important that the prestressing of panels be incorporated into the overall panel
structural design such that the resulting induced stresses are properly accommodated and provisions are made to
address the loads. In some cases, transverse reinforcement may be necessary to counteract potential longitudinal
splitting loads. The structural design of non-load bearing panels is covered in Chapter 3 of the CPCI Design Manual.

Figure 4-1: Horizontally and vertically ribbed precast concrete panels. Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering

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CHAPTER 4 Performance Criteria

Multi-unit residential precast cladding. Precast wall alignment.

Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering

Load bearing panels can be classified as flat or ribbed; both options can have window, door or other openings.
Examples of horizontal and vertical ribbed elements are illustrated in Figure 4-1. The size and configuration as well
as the selection of horizontal elements or vertical window elements, are impacted by handling, transportation and
erection requirements, and the anchor design. The structural dimensions and thickness of an element can also be
affected by:
• The minimum dimension to support the installation of proper joint seals.
• The minimum dimension for adequate cover of steel reinforcement.
• The space requirements for panel handling devices.
• The space required to accommodate connection elements.
The vertical load resistance of load bearing panels can be determined using the design methods covered in
Section 2.7 of the CPCI Design Manual.

Composite Panel Considerations

Composite double wythe insulated precast concrete wall panels will have a natural tendency to bow outwards
under prolonged exposure to the sun, as the exterior wythe experiences greater temperature rise than the inner
wythe. The bowing tendency is mainly influenced by panel size, the rigidity of wythe connections, and daily
temperature fluctuations on the exterior face. The effect of thermal bowing can be accommodated through proper

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design and detailing, such as additional panel anchor connections. For non-composite double wythe insulated
wall panels, the use of outer wythe control joints can divide the element into smaller units but this is not usually
necessary.
The design of panels at corners in composite double wythe insulated wall panels deserves special consideration
due to this bowing tendency. The thermal bowing in the warm summer season is opposite to that occurring
during the cold winter season and this can induce strain on the sealants in corner joints. During the warm summer
months the panels will bow outward in the middle and thereby separate at the mid height of the corner joint.
During the cold winter months, the panels will bow inward at mid height of the corner joint and thereby push the
joint together at mid height but separate the joint at the top and the bottom. With non-composite double wythe
insulated wall panels, this tendency is significantly reduced as the interior wythe is kept at a relatively consistent
temperature and the outer wythe is allowed to expand and contract unrestrained by the interior structural wythe
and is only subject to the thermal gradient within the outer wythe. Refer to Chapter 5 of the CPCI Design Manual
for further guidance on composite design considerations.

Heat Transfer Control

The control of the flow of heat energy is a critical element of any building enclosure design. Heat energy
flow across the assemblies of a building envelope not only influences the overall cost of maintaining the
required comfort within the building, but also influences the relative thermal expansion and contraction of the
interconnecting assembly elements. Depending upon the performance characteristics of the related elements in
the wall design, the heat flow through the assembly will also influence condensation control.
In all Canadian climate conditions, buildings are designed to accommodate the flow of heat energy from inside to
outside for a substantial proportion, if not the majority, of the year.
Heat energy can move by:
1. Conduction – the movement of heat energy through a material.
2. Convection – the movement of heat energy by means of a fluid such as air or water, and
3. Radiation – The movement of heat energy by electromagnetic radiation, such as infrared light.
For opaque building envelope elements, the
movement of heat is driven by conduction
through the materials that make up the assembly.
Convective heat transfer can also influence
envelope assembly performance when larger air
spaces exist within the assembly, allowing warmer
air to move and therefore transfer heat.
Insulation materials work by restricting the
transfer of conductive energy by placing non-
moving gas between two other materials. This
gas, air or other, is prevented from moving by the
insulation materials themselves, thus restricting
convective heat transfer. Common generic
insulations that provide suitable resistance to
heat transfer include: mineral wool or glass fibre,
cellulose, extruded or expanded polystyrene,
polyisocyanurate foam, spray polyurethane foam
and phenolic foam. Precast panel wall assembly on Shear Wall.
Source: Morrison Hershfield

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4.2.7 Insulating Precast Concrete Wall Assemblies

Insulating precast concrete wall assemblies is typically achieved in two ways:
1. Through encapsulation of rigid or semi-rigid insulation between an inner and an outer wythe in double
wythe insulated wall panels, or
2. Through the application of semi rigid or spray foam insulation to the inside face of conventional single
wythe architectural precast concrete wall panels.
A third approach is used when the precast panels are considered “thin” cladding elements, typically supported on
a back-up framing system. The precast panel is attached overtop of the rest of the wall assembly, similar to other
thin panel systems such as metal or ceramic panels, and the insulation is placed on the outside face of the inside
wall components, independent of the precast panels. See earlier discussion in Section 2.2.1 and Section 2.2.2 on
the risks to the continuity of the vapour and air barrier of using this type of construction. This construction method
may be necessary for cladding air shafts and shear cores and re-cladding of existing buildings, but should be
avoided, where possible, in new construction.
Selection of the amount and type of insulation is primarily dependent upon provincial energy code requirements
based upon the climate zone and intended use of the interior space. These requirements may be improved upon
by project specific (more demanding) energy performance requirements, and any other performance parameters
placed upon the insulation layer such as providing the air barrier desired by the owner.
Energy consumption is affected by the building form, size, orientation with respect to prevailing winds and the sun,
window glazing to wall area ratio, air tightness, required fresh-air exchange rates, and the thermal resistance of the
various building envelope assemblies. Designers need to remember, that for many wall systems, as the insulation
thickness is increased, the marginal rate of heat loss is reduced (diminishing returns). As a result, for each building
system, there is an optimum insulation thickness and corresponding thermal resistance beyond which the savings
in energy are not commensurate with the added cost of the additional insulation. This varies with energy costs and
efficiencies in HVAC equipment.
For many buildings with internally generated heat loads such as data centres, some manufacturing operations,
and heating plants, there is a point whereby the energy required for cooling the internal heat load also increases
beyond the optimum,
such that the annual
energy consumption for
cooling increases beyond
that required for heating.
The overall thermal
performance of the
system should be based
upon the effective wall
RSI-value which includes
losses associated with
thermal bridges or
changes in envelope
thickness at edges.
When bonding rigid
or semi-rigid board Spray polyurethane foam applied to
insulation to the interior the back face of a single wythe precast
face of a single wythe Double wythe precast concrete concrete wall panel.
wall panel, it is important insulated wall panel. Source: CPCI Source: Morrison Hershfield

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 CHAPTER 4 Performance Criteria

to provide a compatible bonding adhesive in a full bed of adhesive or a closed bonding pattern. This prevents
the air from bypassing the insulation layer. Continuous contact between the insulation and the precast panel back
face is preferred to prevent thermal air short-circuiting the system and resulting in condensation problems. The
adhesive used must also be capable of performing in the anticipated environmental conditions (hot and cold and
allow for thermal movement of the panel relative to the insulation.
Proper detailing for moisture management is critical to avoid degradation of the insulation from moisture
absorption and retention, in both single wythe and double wythe applications.

4.2.8 Thermal Bridging

Thermal bridges occur when conductive materials partially or fully penetrate the primary insulation layers of the
building envelope assembly. Since heat energy flows in three dimensions from warmer areas to cooler areas,
thermal bridges will channel heat energy through the wall assembly, bypassing the thermal insulation, and this
heat loss may result in additional energy consumption to maintain a comfortable inside temperature. If the amount
of thermal bridging is significant, the overall resistance to heat flow of the wall assembly will be significantly
compromised. The risk of condensation resulting from the change in surface temperature at thermal bridge
locations must also be considered. If the resulting surface temperature at thermal bridge locations is at or below
the dew point of the air touching the surface, condensation may form. Thermal bridges should be avoided, where
possible, and properly identified and detailed to minimize condensation when unavoidable.
The relatively recent adoption of more stringent energy codes and standards, and the development of more
accurate energy analysis methodologies, has raised the awareness of the impact of thermal bridging on overall
building energy consumption. Many provincial and national codes and standards now mandate specific attention
be placed on the reduction of thermal bridging. For more detailed information and data on the impact of thermal
bridging on overall energy performance, see Meeting and Exceeding Building Code Thermal Performance
Requirements, by RDH Building Science Inc.
Architectural precast concrete wall assemblies are well suited to minimize thermal bridging at interfaces and
connections. Since precast panels typically have relatively few anchor locations over a large panel area, the primary
insulating layer can cover a significant portion of the overall assembly surface without interruption. Minimizing
the thermal bridging effects of the anchors for double-wythe precast panels is not necessary since the primary
insulation layer is located to the exterior of the anchors. For single-wythe precast panels, minimizing the thermal
bridge at anchors involves the provision of continuous thermal insulation around the anchor that effectively
separates it from the interior. This is often successfully achieved using polyurethane spray foam to encapsulate the
anchor once the panel has been installed and fully aligned.

Balcony Slabs
Conventional cast-in-place concrete balcony slab construction creates significant thermal bridging that has
traditionally been ignored due to the perceived difficulties in separating the projecting concrete slab elements
from the inner floor slab construction. As building energy codes have become more stringent and increased
energy efficiency is pursued, alternate construction methods and technologies, such as the use of precast concrete
balcony slabs, are being implemented. In addition to strategies that minimize thermal bridging, sloping for slab
drainage, and waterproofing of the slab-to-wall transition can be integrated in the precast balcony slab design to
ensure that all of the required building envelope performance criteria are continued at this interface.

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CHAPTER 4 Performance Criteria

Precast balcony slab, with integrated perimeter curbs and thermal insulation break
between balcony and interior slab. Source: CPCI

Precast panel connection prior to encapsulation to Precast panel anchor after spray foam encapsulation to
prevent thermal bridging. Source: Morrison Hershfield prevent thermal bridging. Source: Morrison Hershfield

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4.2.9 Thermal Mass Effects

“Thermal mass” is a term related to how well a building and its materials are able to store and release heat energy.
High thermal mass materials will absorb energy when surface temperatures are high, and release it when the
surrounding temperatures are low. In this manner, excess heat energy can be absorbed within the material to cool
the surrounding environment until it reaches the ambient temperature and release it when needed at a later time.
High thermal mass materials help to reduce fluctuations in temperature in a space and reduce the energy load on
those spaces.
In modern high performance energy design, thermal mass effects are sometimes used to improve occupant
comfort by absorbing passive heat from solar radiation during the day, then releasing the excess heat overnight
when the sun has set and heat is required. The absorption of heat by the high thermal mass material during a
hot day acts to cool the environment during the heat of the day, thereby reducing cooling loads. Higher density
materials like concrete are considered high thermal mass materials and can absorb significant amounts of heat
energy. These thermal mass effects can be integrated into an overall energy management methodology.
Designers are encouraged to take thermal mass effects into consideration when designing a building such that any
potential negative effects are properly managed, and any potential positive effects are maximized to the benefit of
the design. More discussion on design for thermal mass can be found in Section 4.10.2, and also by following this
link http://www.sustainableprecast.ca/en/precast_sustainability/thermal_mass/

4.3 Air Leakage Control

Control of air movement through a building envelope assembly is critical as it affects many building performance
issues:
• Heating / cooling loads
• Condensation management
• Thermal comfort
• Rain penetration control
• Smoke movement
• Sound transmission
Typically, control of air leakage is achieved with an air barrier assembly, which is a designated combination of
materials and / or components that provide a continuous barrier to the movement of air across the assembly. Refer
to the Guide High Performing Precast Concrete Building Enclosures - Rain Control by RDH Building Science Inc., at
the following link for more information: http://www.cpci.ca/en/resources/technical_publications/
Properties of a successful air barrier design and installation include:

1. They are constructed of airtight materials as follows:

• Material 0.02 l/(s-m2)@ 75 Pa (0.004 cfm / sf @ 0.3” WC)
• Assembly 0.20 l/(s-m2)@ 75 Pa (0.04 cfm / sf @ 0.3” WC)
• Enclosure 2.00 l/(s-m2)@ 75 Pa (0.4 cfm / sf @ 0.3” WC)
2. They are continuous within the building envelope (across joints within the assembly and across
junctions with other components and assemblies),
3. They are structurally sufficient to resist wind loads and transfer all loads to the primary building
structure, and
4. They are sufficiently durable to provide appropriate performance for the service life of the building.

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For an air barrier to be effective, it must be continuous across all building elements and building envelope
assemblies. This is a critical principle that must be fully addressed in the design and construction of the assembly.
Unfortunately, insufficient attention is typically given to this principle, which often leads to premature assembly
failure.
Leakage of interior air outward through the building envelope (exfiltration) can result in accumulation of significant
quantities of condensation (and / or frost) and is a primary cause of moisture-related building problems. These
problems can be avoided if sufficient air-tightness is achieved in the building envelope through implementation of
proper detailing and construction.
In single wythe architectural precast concrete wall panel assemblies, the plane of air tight continuity is located
within the precast concrete, and continues from panel-to-panel through the inner seal of the two-stage sealant
joints. If spray applied polyurethane foam is applied to the back of the single-wythe panels, it too can be
considered an air tight element and can be used to transfer the plane of air tightness to adjacent assemblies when
properly detailed and constructed. Spray applied polyurethane foam insulation does however become rigid with
time and may crack if the precast panel moves due to thermal expansion and contraction.
In double-wythe insulated precast concrete wall assemblies, the inner structural wythe of the panel is designed
as the air barrier plane, with continuity of the air seal through the inner seal of the two-stage sealant joints. This
inner wythe experiences very little thermal expansion and contraction as it remains at a fairly constant temperature,
thereby reducing stresses on the inner seal of the two-stage joint adding to its longevity.
Careful selection of materials is needed when transferring the air barrier seal from the precast panels to adjacent
assemblies such as other cladding materials, fenestration systems, and roofing. Materials must be compatible with
the materials that they contact, and the attachment must be both strong enough to withstand the expected air
pressure loads and durable enough to perform for the expected life cycle of the wall system.

4.4 Vapour Diffusion Control

Vapour diffusion control is a requirement of the building code to mitigate the potential accumulation of
condensation within building envelope assemblies. Control of vapour diffusion is provided by utilizing materials
with lower vapour permeance to prevent the movement of the water vapour from spaces with higher vapour
pressure to spaces with lower vapour pressure.
Vapour pressure is a function of the temperature of the air and the moisture contained within the air. The relative
humidity (RH) of air at a given temperature is the percentage of moisture in the air compared to the maximum
amount of moisture that the air can hold at that temperature. As the air temperature drops, the amount of moisture
that air can hold as a vapour also drops. When the air reaches a temperature where the moisture content is the
maximum it can hold at that temperature (100%RH), the air has reached its dew point temperature. If the air then
comes in contact with a cool surface, below the dew point temperature, moisture will condense on the surface as
liquid water.

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Table 2: Examples of relationship between air temperature, relative humidity, and dew point temperature.

Air Relative Dew Point Temperature

Temperature Humidity (approx.)

20°C 30% + 2°C

20°C 50% + 9°C

25°C 30% + 6°C

25°C 50% + 14°C

35°C 40% + 20°C

It is important to understand what the intended interior air temperature and moisture content conditions will be
when designing the appropriate vapour control strategy in an assembly. The underlying intent is to prevent air
from reaching its dew point, unless the condensation of moisture will not affect performance of the materials,
components, or assemblies. Different materials have different vapour control properties, referred to as vapour
permeance or vapour permeability. The amount of vapour control required is directly related to the anticipated
environmental conditions on the two sides of the wall assembly, including temperature and air moisture content
ranges. The vapour control strategy must allow for drying of the wall assembly when conditions allow. It is
very important that the wall be designed to provide the correct amount of vapour control for the climate and
environmental conditions on each side of the wall.
Construction materials have different vapour permeance characteristics, and vapour permeance changes for some
materials depending upon the temperature and moisture content conditions of the surrounding air. Well designed,
mixed, and cured concrete has a relatively low vapour permeance, which varies with concrete thickness. Foil or
asphalt impregnated paper wrapping fiber insulation, polyethylene films, asphalt membranes, vinyl wallpaper, and
certain types of paint all have low vapour permeance properties.
For most buildings built in Canada, an appropriate vapour control strategy is needed to prevent interior
warm, moist air from reaching colder components of the assembly during the winter months. Precast concrete
architectural panels will perform as an appropriate vapour control strategy. The other advantage of precast
concrete panels is that they are unaffected by moisture and are not a food source for mould, thereby being able to
withstand some degree of moisture accumulation, remain intact and not become a health concern.

Vapour Diffusion Control Strategies:

A. 
Single wythe precast concrete wall panels (with insulation on the interior surface of the panels)
– Low vapour permeance materials may be required on the interior of the insulation layer, or if the
insulation layer is an extruded polystyrene or spray applied polyurethane foam, then the insulation
itself can act as the appropriate vapour control layer, if properly designed and installed to achieve
this criteria. For example, 50mm of polyurethane spray foam has a vapour permeability of less than
60ng/Pa.s .m2, which is sufficient for most applications.
B. 
For double wythe insulated wall panels – a 100 mm concrete inner structural wythe may have
sufficiently low water vapour permeance (approximately 45 ng/Pa.s.m2) to serve as the vapour
management layer. It is important that the interior surface of the inner wythe be maintained above
the dew point temperature of the interior air that touches it. This can be quantitatively assessed
using proper thermal modeling. Any modeling should include any accessory elements that influence
the flow of heat to the wythe.

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4.5. Precipitation Control

4.5.1 Causes of Water Leakage Across the Building Envelope
Water migration into a wall assembly requires the following conditions to occur concurrently (K. Garden, CBD-40,
1963):

1. A source of water, such as rain or melting snow and ice,

2. A crack or opening, and
3. A force to move the moisture through the opening, such as
• air pressure
• kinetic energy
• gravity
• capillary forces
In the reality of the built-environment, it is considered a reasonable design practice to assume that there will
always be a source of water and cracks or openings in a building envelope. Although all attempts should be made
to prevent both of these from occurring, as part of a design strategy, in practice they should be expected in any
building envelope. Controlling water leakage into a building envelope assembly needs, therefore, to be addressed
by understanding and managing the forces that move water through an opening.

4.5.2 Water Leakage Forces

4.5.2.1 Air Pressure Differences
Water infiltration into the building envelope can be driven by air pressure differences across the envelope,
specifically air infiltration. When an air pressure difference occurs at an opening, air moves through the opening
and can carry water with it.
A building should be constructed with a continuous air barrier layer as part of the building envelope assembly.
The intent of the air barrier assembly is to prevent the movement of the air across that layer, which eliminates the
movement of water and the embodied heat energy and moisture contained within the air itself.
Even with a successful air barrier layer within a building envelope assembly, air pressure differentials across
openings between envelope elements in locations outside of the air barrier layer can still move water across the
element. For example, openings between exterior cladding components can allow water to pass if wind gusts
create a pressure difference across the opening.
There are three primary factors which create air pressure differences across the building envelope:
1. Stack effect,
2. Wind, and
3. Mechanical ventilation systems.
Stack effect is the buoyant effect of warm air over cold air, and typically occurs in Canadian weather conditions
during the autumn, winter and spring when outdoor air is cooler than indoor air. The interior warm air rises above
the cooler outdoor air (like a hot-air balloon), resulting in indoor-to-outdoor air pressure differentials (“positive”
air pressure) in upper floor areas, and corresponding outdoor-to-indoor air pressures (“negative” air pressure) on
lower levels. Any holes in the air barrier assembly of the building envelope will result in air exfiltration on upper
levels, and infiltration on lower levels. Stack effect air pressure differentials are directly related to the height of the
building and the difference in temperature of the indoor and outdoor air. These air pressure differentials do not

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tend to be large in value but do occur on a continuous basis. A reduction in the height of the air column reduces
this effect but does not eliminate it.
Wind against a building creates air pressure differentials that vary in magnitude, location, and type depending
upon the speed, duration, and direction of the wind. They are also dependent upon the plan dimensions and shape
of the building as well as influences from the local surrounding landscape. Positive and negative wind pressures
vary around the building as well as across a building facade and it is difficult to determine the precise effect of wind
on a building surface. Wind studies of a proposed building shape set in its local context and environment can assist
with determination of the limits of wind pressures such that proper building envelope design can be provided.
Mechanical ventilation systems can also create internal positive and negative air pressure differentials depending
upon the design of the system and its controls. Often, mechanical systems attempt to reduce the impact of stack
effect pressures to improve the operational use of the building, such as opening of doors, and the control of air
quality. Poorly designed or controlled HVAC systems can create unwanted air pressure differentials across the
building envelope that can result in water penetration through openings.

4.5.2.2 Capillary Action

Moisture movement related to capillary action results from water surface tension in narrow inter-connected spaces
that enables a liquid to move through porous materials such as masonry, and to a lesser degree, concrete. In capillary
active materials, moisture is absorbed, stored, and transported through the material and provides another means for
moisture migration through a building envelope assembly. Capillary action can move water in any direction as surface
tension forces may be higher than gravity forces within small spaces. In non-absorptive (non-capillary active) materials,
for example glass or metal (without cracks), water runs off and there is no capillary-related absorption.
Surface tension forces can move water across air gaps between materials if the gaps are sufficiently small, and the
surfaces of the materials on either side of the gap have adequate roughness to allow the water to adhere. This is
one of the reasons why the drainage gap in rain screen wall design is recommended to be at least 10mm wide, to
allow the gravity forces on a drop of water to overcome the surface tension across the gap.

4.5.2.3 Kinetic Action

Kinetic action is the result of kinetic energy that is embodied in a mass under movement. When referred to in
building envelope design, kinetic action normally refers to the kinetic energy in a water droplet that is blown
against an assembly by the wind. Even when the wind is removed from the moving drop of water, it will continue
to move in the same direction as when the wind was carrying the drop due to momentum, and can force the water
through cracks and openings in the building envelope.

4.5.2.4 Gravity
Water flows from higher to lower elevations due to the force of gravity. When a hole exists in the exterior of the
building envelope (either purposefully or not), rain water will shed over the building envelope component and not
enter if the hole is shaped to allow gravity to move the water down. It is preferable to lead water away from holes in
the building envelope, regardless of design, to ensure water will not enter and create problems.

4.5.3 Water Leakage Control Strategies

The designer should work with the precast concrete manufacturer to develop proper water control details within
the precast system.
Various water leakage control strategies exist for vertical building envelope assemblies:

1. Mass (storage and release),

2. Drained ( screened and drained enclosure), and
3. Perfect Barrier (face sealed or concealed barrier).

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CHAPTER 4 Performance Criteria

4.5.3.1 Mass Assemblies

The mass or storage approach assumes rainwater that strikes the exterior surface of the building envelope
component will either drain off the surface of the component or be absorbed into the component. It is also
assumed that the component has sufficient water storage capacity and moisture tolerance to absorb the water until
it may be released without detrimental effect.

Figure 4-2: Examples of mass or storage approach to precipitation management. Image copyright RDH
Building Science Inc., used with permission

Release of the absorbed water is very important for this approach to wall design and relies upon evaporative
drying when the wetting period has ended. The rate of drying is dependent upon capillary/surface tension forces
and differences in water vapour pressure. Drying can occur either to the exterior, to the interior, or both. Careful
attention to the overall wall design is required, including placement and amount of insulation, vapour permeance
of surrounding materials, and the anticipated amount of
heat flow through the wall system.
Examples of mass wall assemblies include;
• multi-wythe stone, masonry, and/or rubble walls
• porous concrete or cinder or concrete block
walls

4.5.3.2 Drained Assemblies

A drained assembly describes a system where exterior
water is anticipated to pass through the exterior surface
and is then intercepted and re-directed back to the
exterior before it can affect water-sensitive materials.
Typically, an air space is provided behind exterior cladding
elements. The air space serves as both a capillary break Handset precast panels installed in a drained wall
and a drainage plane to evacuate water from the wall system. This approach might be necessary for
assembly. The cladding serves as a screen, hence the term retrofit projects but is discouraged for new projects
“rain screen”. Water that does penetrate the cladding or (See section 2.2.1). Image copyright RDH Building
“screen”, runs down a water-tight drainage plane and is Science Inc., used with permission

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 CHAPTER 4 Performance Criteria

lead out of the wall system by way of through-wall flashings and weep holes. Walls where the cladding incorporates
holes at the base of wall are typically described as “vented”, whereas those that include two openings (typically
at the top and bottom of the wall) are called “ventilated”. Pressure equalized or pressure-moderated walls are a
specific type of rain screen where the air pressure behind the cladding is managed by the wall design so that it
closely resembles the air pressure outside, so that the driving force of the moisture due to air pressure difference
across the layer is minimized.
Modern brick veneer, lap siding and metal panel systems are good examples of successful drained cladding
systems.
Although precast concrete panels can be installed in a drained assembly, where the precast panels are installed
after the construction of a back-up wall, this practice is discouraged for new construction due to the penetrations
that must be made through the thermal, air and vapour layers for connections (See Section 2.2.1) – and since it is
also typically very difficult to provide a continuous drained cavity behind a precast assembly. When it is done for
retrofit projects it should also include proper two-stage drained joints for the drainage (See Section 5.3.1).

Figure 4-3: Examples of drained approach to precipitation management. Image copyright RDH
Building Science Inc., used with permission

4.5.3.3 Perfect Barrier

The perfect barrier precipitation control strategy is one where water leakage control occurs at one plane within
the envelope assembly, typically either the most exterior surface (“face sealed”) or at an inner surface (“concealed
barrier”) of the envelope.
Examples of face-sealed wall assemblies include insulated metal panels and traditional stucco, where the exterior
face of the wall and its caulked exterior joints provide the only line of defense against water ingress. Face-sealed
systems have a long history of water leakage problems, as the joints between the cladding elements are difficult
to construct and maintain for perfect water tightness, especially when the face of such systems are very thin. In
Canadian climates, the face-sealed strategy has typically been shown to be unsuccessful and is not recommended.
Concealed barrier systems in walls include claddings such as stucco and adhered claddings installed directly over
a water tight sheathing membrane, such as non-drained EIFS. Moisture-induced damage for these types of wall

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CHAPTER 4 Performance Criteria

Figure 4-4: Examples of the perfect barrier approach to precipitation management. Note that the
architectural precast panel joints should be designed as two-stage joints (See Section 5.3.1). Image
copyright RDH Building Science Inc., used with permission

systems is attributed to water ingress and accumulation at joints and cracks and an inability of the sheathing
membrane to provide long-term water tightness or water durability under these conditions.
Single wythe architectural precast concrete wall panels with a single-stage joint are considered by many to be a
form of perfect barrier, face sealed cladding system, but are not recommended.
However, single wythe precast concrete panels and double wythe precast concrete insulated wall panels with
a two-stage joint system are a combination of a perfect barrier and a concealed barrier system. The two-stage
joint system provides the exterior seal that acts as the barrier to rain for the interior seal which is concealed and
protected from the damaging elements of the environment. As long as the quality control of the precast concrete
is high and the two-stage joint system between precast panels are properly designed, installed and maintained,
the assembly has proven to provide good long-term durability in actual use in all Canadian climates. This is called a
‘perfect barrier drained joint system’, and is the recommended approach for precast concrete wall assemblies.

4.5.3.4 Precipitation Design Considerations

Typical design considerations include:
• Rain water and snowmelt moving over the precast cladding surface deposits dirt in concentrated
locations and washes other areas clean. The patterns created by deposition and washing can be
anticipated and controlled.
• Minimize horizontal or low sloped elements that collect dirt. Minimum slope should be 1:3.
• Provide protection for vertical surfaces with steep sloped overhangs and drips at storey levels to
reduce dirt washing onto the vertical surfaces below and to provide improved water shedding.
• Vertical ribs, reveals or grooves control water runoff and prevent horizontal or diagonal dirt distribu-
tion.
• Medium textured finishes, while accumulating more dirt, do so more uniformly.
• Dark colours, including grey, will mask dirt accumulation.

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• Water runoff will tend to follow vertical

channels, pilasters, window frames and panel
joints. Maintain these water paths from top to
bottom to carry runoff and dirt to the ground.
Terminate horizontal elements a clear dis-
tance away from vertical projections.
• Provide drips in precast above windows, or
provide drip flashings as part of the window
junction to avoid runoff etching the glass
surfaces.
• All overhanging precast elements should
be provided with drips to break the surface
tension of water flowing along a horizontal or
inclined surface.
• Drip profiles should include sharp edges. Drip Edge on a Precast Concrete Panel.
• Chips on the edges of precast sections cre- Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering
ate unintentional drips. Provide a radius on
panel corners to reduce chipping.

Figure 4-5: Typical Drip Edges on a Precast Concrete Panel.

Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering

4.6 Noise
Local codes and by-laws have specific requirements relating to noise transmission. The following table provides
design considerations related to precast wall design:
• Noise separation becomes an important design issue when the building is located near a signif-
icant noise source such as an airport or busy highway. Typically precast concrete elements have
sufficient mass to provide effective damping and sound insulation.

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CHAPTER 4 Performance Criteria

• The sound transmission of a wall is largely determined by the performance of the windows and
doors, and by the air tightness of the assembly. Windows and doors should also be part of the de-
sign strategy for improved sound insulation.
• A continuous air barrier system will also have a positive impact on the sound insulation of the as-
sembly.
• A 100-mm thick concrete wall panel has an STC (sound transmission class) of 50, which is the mini-
mum STC required between dwelling units by the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC, 2015).
• Adding insulation and gypsum board raises the STC further, such that a precast concrete assembly
can easily be designed to exceed the minimum value.
• With the introduction of the new ASTC (apparent sound transmission class), assemblies are now
rated for sound transmission through all flanking paths in an assembly (NBCC 2015)

4.7 Solar and Ultraviolet Radiation

Durability is an over-riding consideration for building envelope performance, and must consider not only the
material properties, but the service conditions to which the material or component will be subjected. Unlike
other cladding materials that may be vulnerable to ultraviolet deterioration in the long-term, precast concrete is
inherently resistant to UV degradation.
As with other cladding systems that have sealant in the joints, the sealants are susceptible to ultraviolet damage
to varying degrees, depending on the exposure, the sealant type and the product used. However, for a precast
concrete wall system with a two stage joint system, ultraviolet radiation will only effect the outer sealant, and the
inner sealant will not be effected. Nevertheless, the outer seal requires maintenance and periodic replacement.
Joint design and sealant selection is discussed in more detail in Chapter 5 and maintenance is discussed in
Chapter 7. Reference can also be made to the CPCI Maintenance and Inspection Manual for Precast Concrete
Building Enclosures (2016)

4.8 Fire
The fire performance of precast panels is usually not a concern since concrete is noncombustible. When a fire
resistance rating is required for an exterior wall, these factors affecting the rating, from the Concrete Design
Handbook (Cement Association of Canada, Fourth Edition), need to be considered
• Concrete type, dependent upon the aggregates used
• Member dimensions
• Type of reinforcement
• Cover to the reinforcement
• Panel restraint and continuity
• Protected construction
The fire-resistance ratings of concrete construction can be determined in accordance with guidelines provided in
the governing building code. Guidance is also included in Chapter 6 of the CPCI Design Manual and in the CAC
Concrete Design Manual.
Fire tests conducted by Gustaferro and Abrams (1975) on wall panel joints demonstrated that the fire endurance,
as given by the increase in temperature of 181ºC over the joint, is affected by the joint type, joint materials, and
the panel thickness. When insulating material of proper thickness is provided, fire endurance equivalent to that
of the panel can be achieved. For example, a single stage joint width of 10 mm filled with 6 mm of ceramic fibre

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 CHAPTER 4 Performance Criteria

felt provides a 1 hour fire resistant rating, which is equivalent to that provided by 90 mm concrete panel. Refer to
Chapter 6 of the CPCI Design Manual for more information.
The building code permits the use of minor combustible components such as caulking material at a seal between
the major components of exterior walls in non-combustible construction (refer to NBC Division B, Sentence
3.1.5.2(1)).
Combustible components such as plastic insulation used in non-combustible construction must meet the
requirements of NBCC Div B, Article 3.1.5.6. The combustible insulation must also be covered by one of various
thermal barriers, depending on the flame-spread rating of the material, as per Article 3.1.5.14 of the NBCC (NRCC,
2015). This applies not only to the panels, but also to the joints between panels. Note that, in double wythe precast
concrete insulated wall panel assemblies, the insulation is encapsulated by the concrete wythes, except at the
edges of the panels at the joints.
Precast exterior wall panels incorporating plastic insulation generally meet the requirements for protection of
the exterior building face that are stated in Sentence 3.2.3.8(1) of the National Building Code (NRCC, 2015).
Information on the fire endurance (heat transmission) of concrete walls and slabs as a function of aggregate and
concrete thickness is given in Chapter 6 of the CPCI Design Manual.
By regulation, fire-stopping must be installed to prevent fire and smoke transmission between floors. Since precast
panels are typically hung on the outside of the building frame, fire and smoke seals must be provided at the slab
level between the inside edge of the precast panel and the edge of the floor slab. Designers should confirm the fire
protection requirements of applicable codes and regulations with the authority having jurisdiction.

4.9 Durability
Durability is defined in the CSA Guideline S478, Guideline on Durability in Buildings, (CSA, 1995 (R2007)) as;

“…the ability of a building or any part of its components to perform its required functions
in its service environment over a period of time without unforeseen cost for maintenance
or repair.”
The same guideline also states that the predicted service life of buildings and their components should meet or
exceed their design service life. The design service life of various building types is given in Table 2 of the Standard,
varying from 10 years for temporary buildings, and up to 100 years or more for buildings identified as “permanent”,
with “long life” buildings having a design service life ranging from 50 to 99 years. This latter category typically
applies to residential, commercial, office, health and educational buildings. When properly designed, constructed
and maintained, precast concrete wall systems have been proven to be one of the most durable building envelope
components available, with a proven history of use in Canada of more than 60 years.
There are two avenues in LEEDTM version 4 to recognize qualities of durability. Under the LEED v4 Building Design
+ Construction (BD+C) rating system (which includes New Construction), the first is in the Energy and Atmosphere
credit, Enhanced Commissioning (https://www.usgbc.org/credits/new-construction-core-and-shell-schools-new-
construction-retail-new-construction-healthca-17), a new option for envelope commissioning which specifically
says:
“Fulfill the requirements in EA Prerequisite Fundamental Commissioning and Verification
as they apply to the building’s thermal envelope in addition to mechanical and electrical
systems and assemblies. Complete the following commissioning process (CxP) activities
for the building’s thermal envelope in accordance with ASHRAE Guideline 0–2005 and
the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) Guideline 3–2012, Exterior Enclosure
Technical Requirements for the Commissioning Process, as they relate to energy, water,
indoor environmental quality, and durability.”

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CHAPTER 4 Performance Criteria

The other is under Innovation (http://www.usgbc.org/node/2613903?return=/credits/new-construction/v4/innovation),

strategies not addressed in the LEED credits already, can be awarded for innovation:

“Achieve significant, measurable environmental performance using a strategy not

addressed in the LEED green building rating system.
Identify the following:
·· the intent of the proposed innovation credit;
·· proposed requirements for compliance;
·· proposed submittals to demonstrate compliance; and
·· the design approach or strategies used to meet the requirements.”
At the design stage, the exposure conditions, including any chemical constituents and impurities that may react
with the concrete must be considered. Severe weather may cause some deterioration of the concrete due to
freezing and thawing conditions or chloride exposure. For this reason, 5 to 8 % air entrainment is recommended
for all exposed panels in all Canadian climate zones. CSA A23.1/2 (2014). See Section 5.3.1.4. Concrete Materials
and Methods of Construction provides guidance for the design of concrete mixtures for various exposure classes.
Corrosion protection of precast concrete panel anchors should also be considered, particularly when the anchors
are located outside the wall assembly’s moisture barrier (for example, single wythe wall panels installed in a drained
wall system).
While predicted service life of precast concrete elements can generally meet or exceed the building design service
life, sealant joints have a shorter service life (which varies depending on the sealant selected). However, sealant joints
are relatively easy to access and maintain, and as such meet the intent of the LEED Canada Durable Building credit.
Similarly, surface sealers applied to precast concrete panels for special applications such as to reduce moisture
uptake and the formation of algae, or as anti-graffiti coatings, have a shorter predicted service life, but can easily be
maintained. Any coating such as sealers or paints applied to precast panels should be vapour permeable to prevent
the accumulation of moisture behind the coating, and premature deterioration of the coating or the concrete.
Durability issues to be considered:
• Freeze-thaw resistance of the concrete
• Weathering of the finish
• Corrosion of the reinforcing steel
• Joint sealant performance
• Glass etching from water runoff
• Vapour permeance of any applied panel coatings
• Access for maintenance

4.10 Energy
Sustainability and green building programs such as LEED™ encourage energy savings beyond minimum code
requirements. The energy saved is a cost savings to the building owner through lower monthly utility bills, and
potentially smaller, less expensive heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment. The ultimate goal
is to reduce the total greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere from fossil fueled power plants and heating
appliances over the entire service life of the building.
The design of an energy-conserving or sustainable building requires the understanding, by the architect, of the
effects of decisions on energy performance. Depending on location, upwards of 50% to 90% of the global warming
potential and total primary energy impacts incurred during the service life of a building may be attributed to
building operation and energy consumption (CPCI, 2012). An integrated design approach considers how each

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component interacts with the building, building occupants and/or its HVAC system. The implementation of this
approach early in the design phase helps optimize environmental impact and initial building cost, while reducing
long-term heating and cooling energy costs.

4.10.1 Design of Building Envelope Details

Conventional building envelope design considers nominal RSI-values of building envelope systems. Changes made
to improve thermal performance generally take the form of increasing insulation thickness. Thermal bridges at wall
penetrations due to elements such as structural connections should not be disregarded. As the insulation thickness
is increased, the thermal benefit per additional unit of thickness decreases. In other words, adding more insulation
provides diminishing returns with respect to the overall assembly thermal performance, and if the heat flow being
drawn to thermal bridges is not considered, the returns are even less. Typically, the fewer thermal bridges in a wall
assembly, the better the overall effective thermal performance.
As building codes become more stringent with respect to energy efficiency, the thermal performance of building
envelopes, and their details, will need to be considered more carefully. Tools such as three-dimensional thermal
modeling will become more useful to assess the impact of alternative design strategies, to improve envelope
thermal performance and to control whole building energy loss.

4.10.2 Thermal Mass Effects

Most materials undergo an increase in temperature as they absorb heat from a heat source such as solar radiation.
Some materials can store a larger quantity of thermal energy with a smaller temperature rise than others occupying
the same volume. This material property is referred to as specific heat capacity. Concrete products have high
specific heat capacities per unit volume due to their high mass per unit volume (density). For this reason, materials
with high specific heat capacity are also described as having high thermal mass.
Interior concrete elements, including the interior wythe of double wythe insulated precast concrete wall panels,
left exposed, instead of being covered by insulation and gypsum wallboard, are best able to absorb internal
heat gains. Internal heat gains include heat generated inside the building by lights, equipment, appliances and
occupants. Exposed concrete elements can also absorb solar radiation entering through windows. The thermal
mass characteristic allows the concrete to react more slowly to changes in outside temperature, reducing peak
heating and cooling loads and delaying the time at which these peak loads occur by several hours. This is especially
true if the vision glass has been located to take maximum advantage of solar heat gains.
This versatility and the relative importance of particular thermal mass design strategies depend to a large extent
on the building location and orientation. Buildings in northern, heating-season dominated climates are designed
differently than those in southern, cooling-season dominated climates. Considerations include; building shape, size
and orientation, number of stories, type of building envelope, glazing area, shading, exterior colour, texture, wind
direction and speed, air infiltration, ventilation, reflections from adjacent structures, and surrounding vegetation.
Given the number of parameters affecting the thermal mass effect, quantifying the benefit is more challenging than
calculating RSI-values.
Saving heating and cooling energy with thermal mass should be considered at the design stage. Design
considerations fall into two categories, those that define the opportunity for saving and those related to the
effectiveness of thermal mass in its energy saving role.
Factors Defining the Opportunity for Thermal Mass Benefits
• Solar gains through windows for example, windows that are designed to allow the sun to optimally
heat interior concrete surfaces.
• Internal heat gains (for example, occupants and equipment) accounted for in the design.

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CHAPTER 4 Performance Criteria

• Higher than normal insulation levels (RSI values of the envelope) designed to take full advantage of
heat retention and release.
• Ventilation designed for thermal mass considerations.
Primary Factors Defining the Effectiveness for Thermal Mass
• The amount, heat capacity and location of building mass in the design.
• Thermal coupling between the concrete mass and the HVAC system.
• Ensuring HVAC system control provisions are in place after construction and during occupancy of
the building to ensure the building operates as designed.
• Ensuring, through design and construction, that building envelope thermal bridging is minimized or
eliminated.

4.11 Aesthetics
The aesthetics of the building facade are the responsibility of the designer, usually an architect and, in the case of
architectural precast wall panels, is achieved in collaboration with the precast manufacturer. Architectural precast
offers unparalleled design flexibility because of it fluidity when in its plastic state, and the range of colours, textures
and finishes available. The aesthetic choices are wide and varied (See Chapter 2). The CPCI Architectural Precast
Concrete Colour and Texture Selection Guide offers excellent guidance and ideas for the design professional.

4.12 Life Cycle Assessment

In order to better understand precast concrete’s environmental performance in the context of building
construction, use, and end-of-life, a life cycle assessment (LCA) of a typical commercial building with five variations
of building envelope and three variations of structural framing in two Canadian locations was conducted (CPCI,
2012). The building types were modeled in two cities representing two Canadian climates: Vancouver, British
Columbia—a cool climate (Climate Zone 5C)—and Toronto, Ontario—a cold climate (Climate Zone 6A). The
LCA study was a cradle-to-grave LCA, conducted in accordance with ISO standards. Since the LCA included a
comparative assertion intended to be disclosed to the public, an independent external committee of LCA and
technical experts critically reviewed the methodology and results.

Table 3. Building envelope and structure type used in the CPCI LCA Study (2012)

Structure Type and Abbreviation

Building Envelope Type
(Abbreviation) Cast-in-place Precast
Steel (S)
Concrete (C) Concrete (P)
Curtain Wall (CW) CW-S CW-C CW-P

Brick and Steel Stud (S) S-S S-C S-P

Precast Concrete (P) P-S P-C P-P

Insulated Precast Concrete (Pi) Pi-S Pib-C Pi-P

Insulated Precast Concrete and

Pib-S Pib-C Pib-P
Thin-Brick Veneer (Pib)*

* Note: The Thin-Brick Veneer utilized bricks 13-16 mm (1/2 to 5/8”) thick, cast into the
face of the precast concrete panels.

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 CHAPTER 4 Performance Criteria

The following is a highlight of the LCA study:

1. During Occupancy (60 and 73 year scenarios) the buildings with the lowest global warming potential
(GWP), regardless of location and service life, were the buildings with precast concrete envelope and
cast-in-place concrete structural frames (P-C, Pi-C, and Pib-C).
2. During Occupancy (60 and 73 year scenarios), as with GWP, the buildings with the lowest total
primary energy (TPE), regardless of location and service life, were the buildings with precast concrete
envelope and cast-in-place concrete structural frames (P-C, Pi-C, and Pib-C).
3. During Occupancy (60 and 73 year scenarios), the buildings with the highest TPE and GWP (60 and
73 year scenarios) were all steel structural frames, regardless of location and service life, with curtain
wall envelope and steel structure (CW-S) having the highest TPE and GWP in all cases.
4. With energy simulation, it was found that the interior thermal mass inherent in cast-in-place concrete
and precast concrete floors (compared to concrete toppings on metal deck) reduced annual heating
energy use by 6 to 15% and reduced total annual energy use by 2 to 3%.
5. Operating energy was responsible for 54 to 75% of the GWP in Vancouver (the range represented
service lives of 60 and 73 years, respectively), and in Toronto, 90 to 91% of the GWP was due to
operating energy (dependant on service life).
6. Operating energy accounted for 90 to 97% (depending on location and service life) of the cradle-to-
grave embodied energy (TPE).
7. For all the buildings in Toronto and Vancouver, for operating energy from cradle-to-grave, electricity
use was responsible for the majority of impacts in most of the impact categories, including: global
warming, acidification, respiratory effects, eutrophication, photochemical smog, solid waste, ozone
depletion, and total primary energy; both fossil and non-renewable.

LCA and Portland Limestone Cement (PLC)

When Portland Limestone Cement (PLC) was modelled in the manufacture of precast concrete and the production
of cast-in-place concrete, the environmental impacts were reduced. The GWP was reduced 6 to 9% and total
primary energy was reduced 4 to 7%. There were also significant reductions in impacts associated with acidification,
respiratory effects, eutrophication, smog, water use, non-renewable energy, and renewable energy (non-biomass).
Over the life of the building, when PLC is substituted for Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) in concrete at the rate
of 12%, the environmental impacts are reduced. The data showed that a 12% replacement of PLC for OPC reduced
the GWP by approximately 60,000 kg CO2 eq. The entire reduction occurred in the manufacturing stage. Since the
absolute GWP of the building in Vancouver was less than that for the one in Toronto, the relative reduction due to
PLC was less in Toronto than in Vancouver, but the absolute reduction was approximately the same. Comparing just
the manufacturing stages, the percent reduction was approximately 5% (4.6 in Toronto, 4.7% in Vancouver). When
compared in the cradle-to-grave scenario, the percent reduction was 1.6 to 1.8% in Vancouver and 0.3 to 0.4% in
Toronto.
Other Significant Impact Categories from the LCA Study:

1. The three buildings with the lowest acidification potential in Toronto were the buildings with
conventional precast concrete envelope and cast-in-place concrete structural frames (P-C, Pi-C, and
Pib-C).
2. The six buildings with the lowest respiratory impact in Toronto were buildings with precast concrete
envelopes.

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CHAPTER 4 Performance Criteria

3. The three buildings with the lowest photochemical smog potential in Toronto were the buildings
with precast concrete envelope and cast-in-place concrete structural frames (P-C, Pi-C, and Pib-C).
4. Buildings with precast concrete or cast-in-place concrete structural frames had less impact in the
water use category than buildings with steel structural frames.
5. Buildings with precast concrete or cast-in-place concrete structural frames had less abiotic resource
depletion than buildings with steel structural frames.
The executive summary of the precast structural assemblies, Life Cycle Assessment of Precast Concrete
Commercial Buildings, can be found by following this link: http://www.cpci.ca/en/resources/technical_
publications/.
The concrete industry is developing and promoting low environmental impact building design, complementing
such current efforts as the new Energy Code and ASHRAE‘s Advanced Energy Design Guidelines to encourage the
elimination of thermal bridging in building facades and the increased use of thermal mass.

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CHAPTER 5 Detailing for Success

The design of a successful building envelope must consider all of the Performance Criteria discussed in Chapter 4
and must successfully integrate the following functions in a comprehensive design strategy:
• Air control
• Water control
• Vapour control
• Thermal control
• Durability
Architectural precast concrete wall panels have been used successfully as part of an integrated exterior wall
assembly and have a proven record of long term performance. All of the above criteria should be addressed in
a straightforward and comprehensive design strategy. When this strategy is implemented during the design and
construction phases of the project, the likelihood of a successful outcome is significantly improved. Architectural
precast concrete wall assemblies provide for expedient construction and successful closure of the envelope. This
latter point can be of critical importance to overall project success.

5.1 Design Criteria for Detailing of Precast Concrete Wall Panel Joints
In architectural precast wall design, one of the critical links to a weatherproof building envelope is the joint design
and the selection and use of sealants and membranes to ensure the continuity between similar and dissimilar
building materials. The design and execution of these joints is extremely important and must be accomplished in
a constructible and economical manner. The overall appearance of the project may be affected by the detailing
and treatment of the joints. Selecting the right product, appropriate joint design, proper surface preparation, and
correct application technique will ensure the joint and sealant provide the desired performance, design service life
and pleasing, long term aesthetics.
Joints are required to accommodate changes in wall panel sizes and/or structural dimensions caused by changes
in temperature, moisture content, and applied loads while at the same time, prevent water, air and vapour
penetration through the building envelope.
Design criteria for joints include the following:
• Exterior exposure (orientation and climatic conditions).
• Structural requirements (amount of movement to be accommodated) such as primary structure
creep, inter-storey drift, building sway from seismic considerations and thermal expansion and
contraction effects of the panels and the structure.

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CHAPTER 5 Detailing for Success

• Interior climate of the building.

• Architectural appearance.
• Function of the building.
• Construction tolerances.
• Economics.
The decisions that must be made in response to the design criteria
include: joint width and depth, type of sealant, location of the
joints, number of joints, architectural treatment of the joint, and
the selection of materials. See Section 5.3.1.4.
Joint locations should ideally be determined during the design
development phase in consultation with the precast manufacturer.
Panel size affects joint design and width which, in turn, may dictate
location of structural support points and tie backs, and may be
further constrained by manufacturing, trucking and erection Misaligned panels—Alignment of panels
limitations. Joint design affects envelope performance, allowable directly impacts both aesthetics and joint
construction tolerances, the detail of transitions between adjacent sealing success.
materials, and the details at openings. Source: M.E. Hachborn Engineering

5.2 Precast Concrete Wall Panel: Edge Joint Design

5.2.1 Joints as Architectural Treatment
Joints should be expressed as strong visual features of architectural wall design. False joints (reveals) can also add
to the visual effect. The recessing of joints and/or sealants provides many advantages. Recessing the joints or the
sealant will assist in diminishing the visual impact of variations in joint width, joint profile and in adjacent surfaces,
especially with larger wall panels. In addition, recessing may reduce exposure to ultraviolet light, reducing long
term deterioration and potentially extending the life of the exterior exposed sealant. Finally, by recessing the joints,
the lateral flow of wind-driven rain over the sealant may be reduced.
Joints are key features that can affect weathering patterns. Vertical joints help in channeling water (provided the
joints, sealant or gaskets are not flush with the adjacent precast surface). The concentration of water at recessed
joints requires careful detailing to prevent moisture penetration. Complicated edge profiles should be avoided
for economy in
manufacturing
and reduction of
damage during
construction.
Complicated
profiles such as
cornices and
moldings are
more vulnerable
to damage in
handling and
more difficult to
repair and make
Typical joints. Transition joints should also be properly watertight. In
Source: Morrison Hershfield aligned. Source: CPCI addition, it is

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 CHAPTER 5 Detailing for Success

important to avoid joints across sloping sills or joints

that split window openings as they are very difficult to
construct successfully and are susceptible to failure.
Chips along panel edges disrupt water flow which
creates opportunities for dirt to concentrate.
Suggestions for detailing typical architectural precast
concrete panel joints include rounding corners,
recessing sealants and avoiding flush sealant joints.

5.2.2 Butt Joints

Butt joints are acceptable in all projects but the Unwanted shadow line at a panel butt joint.
treatment of the sealant in these butt joints can have Source: CPCI
a dramatic impact on the appearance of the project.
Placing the sealant flush with the face of the panels
is not recommended as it is difficult to keep the
sealant within the joint width and even more difficult
to maintain the face of the sealant bead flush with the
surface of the panels. On projects with smaller or more
complicated architectural panels, where variations in
panel thickness are difficult to detect or prevent in the
manufacturing process, butt joints can create unwanted
shadow lines which can appear on the body of the
panels, rather than in the joint area. Shadow lines can
also be exacerbated if panels bow. Both of these effects
can cause an undesirable visual appearance of the
panel assembly. In projects using complicated shaped
architectural precast panels it is advisable to avoid the Recessed or Reveal Joint. Source: CPCI
use of butt joints unless the panel sizes are relatively
small.

5.2.3 Chamfered and Chamfered Reveal Joints

Chamfered joints are a commonly used joint on structural and lower end architectural projects. The joint can
accommodate the typical variations due to acceptable construction tolerances on these types of projects. Panel
size, thickness and alignment issues can be hidden within the joint due to the offset of the sealant profile and the
wide visible joint line. Variations in width are less noticeable due to the overall width of the joint relative to width
of the sealant bead, and the depth of the joint sealant profile, recessed beyond the chamfer. The recessing of the
sealant bead within the joint recesses reduces joint sealant exposure and channels runoff. The chamfer on the
panel edges also reduces the chances of incidental panel edge damage causes by rough handling or shipping.
Chamfered joints are not normally used with high end finishes which require sharp crisp corners.

5.2.4 Recessed or Reveal Joints

An excellent architectural treatment of joints for custom architectural precast panels is the placement of a reveal
along the edge of the panel, creating what is referred to as a recessed or reveal joint. A slight slope on the sides of
the reveal, called draft, is required for neat and precise reveal formation. Reveal joints are preferred as the detailing
and construction can be more precise than chamfered joints and they can be designed to the same profile as the
reveals in the remainder of the panel. Recessed or reveal joints can accommodate the tolerances required for panel

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CHAPTER 5 Detailing for Success

thickness, but more importantly the shadows formed

within these joints minimize any adverse effects on the
aesthetic appearance of the panel and joint system. As
with the chamfered joint, making the joint appear wider
than it actually is, the variations are proportionately
reduced, and tend to make the differences more difficult
to detect. The depth of the reveal tends to mask slight
misalignment in the panels at the joints and by slightly
recessing the sealant, the profile of the joint can be
concealed. The cut away portion of the edge of the
panel for the reveal also reduces the chances of panel
Figure 5-1: Joint Types.
edge chipping.
Source M. E. Hachborn Engineering

5.3 Precast Concrete Panel Joint Design

5.3.1 Sealant Joints for Single Wythe Wall Panels
Based upon the principles of a drained assembly, sealant joints for single wythe precast concrete wall panels should
employ the two-stage joint configuration, with an inner air seal and an exterior weather seal. The inner seal also
serves as the second line of defense against moisture ingress. The space between the inner and outer seals is
vented to drain any moisture that penetrates the weather seal to the exterior (See Chapter 4).

Figure 5-2: Detail of Transverse Baffle Joint Locations. Source: M.E. Hachborn Engineering

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Figure 5-3: Details of a two-

stage joint at a drainage/vent
hole. Image copyright RDH
Building Science Inc., used
with permission

Figure 5-4: Details

of a two-stage joint
at a drainage/vent
hole. Source: Image
copyright RDH Building
Science Inc., used with
permission

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CHAPTER 5 Detailing for Success

Drainage is generally achieved by transverse sealant installation

in concert with the vent location. These transverse sealant
installations also serve to vertically compartmentalize the panel
joints and avoid the vertical movement of air in the gap between
sealant beads caused by wind, outside air turbulence and
stack effect. The transverse sealant detail should be installed
at regularly spaced intervals along the height of vertical joints,
typically 300 mm to 600 mm below or just above the junction
of the horizontal and vertical joints. Thus, any moisture that
does accumulate inside the joint will be lead out of the system
promptly and run down the face of the joint sealant and not
inside the joint or over the face of the panels. Transverse baffles
should also be provided in the horizontal joint at the mid span
of the panel in order to prevent the horizontal movement of air
within the joint space caused by differential air pressures around
the building due to wind.
Single wythe wall panels used in drained wall assemblies may
sometimes employ the single stage joint system, however this is
only encouraged for systems utilizing small handset panels (See
Section 2.2.2).

5.3.2 Sealant Joints for Double Wythe Vent and weep opening in sealant.
Insulated Wall Panels Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering

In double wythe insulated precast concrete wall panels, the inner

sealant bead is installed at the front face of the interior structural
wythe. This placement prevents cold exterior air from coming in contact with the warm interior wythe. The caulking
contractor should install both the interior and exterior sealant beads from the outside, and this should be indicated on
the drawings. To install the interior bead, the joint needs to be sufficiently wide to accommodate the extension nozzle
required for placement of the inner seal. While the interior face of the interior wythe (room side of the interior wythe) is
sometimes caulked for construction reasons to close in the building for finishing purposes (referred to as the construction
seal), it is optional and not necessary for proper performance of the two-stage joint system.
Key considerations and best practices include:
• Concise joint details should be shown on the architectural, shop and construction drawings.
• Continuity of the air seal must be carefully considered in three dimensions during design to make
sure the intended connections with other elements can actually be constructed.
• The two-stage joint concept requires good planning to install and inspect.
• The inner seal should be inspected prior to the installation of the exterior seal as it will be hidden
from view once the exterior weather seal is installed and the interior seal is the primary seal
dictating the performance of the envelope.
• The exterior weather seal prevents direct water entry.
• The interior air seal is protected from the deteriorating effects of ultraviolet light, direct wetting
and temperature extremes by the exterior weather seal, leading to longer service life. It also acts
as a secondary water seal when joined to the transverse seal which is tooled to the exterior at the
vent locations just below the horizontal panel joints and at the base of panels. This interior air seal
is exposed to a much reduced extension / compression requirement due to the relatively constant
temperature of the interior wythe.

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Figure 5-5: Sealant joint detailing for double wythe precast concrete insulated wall panel.
Image copyright RDH Building Science Inc., used with permission

Construction:
• Minimum concrete thickness of 100 mm for single wythe wall panels with two stage joints.
• Thermal movement and sealant capability must be considered in the determination of joint width.
Minimum panel-to-panel joint widths of 20 mm are recommended for single wythe panels, however
25 mm joints are preferred especially for double wythe precast concrete assemblies.
• Install the interior air seal from the exterior to avoid discontinuities at floor slabs, columns and
across shear walls. Placing sealant from the outside with the appropriate setbacks requires the use
of rollers and gauges to place the backer rod at the proper depth, long nozzles on sealant guns
and special tools for tooling the sealant and ensuring the bond between sealant and concrete is
sufficient to provide the required design service life.
• The backer rod must be sufficiently compressed in the joint to remain in place during tooling and
allow proper tooling of the sealant.
• A minimum 25 mm joint width is necessary to access the interior seal from the outside face of the
panel in double wythe precast concrete insulated wall panels.
• Drain and vent the vertical weather seal at approximately 300 mm to 600 mm below and just above
the intersection with the horizontal joints and at the base of panels. This directs any water flow

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CHAPTER 5 Detailing for Success

from the joint cavity down the sealant lines and controls panel staining. Joint vent openings should
be the full width of the joint and 25 mm high. The use of vent tubes to create the opening is not
recommended as they constrict the opening, fill with insects and may create accumulation of water
at the tube / sealant interface inside the panel joint.
• Baffles should also be installed in the horizontal joints at mid span of the panels to prevent the
horizontal movement of air in the joint space due to pressure differentials around the building
caused by wind. When drained precast panel assemblies are employed (not recommended), the
placement of baffles does not achieve the desired result as the air can pass the baffles by moving
through the drainage layer. See Figure 5-2.

5.3.3 Preferred Sealant Installation Practice

It had been common practice in the past with architectural precast concrete wall panels that the interior seal be
placed from the building interior. This is not recommended and is now discouraged as experience has shown that
many portions of the interior joint are not accessible from the interior and attempts to make the seal continuous
were not successful. Panel configuration and joint sizes should permit a careful applicator to successfully install
both the air barrier/vapour retarder seal and the weather barrier seal from the exterior of the building. For proper
installation of the interior seal from the outside, special tools are required which include rollers, depth gauges, an
extension nozzle on the caulking gun and longer and specially shaped tools for tooling the interior seal.
If the interior seal is installed from the interior, considerable expense is added to properly complete the interior seal
because all interruptions such as panel-to-panel plates, bolts and washers need to be sealed tight to prevent the
transfer of air and moisture and the seal must be completed at the roof line.
For large industrial type modular prestressed panels, the
interior face is often left exposed and will span from the
foundation to the roof. In these applications, installing an
additional interior seal referred to as a construction seal
may be desirable to reduce dirt accumulation in the joint.
The architect, building science consultant, precast
concrete manufacturer, erector, and sealant applicator
must all understand the function of the two-stage drained
joint if optimum results are to be achieved. The most
common mistakes made in the installation of two-stage
joints are; leaving gaps in the air vapour seal, making the
exterior weather seal airtight, and/or improperly venting or
draining the drained joint space. It is advisable to have a
meeting with the sealant subcontractor and all workers to
be employed by the sealant applicator on the project prior Interior-applied air/vapour sealant bead installed at
to any sealant being applied to ensure that all are aware panel joints and at panel connections. This is costly
of the details required and the consequences of failing to and not recommended. It is better to seal all joints
follow these details, including costs to remove and reinstall from the exterior. Source: CPCI
incorrectly installed sealant to the specified details.

5.3.4 Joint Sizing and Sealant Selection

Elastomeric sealants are installed at the joints between precast concrete panels as well as the interface of precast
wall panels and other cladding elements such as windows, doors, foundation walls, shear walls and floors slabs.
Correct joint width is influenced by the size of the adjacent panels on either side of the joint, the distance to the
point of fixity of the panels from the joint in question, the material properties of the panels and the sealant used,

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and the temperature at which the sealant is applied. Joint width is also influenced by the climatic conditions, the
structural loadings, and environmental loads such as wind and seismic conditions.
• Joint width (Jw) resulting from panel movement due to thermal fluctuations can be calculated with
the following simplified formula:
Jw = (100/Sm) x Ct x ∆T x L
such that,
Sm = sealant movement capacity, in per cent
Ct = coefficient of thermal linear expansion (typical value for concrete
14.5 x 10-6 m/m/°C (8 x 10-6 in/in/°F)
∆T = the range of maximum to minimum temperature, in ºC or ºF
L = effective panel length or height for
movement considerations (in millimetres
or inches). This length is normally
assumed to be the length of the largest
panel but should theoretically be the
largest distance between the points of
fixity of two adjacent panels.
Similar calculations can be carried out for the effects of
expansion/contraction due to moisture absorption in the
precast panels, frame deflection/shortening as well as
creep if it is a concrete structure. Construction tolerances
and seismic considerations should also be addressed, in
consultation with the building structural engineer. Most
panel configurations will likely defer to the minimum joints
sizes (presented below) that account for construction
tolerances, as well as minimum application width for Figure 5-6: Proper Joint Sealant Profile.
sealant installation. Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering
The minimum joint sizes that can be installed effectively,
efficiently and with a good chance of achieving the
published sealant service life are as follows:
• Jw ≥ 20 mm (3/4 in.) (single wythe precast
concrete panels)
• Jw ≥ 25 mm (1 in.) (double wythe insulated
precast concrete panels)
• Corner joints may be 30 mm wide to
accommodate the extra movement, bowing
and panel expansion often experienced at
these locations.
These minimum, nominal joint widths also account for
construction tolerances. Construction tolerances allow
for variations in precast panel size as well as variations in
site dimensions related to structural frame construction,
Figure 5-7: Proper Joint Sealant Profile.
member sizes and trueness of the structure to the
Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering

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CHAPTER 5 Detailing for Success

theoretical lines and dimensions. It is prudent to assume that any joint could have a tolerance of ±6 mm (± 1/4 in).
If the joint were to be up to 6 mm narrower than shown on the drawings, the joint sizes for single and double stage
joints would become a minimum of 13 mm (1/2 in.) and 19 mm (3/4 in.), respectively.
The key factors for determining the profile of sealant joints include:
The thickness of sealant at the centre of the sealant bead should be half the joint width. The thickness of the sealant
bead at the interface with the concrete or other material at each end should be between 3/4 and 1 times the joint width.
This profile allows the sealant to stretch and compress without causing undue stress in the body of the sealant bead
(cohesive failure) and along the edges of the sealant bead to the adjacent materials such as the precast or windows
(adhesive failure). The proper joint profile should be slightly concave on the surface to allow for a flush surface when
the joint closes and the sealant is compressed. The back face of the sealant is formed to a concave profile by the
backer rod. See Figure 5-7.
The sealant must be installed with a closed cell backer rod, typically polyethylene or polyurethane foam. The
backer rod serves as a bond breaker, as well as providing a substrate for tooling the sealant to the proper sealant
profile. The backer rod should be 25 per cent larger diameter than the joint width to ensure it is under compression
once placed into the joint and remains in place when the sealant is tooled. The backer rod should be located at
a consistent depth to ensure the proper sealant profile while providing a smooth and uniform face for aesthetics.
The sealant bead should also be carefully tooled without causing the sealant to push the backer rod out of place.
Proper sealant tooling is critical to ensure that the sealant is formed to the desired profile and the sealant is well
bonded to the precast concrete panels on both sides and for the entire length of the joint.

5.3.5 Structural Expansion (Contraction) Joints

Expansion joints must be designed for long term weather protection, for the appropriate movement, and
for appearance. In most cases this requires that special gasket materials be used, rather than sealants. The
requirements for expansion joints are otherwise similar to those listed above for normal panel to panel joints.
Specially designed expansion joints generally accommodate cumulative movements of large portions of a
structure, as well as differential expansion movement of adjacent wall materials. Joints should be designed to
be as simple as possible since an expansion joint may have to accommodate considerable movement. Although
these requirements may result in an appearance somewhat different from a normal joint, architects should consider
function over form for these situations.

Bellows-type expansion seal. Source: WBA Corp. Expandable foam expansion joint material.
Source: Emseal Corp.

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Materials for expansion joints must be chosen for their ability to absorb appreciable movement while maintaining
their primary function of controlling the movement of moisture and air. Bellows-type expansion seals and
expandable foam products can be sized to accommodate a wide range of joint widths.
The joint width should be increased where neoprene or other gasket or compression seals are used.

5.3.6 Seismic Storey Drift and the Effect on Joint Widths

In structures built in seismic zones, inter-storey drift can have a significant effect on the joint width. When the joints
are required to accommodate these seismic inter-storey drift values and remain functional following the design
event, joint widths are increased in order to stay within the allowable movement range of the sealants.
The larger the seismic inter-storey drift, the larger the joint width when full storey height panels are used. This may
require the joints to be sized beyond the recommended maximum joint width for the given sealant material. In
these cases, other materials, such as seismic seals, may be utilized to accommodate the required movements.
When panels are supported on one level, the panels move as a unit and joint widths are not affected by seismic
drift. However when the panels are supported at various levels, seismic drift needs to be considered in determining
the appropriate joint width. This is also true for panels that meet at perpendicular runs, or panels that interface
structural components such as columns, shear walls or stair wells and elevator shafts.
Joint width for seismic drift must be sized using the sealant movement ratios to accommodate the drift as well as
other considerations such as thermal movement of the adjacent panels.
Seismic seals are a special class of expansion joints in which the joints are generally quite large. They are commonly
used between new and existing construction and maintain the integrity of the building envelope while permitting
the structures to move from thermal expansion, wind drift and seismic motions without damage. Seismic joints are
designed to accommodate both vertical and horizontal movement.

5.3.7 Sealant Selection

The choice of sealant material is the most important factor affecting the long-term durability of the precast
concrete wall panel system. Typically more than one type of sealant can meet the primary performance
requirements of a particular project.
Primary performance requirements include:

1. Adhesion and compatibility with the substrates,

2. Accommodating anticipated joint movements, and
3. Delivering the required durability and aesthetics over the expected service life of the sealant.
Selecting a durable sealant which will tolerate the environmental stresses (expansion and contraction of panels,
ultraviolet exposure, temperature cycling, continuous wetting and drying, etc.) is critical to minimize future
maintenance requirements. As such, in the sealant selection process, the emphasis should always be on sealant
durability, rather than on initial material cost. The additional cost for a superior sealant will be a small portion of
the total cost of the building, and should always preclude the use of cheaper sealants chosen solely on price. The
cost of replacing the sealant is far greater than the added cost of choosing the best available product at the time of
construction.
Key considerations when choosing a sealant:
• The typical sealant materials used for precast concrete panel joints are polyurethanes (single
and multi-component), single component silicones and hybrids (a combination of silicones and
polyurethanes). Although polysulfide sealant was widely used in the past, it is not common today.

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Of the three types in common use today,

silicones and hybrids are preferred, as
they are better able to tolerate high
temperatures, ultraviolet radiation
and have a higher range of installation
temperatures as well as providing
superior durability and service life.
• Care must be taken to avoid sealant
bleeding into porous substrates.
• Acetoxy cure sealants should be
avoided, due to chemical incompatibility
between the sealant which is acidic and
Sample testing of installed sealant to confirm proper
the concrete which is basic, resulting
dimensions. Source: Morrison Hershfield
in poor bond to the precast concrete
substrate.
• Product data sheets provide typical
guidelines on adhesion to most
common substrates. While many
sealants are compatible with concrete,
the compatibility, adhesion, cleaning
requirements and need for primer
should always be confirmed, in writing,
with the manufacturer before specifying
a product.
• Sealants are either a neutral
(atmospheric moisture) cure or solvent
cure material. The compatibility of a
Sample testing of installed sealant to confirm proper
specific sealant with all other sealing
dimensions. Note sealant bead is far too thin in this
products to which they will be required
instance. Source: Morrison Hershfield
to adhere to should be reviewed
during the construction mock-up
stage of a given project to ensure that
incompatibility is avoided prior to
installation.
• If different sealants are applied to
or come in contact with each other,
it is necessary to review the order of
construction and the compatibility of
sealants curing at the same time. The
designer therefore must select and
coordinate all of the sealants used on
a project for chemical compatibility
and adhesion to each other. In general,
contact between incompatible sealant
types can be avoided by having one Sample testing of installed sealant to confirm proper
sealant contractor perform panel and dimensions. Bead is far too thin at the center, and
window sealant application with the bond edges are too narrow in this instance.
same sealant material. Source: Morrison Hershfield

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• The application conditions are critical. High relative humidity and moisture within the concrete
panels may lead to premature adhesion failure of the sealant to the precast substrate. It is important
to ensure that the surfaces are dry, and the air and substrate temperature at the time of application
are within the manufacturer’s recommended range. Priming must also conform to the sealant
manufacturer’s requirements.
• Single component polyurethanes, hybrids and silicones should comply with the requirements of
CAN/CGSB 19.13-M87, “Sealing Compound, One Component, Elastomeric Chemical Curing”
(CGSB, 1987). Multi- component polyurethanes should comply with the requirements of CAN/CGSB
19.24-M90, “Multi-component, Chemical-Curing Compound” (CGSB, 1990). The following material
properties and requirements should be incorporated into the 07900 specification for sealants
applied to precast concrete joints:
u Panel edges must be clean, dry and free of any deleterious material that may affect the adhesion
of the sealant. The sealant should be allowed to cure without direct exposure to precipitation.
u Sealant movement capability should be at least 25 per cent or as required by the design
movement parameters determined for the specific application in relation to the joint size.
u Sealant materials should have demonstrated performance capability, in terms of adhesion and
elasticity, after testing for 2,000–5,000 hours of ultraviolet, accelerated exposure, according to
ASTM C793, the Standard Test Method for Effects of Laboratory Accelerated Weathering on
Elastomeric Joint Sealants (ASTM, 2010).
• Sealant tensile adhesion can be tested in accordance with ASTM C1135, the Standard Test Method
for Determining Tensile Adhesion Properties of Structural Sealants (ASTM, 2011). Adhesion in peel
can be tested in accordance with ASTM C794, the Standard Test Method for Adhesion-in-Peel of
Elastomeric Joint Sealants (ASTM, 2010).
• Most sealants are manufactured and supplied with compatible proprietary primers. The necessity
for primer application can be determined by field testing for sealant adhesion. A simple method
for determining the adhesion of a specific sealant for application into a given joint would be to
create a construction mock-up that would also incorporate other critical building envelope details,
and include a typical sealant joint. Once the sealant is cured, cut the sealant at each side of the
joint—100 mm (4 in.) long—and at the top. Pull out the sealant to review its profile, noting the
dimensions. Then pull on the sealant at a 45-degree angle of incidence from the wall plane. The
sealant should not fail in adhesion or cohesion before the sealant reaches its design movement
capability.
• Elasticity can be measured by testing in accordance with ASTM D412, the Standard Test Methods
for Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic Elastomers – Tension (ASTM, 2013).
• Joint movement capability is tested to ASTM C719, the Standard Test Method for Adhesion and
Cohesion of Elastomeric Joint Sealants under Cyclic Movement (ASTM 2013).
• Field adhesion tests using ASTM C1521 Standard Practice for Evaluating Adhesion of Installed
Weatherproofing Sealant Joints (ASTM, 2013). These tests will determine the adhesion of the
sealant with each contact surface.
• Most hybrid, silicone and polyurethane sealants are suitable for precast concrete panel joints
provided they have a medium to low modulus of elasticity.
• Sealants that have the potential to cause staining tend to be silicone-based, with a high content of
oils that can leach out of the sealant over time. If staining of the substrate is a concern, then one of
two tests can be conducted: ASTM C510 Standard Test Method for Staining and Color Change of
Single or Multi-component Joint Sealants (ASTM, 2011) or ASTM C1248 Standard Test Method for

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CHAPTER 5 Detailing for Success

Staining of Porous Substrate by Joint Sealants (ASTM, 2012).

• Sealants are available in an assortment of colours. However, the neutral colours tend to provide less
noticeable accumulation of dirt and/or fading. Sealant manufacturers should be consulted on the
application proposed. They should provide testing services including for adhesion and staining of
the substrate as well as certification that the sealant was installed according to their requirements
and the appropriate warranties.
Early testing will prevent most problems. Performing these evaluations early in the project schedule prior to the
sealant application being required provides a method for obtaining feedback on installation workmanship and
modifications can be implemented before commencement of sealant application on the building.
ASTM C1521 (ASTM, 2013) provides guidance for two tests. The first is non-destructive and consists of applying
pressure to the surface of the sealant at the center of the joint, and the bond line, with a probing tool. The
second procedure involves removing sealant to evaluate adhesion and cohesion. This test offers `tail’ and/or
`flap’ procedures, depending on whether similar or different substrates are present on adjacent surfaces of the
sealant joint. Applying new sealant to the test area should repair the sealant pulled from the test area. Assuming
good adhesion was obtained, the applicator will then use the same application procedure to repair the areas
originally sealed. Care should be taken to ensure that the new sealant is in contact with the original sealant so that
a good bond between the new and old sealants will be obtained. ASTM C1521 can be used to evaluate installed
sealant during mock-ups, at the start of work to confirm application methods, and throughout the work to confirm
installation consistency. It provides guidelines for the frequency of destructive testing when evaluation is part of
a quality assurance program for a new installation. All results should be recorded, logged and sent to the sealant
manufacturer for warranty issuance.
In addition to the above standard, ASTM C1193, the Standard Guide for Use of Joint Sealants (ASTM, 2013) can
be of use to the designer and sealant installer, as it provides guidelines on the properties and functions of various
materials and procedures for cleaning, priming and sealant application, considering environmental conditions
during installation that may impact the sealant performance. Ultimately, the manufacturer’s requirements must be
consulted and adhered to in order to achieve the expected performance and keep the manufacturer’s warranty
valid.
A list of recommended sealant products for performance and quality in precast panel joints is available from
precast manufacturers. It is very important to involve the sealant manufacturer in the product selection process
for each project such that proper adhesion testing can be conducted and appropriate requirements can then be
added to the specifications. Sealant testing by manufacturers for compatibility, adhesion, and to assess the risk
of staining is always recommended. In addition, field testing is also highly recommended to ensure proper joint
installation.

5.3.8 Joint Preparation

The edges of precast concrete wall panels and the adjacent materials must be sound, smooth, clean, and dry prior
to sealant application. They must be free of frost, dust, laitance or other contaminants that may affect adhesion
such as form release agents, retarders, or sealers. These contaminants must be removed by sandblasting or
grinding prior to sealant application to ensure good adhesion to the precast concrete. It may be more economical
and effective to prepare joint surfaces at the manufacturer’s plant prior to shipping and installation if a large
number of units require surface preparation.

5.3.9 Primers
Some sealants require primer on all substrates while others require primer for specific substrates or none at all.
Absence of a required primer will cause premature sealant adhesion failure. Primers often help sealant adhesion in
cold weather and are recommended by the sealant manufacturer for the following reasons:

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• To enhance adhesion of sealants to porous surfaces or to reinforce the surface.

• To promote adhesion of sealants to surfaces such as porcelain enamel, unusual types of glass,
certain metals and finishes, and wood.
• To promote adhesion of sealants to an existing surface treatment that is difficult to remove or to
other sealants that resist adhesion once fully cured.
Special care should be exercised to avoid staining the visible face of the precast concrete unit since some primers
leave an amber colour when brushed along the surface. This staining, if present and noticeable, will have to be
mechanically removed at additional cost.
Primer should be allowed to cure before application of the sealant, and generally the sealant must be applied the
same day the surfaces are primed. It is recommended, for compatibility, that the sealant and primer should always
be supplied by the same manufacturer.
An important basic fact is that primers will almost always result in better sealant adhesion and long-term durability.
All parties, including the architect and the owner must be consulted in any discussion to delete the primer. This
must only be done after careful consideration of the trade-offs between initial construction cost and long-term
durability, maintenance and repair costs.

5.3.10 Cold Weather Sealant Applications

The application temperature of sealants can be a critical factor affecting their performance, and in particular,
their adhesion to the substrate. For many sealants, the application temperature is limited to a minimum of 4ºC.
Special measures may be available for application at colder temperatures. For high performance sealants, this is
modified to include temperatures as low as -29ºC (-20ºF). It is however recommended that joints be sealed when
the substrate surface is cool (spring and fall) and will experience minimum temperature change, typically in the
late afternoon or early evening. Large daily temperature swings during curing (warm days, cold nights) may cause
adhesive failure and unusual and inconsistent joint profiles. Minimum storage temperature requirements may also
apply.
The other consideration with cold weather sealant application is the range of movement the sealant will be
required to resist. When the joint is sealed in colder weather, the sealant joint will experience more compression
than tension as the substrate will have a higher expansion movement than contraction movement which will cause
the joint to narrow more than it will widen. Although this reduces the adhesion forces required to maintain contact
with the sides of the joint, the sealant may bulge more than anticipated and if the joints are at the lower tolerance
of width, the sealant could be crushed in the joint.
Problems during cold weather application, such as difficulty applying the sealant or poor bonding to the substrate,
can be related to the following three situations:
• The substrate may be covered with frost or a thin film of ice that is often too thin to be seen. This
can be caused by humidity condensing on the surface of the substrate as a result of the breathing of
installation personnel or the leaking of warm moist air from the interior of the building.
• The sealant may be too cold to properly wet the substrate.
• The sealant may be too stiff to “gun” or tool at extremely low temperatures.
Of these, the thin film of ice presents the biggest challenge. The others are overcome by warming the sealant to
the temperature range recommended by the manufacturer prior to installation.
When sealant is applied to a substrate at temperatures below 0°C (32°F), even if the ice or frost is melted, the
resulting film of water will remain and act as a separator, and then simply freeze again. The application of sealants
to wet substrates is never recommended.

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One advantage of a construction seal being used during

colder periods is the reduction in the accumulation of
condensation and frost in the joints due to warm moist air
flow through the joints when the building is temporarily
heated while under construction. It is also done when
the backs of the panels are exposed to view and thereby
prevent the accumulation of debris in the joint space.
Proper sealing applications can be achieved at low
temperatures if proper care is taken. Since a clean and
dry substrate is fundamental to achieving good adhesion
of a primer or sealant, once the ice is melted and the
surface dried, the substrate can be cleaned with acetone
or methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), or wire brushing the
surfaces immediately before application, making sure to
clean the surface of any resulting dirt, dust and debris.
Refer to specific product data sheets for further surface
Do not carry exposed aggregate into joint location.
preparation instructions. All of these procedures require
Source: CPCI
additional expense by the sealant applicator and must be
allowed for if the sealant is to be applied in less than ideal
conditions.
To rush the sealant application in less than ideal
conditions to gain a few days in schedule is not advisable
and may result in a less than ideal sealant application and
possible sealant failure in the future. It is important that
all parties be aware of the potential for sealant failure
if the installation is rushed and not applied in proper
conditions.

5.3.11 Other Considerations

The surface finish requirements of the panel may also
influence joint details. Sealant must be applied to a
relatively smooth surface since it is difficult to tool the
sealant to achieve intimate contact with an irregular
Do not carry exposed aggregate into joint location.
surface. For example, with exposed aggregate surfaces,
Source: CPCI
the sealant must be set back from the face of the
exposed aggregate such that the portion of the matrix
along the joint presents a smooth, clean surface for the application of the sealant. This is particularly true when
interfacing with windows and can be ensured when the design includes recessed external joints. When exposed
aggregate surfaces meet at an inside corner special attention must be paid to the joint details and to the finish.
Sealants should not be applied to beveled or chamfered surfaces but should be applied beyond the beveled area
at the smooth surface. Sealant should be applied to parallel surfaces to create a consistent width of sealant joint.
This will ensure that the sealant stresses are uniform across the sealant profile, reducing the chances of cohesion
and adhesion failure. V-shaped joints are prone to failure due to the uneven stresses across the sealant bead.
All reveals that return into window and door openings should be stopped short of the sealant bead location to
ensure a continuous bead of sealant along the edges of the window and/or door frame. The same applies to
reveals at interfaces with other materials. The straighter the sealant bead line, the more likely the bead will be
constructed properly and perform as intended.

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5.3.12 Sealant Backer Rod

Proper selection, sizing and use of backing material
(backer rod) is essential for the satisfactory performance
of watertight joints. For sealants to perform to their
optimum movement parameters, they must not
adhere to the backer rod. Sealant backer rod materials
such as closed cell expanded polyethylene, open
cell polyurethane, or non-gassing polyolefin are
recommended for horizontal and vertical joints with a
minimum of 25% compression of the backer rod.
It is critical to have adequate compression of the backer
rod to ensure the backer rod will remain in place in the
joint and not be dislodged or moved during sealant
installation and tooling. Joint backer rod must remain
under compression at all stages of joint movement, to Loose backer rod. Backer rod too small for joint size,
ensure support for the sealant bead. When inserting resulting in improper sealant application.
polyethylene backer rod, a blunt tool or roller should Source: Morrison Hershfield
be used to avoid skin puncture of the backer rod and
possible off-gassing, which may cause blistering of
the sealant. In addition, the joint backing must be
thoroughly dry. Only backing material that can be
covered with sealant in the same day should be installed
in the joints.

5.3.13 Installation and Tooling of Sealants

Sealant installation should be specified to meet the
requirements of ASTM C1193 (ASTM, 2013). The sealant
manufacturer should always be consulted regarding
mixing, surface preparation, priming, application
procedure, and life expectancy of the sealant. In
addition, application by a qualified sealant applicator
is one of the most important factors for satisfactory
performance. Caulking guns should have a nozzle of
proper size and should provide sufficient pressure to Loose backer rod. Backer rod too small for joint size.
completely fill the joint in one pass. Joint filling should Note also that improper panel alignment has resulted
be done carefully and completely, by thoroughly in a wide range of panel joint sizes.
working the sealant into the joint since under-filling of Source: Morrison Hershfield
joints normally leads to adhesion failure. After joints
have been completely filled, they should be neatly
tooled to ensure adequate adhesion, create an adequate profile, eliminate air pockets or voids, and to provide a
smooth sealant bead. Tooling provides a slightly concave joint surface which improves the sealant configuration
and performance, and achieves a visually satisfactory finish even when the joint has closed due to panel
expansion. Joint tooling should be performed within the allowable tooling time limit for the particular sealant as
recommended by the sealant manufacturer to ensure the sealant bead does not wrinkle and become unsightly. The
final surface of the sealant should be full, smooth, free of ridges, wrinkles, sags and air pockets, and any embedded
impurities.

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Dry tooling is the only acceptable method for creating a proper sealant
joint. Tooling solutions such as water, soaps, oils, or alcohols should not
be used unless specifically approved by the sealant manufacturer since
they may interfere with sealant curing and adhesion, and may also create
aesthetic issues.
Uncured silicone or polyurethane sealants should never be allowed
to contact surfaces such as polished granites, metal or glass. During
installation these surfaces must be masked, or care taken to prevent
sealant contact since excess sealant cannot be completely removed
with organic or chlorinated solvents. Once a sealant contacts an exposed
surface, it will leave a film that may change the aesthetic surface
characteristics of the substrate. Surfaces contaminated with sealant
materials should be cleaned as work progresses, since removal is likely to
be more difficult after the sealant has cured. A solvent or cleaning agent
recommended by the sealant manufacturer should be used to remove
sealant where not desirable.

5.3.14 Durability of Sealants

While sealant life varies by product type and cost, the durability of the
sealant used should be weighted heavily to ensure a substantial service
Good quality sealant joint between
life. Manufacturer warranties should always be consulted. Once a sealant
precast panels. Source: CPCI
has reached 50% of its life expectancy, joints should be routinely inspected
for potential degradation and possible failure, and be repaired promptly
as required. Silicones have the longest warranties of the commonly used
products.
The actual sealant material cost typically represents less than 25 percent of the installed cost of the sealant.
The sealant contract typically represents less than 10 percent of the waterproofing costs of a structure and
waterproofing of the structure typically represents less than 5 percent of the total cost of the structure. The decision
to use the best sealant available may represent a 50 percent increase in the cost of the sealant material, amounting
to less than 0.06 percent of the overall project cost but may increase the service life of the sealant from 5 to 25
years and reduce the maintenance costs significantly. On a $50,000,000 project the additional costs would represent
$30,000 or $1,200 per year over the 25 year service life. However, the replacement cost of the sealant in 5 years
would be in the order of $500,000. From an economics perspective, the use of the best sealant available is simply
the only way to proceed.

5.4 Details Overview

The details that follow illustrate architectural precast concrete assemblies in many different configurations, and
when interfacing with other assemblies. Each plan or section detail displays the various components normally
associated with typical Canadian and North American construction.
These details do not address all possible situations that may arise, rather they include a selection of precast panel
types and junctions that can occur on typical buildings. These details illustrate the application of the design
principles previously discussed. The designer can determine the details required for their specific application from
a review of those illustrated here.
The particular design parameters are subjective. Each building design requires an analysis of its unique set of
conditions. Each building has a different combination of interior environment, exterior exposure, desired esthetics
and service life, all of which have an impact on the building design. One common feature is that the design must

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be constructible, which means that the materials and the sequence of construction must be considered as part of
the design process.
The following parameters are common to all details:
• The panels are non-load bearing from a primary building structure perspective except details 4A,
4B, and 14A.
• The panels are assembled with two-stage joints, which consist of a “weather seal” installed at the
exterior face of single wythe wall panels or double wythe insulated wall panels, and an “air seal”
installed at the interior of single wythe wall panels or at the outer face of the inner structural wythe
in double wythe insulated wall panel construction. The line of the weather seal and air seals in the
panel joints beyond the panel sections is shown as a dotted line and identified as a bold blue and
green solid line respectively in each section.
• Generally, the “weather seal” and “air seal” are installed from the exterior for continuity of
application. When continuity problems around columns, floors and anchors can be avoided,
installation may effectively be completed from the interior.
It is important to understand that these details are intended to illustrate possible configurations for typical
construction. They are not intended for any specific project and the designer, precaster, authority having
jurisdiction, and contractor must ensure that the actual panel and wall assembly reflects the following;
• The intended use of the facility
• The local climate
• Building, fire, and energy code minimum requirements
• Aesthetic requirements
• The owner’s project specific requirements
• Local construction market capabilities
• Reasonable design practice
The details are divided into two main sets, one for single wythe precast concrete wall panels and one for double
wythe precast concrete insulated wall panels. For each detail, a description is provided that indicates the materials
providing the major building envelope performance characteristics:
• Precipitation management (indicated by a bold blue line)
• Air barrier (indicated by a bold green line)
• Heat flow management (indicated by a varying width yellow line, the width representing the relative
thermal performance at that point)
• Vapour management (indicated by a bold purple line)

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Detail drawing 5-1: Single wythe precast panel—bottom bearing and lateral foundation wall
connection. Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering

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Detail drawing 5-2: Single wythe precast panel—lateral foundation wall connection.
Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering

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Detail drawing 5-3: Single wythe precast panel—suspended soffit. Source: M. E. Hachborn
Engineering

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Detail drawing 5-4: Single wythe precast panel—slab bearing connection. Source: M. E. Hachborn
Engineering

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Detail drawing 5-4a: Single wythe precast panel—slab bearing connection total precast.
Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering

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Detail drawing 5-4b: Single wythe precast panel—slab bearing connection total precast.
Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering

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Detail drawing 5-5: Single wythe precast panel—lateral connection at parapet.

Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering

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Detail drawing 5-6: Single wythe precast panel—window head/sill connection.

Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering

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Detail drawing 5-7: Single wythe precast panel—window jamb connection.

Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering

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Detail drawing 5-8: Single wythe precast panel—connection to curtain wall jamb.
Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering

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Detail drawing 5-9: Single wythe precast panel—connection to EIFS cladding.

Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering

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Detail drawing 5-10: Connection to precast panel—junction at brick veneer cladding.

Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering

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Detail drawing 5-11: Single wythe precast panel—projecting exterior column cover.
Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering

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Detail drawing 5-12: Double wythe precast panel—bottom bearing foundation wall connection.
Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering

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Detail drawing 5-13: Double wythe precast panel—suspended soffit and lateral connection.
Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering

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Detail drawing 5-14: Double wythe precast panel—bearing connection to slab edge.
Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering

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Detail drawing 5-14a: Double wythe precast panel—bearing connection total precast.
Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering

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Detail drawing 5-15: Double wythe precast panel—lateral connection at parapet.

Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering

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Detail drawing 5-16: Double wythe precast panel—connection to door head.

Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering

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Detail drawing 5-17: Double wythe precast panel—connection to door jamb.

Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering

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Detail drawing 5-18: Double wythe precast panel—window head/sill connection.

Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering

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Detail drawing 5-19: Double wythe precast panel—connection to curtain wall.

Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering

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Detail drawing 5-20: Double wythe precast panel—service penetrations.

Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering

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Detail drawing 5-21: Double wythe precast panel—connection to brick veneer cladding.
Source: M. E. Hachborn Engineering

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CHAPTER 6 The Design, Tender &
Construction Process

6.1 Quality Assurance and the Design and Construction Process

Quality assurance (QA), in the context of the building envelope, is defined as the process used to ensure that the
constructed building envelope meets all of the performance requirements. The process includes quality control
measures at the precast fabrication facility as well as systematic application of fundamental project quality control
initiatives by all parties (including the owner, design team and general and trade contractors).
Quality control measures include the provision of construction review to determine general compliance to the
design and contract documents, and material specific testing or sampling to confirm compliance to performance
requirements of the design. Proper coordination of trades, sequencing of work, review of shop drawings, and
effective communication between parties are examples of fundamental quality control initiatives that are required
to ensure the overall success of the project.
Materials to be used and methods to be followed for the manufacture, transport and erection of architectural, plant
manufactured, precast concrete is governed by CSA standard A23.4, Precast Concrete – Materials and construction
(CSA, 2016). This standard specifies construction tolerances for wall panels (including main panel dimensions and
joints between panels), procedures for fabrication and placement of reinforcement and hardware, concrete cover
to reinforcement, concrete quality and procedures for concrete placement, curing and finishing. The designer and
specifier should become familiar with this standard, especially with regards to items that directly impact the design,
such as manufacturing tolerances.
Certification of architectural and structural precast concrete is a legal requirement of the National Building Code
of Canada and the provincial building codes by reference to CSA Standard A23.3, Design of Concrete Structures
(CSA, 2004) and to CSA Standard A23.4, Precast Concrete–Materials and construction (CSA, 2014).
CSA Standard A23.3, Clause 16.2.1 states (CSA, 2014):
“All precast elements within the scope of this standard shall be manufactured and erected in
accordance with the requirements of CSA Standard A23.4”.
CSA Standard A23.4-16, Clause 4.2 Certification requires:
Precast concrete elements produced and installed in accordance with this Standard shall be produced by
prequalified manufacturers.

Notes:
1) Annex A provides guidance on the requirements for a prequalification program.
2) Users may request that conformity assessment of precast concrete products or elements to this
Standard be performed by an organization accredited to do so.

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It is recommended that only precasters who are certified according to the CPCI Precast Concrete Certification
Program be allowed to bid. Any issues arising from CPCI certified producers may be brought to the independent
and third party Quality Assurance Council (QAC) for resolution. Other programs have no such resolution process.
The CPCI certification program is committed to delivering safe and cost-effective building and infrastructure
products to support Canada’s growing infrastructure demands. If you are an owner or specifier and have a concern
about the quality of the precast from a CPCI certified plant, you can download the Quality Concern Reporting
Form at http://www.precastcertification.ca/en/certification_program/#p1 and return the completed form to
[email protected]. All concerns are kept confidential with the CPCI Quality Assurance
Council (QAC).
The following are quality assurance activities that should be undertaken for all projects with architectural precast
concrete wall panels:
• Architect should review client’s output specification
• Independent consultant should review architectural specification to ensure compliance with the
client’s output specification
• Development of a precast concrete panel specification; see section 6.3 below for general
specification requirements
• Precast panel shop drawing review by the project architect of record and by an independent
building envelope consultant to ensure compliance to the client’s output specification (This is very
important to ensure that all building envelope requirements have been met)
• Sample review by the owner and/or the project architect
• Mock-up review by the owner and/or the project architect and the building envelope consultant
• Periodic plant review of panel manufacture by architect or building envelope consultant
• Periodic field review and final construction review by the precast engineer to ensure connections
are completed as detailed and panel articulation will not adversely affect panel and sealant
performance
• Periodic field review and final construction review by the owner and/or architect and the building
envelope consultant
• Warranty review, prior to expiration of the warranty period, as required in the project contract

6.2 Detailing
Architectural detailing is an important task to be undertaken by the designer of record. Performance considerations
need to be well understood and communicated to the contractor before implementation by the contractor. As with
other building envelope systems, the successful performance of precast concrete assemblies relies on details that
consider the following building science components described in detail in Chapter 4:
• Air barrier continuity
• Water penetration management
• Thermal insulation and minimizing thermal bridging
• Vapour diffusion control
The details need to accommodate structural movement, construction tolerances, and access for sealant
installation. Refer to Chapter 5 for more information on panel edge design and joint design. Examples of key
details that should be considered for every precast concrete design package include (as applicable to the project):
• Precast panel-to-precast panel joint design – both plan (vertical joints) and section details
(horizontal joints)

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• Base of wall detail at grade (joint of precast panels to foundation wall)

• Base of wall detail at roof (joint of precast panels to a roof assembly)
• Head of wall details at roof parapets (termination of precast panels at the top of a wall)
• Head, jamb and sill details at window openings (joints between precast panels and windows, all
around windows)
• Head, jamb and sill details at curtain wall interfaces (joints between precast panels and curtain wall,
all around curtain wall sections)
• Head and jamb details at door openings (joints between precast panels and door frames)
• Details at wall penetrations (for HVAC equipment openings, electrical openings, etc)
Other project-specific details may apply.

6.3 Specifications
A sample specification for architectural precast concrete panels can be found on the CPCI website
(http://www.cpci.ca/en/resources/specifications/). The sample specification for architectural precast concrete
wall panels is intended to be read in conjunction with the details provided in this best practice guide. Neither the
details nor the specifications purport to illustrate the only design tools available for the construction of architectural
precast. The architectural design team must interact with precasters during design development to review samples
and select the form, texture and final finishes. Specifiers and designers should obtain information regarding local
availability of materials and finishes, manufacturing methods and limitations, and historical evidence of satisfactory
performance for specified materials.
The following paragraphs present information that precast concrete specifications should address, as well as issues
which the specifier and designer should give particular attention:
1. Performance requirements, including, but not limited to, general conformance with the applicable
building code, as well as structural requirements, thermal insulation, maximum air leakage rates,
tolerances, deflection and clearance allowances, as applicable to the project,
2. Fabrication and erection to be conducted in conformance with relevant standards,
3. Certification of the precast manufacturer through the CPCI Precast Concrete Certification Program,
and minimum experience requirements for both the precaster, the precast erector and the
sealant applicator. Refer to the CPCI Architectural Precast Concrete Specification,
http://www.cpci.ca/en/resources/specifications/,
4. Samples that illustrate surface finish, colour and texture, aggregates, pigments, finish depth, patterns,
form liners, reveal profiles, joint treatment, for review and approval by the owner and/or design team.
This includes range and repair samples,
5. Shop drawings by the precaster, with information on concrete to be used, associated materials
(reinforcing steel and required corrosion protection, sealants, and other components under the
responsibility of the precast contractor), connection details, and details showing not only embedments
but may also include details at transitions with adjacent systems. Final shop drawings shall bear the
stamp and signature of a professional engineer registered or licensed in the jurisdiction,
6. Inspection and testing of plant placed concrete and materials, in accordance with CSA A23.4. Optional
testing may include, but is not limited to the following tests; tests to determine the suitability of
colouring pigments, coarse and fine aggregate tests, structural testing of connection hardware, concrete
slump, air void system, concrete compressive strength, and testing for facing materials such as brick,
stone or other materials when used,

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7. Field mock-up, of a given size and location, as selected by the consultant, including typical structural
connections, finishes in accordance with approved samples, joint sealant installation and performance
testing,
8. Delivery, storage and protection, in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements to avoid staining
and damage to panels,
9. Materials, for concrete mixes; cement type, aggregates, reinforcement, chemical admixtures, pigments.
The precast manufacturer is responsible for design of the concrete mix, which must be proportioned to
meet the specified properties. The specified properties should meet the performance requirements of
CSA-A23.1 and CSA-A23.4. A minimum mix design based on exposure classification F-2 (concrete in an
unsaturated condition exposed to freezing and thawing) should be specified. This exposure classification
is appropriate for exterior wall panels in areas not subjected to chlorides (deicing chemicals). A more
severe exposure class may be warranted, for precast panels exposed to seawater spray, deicing salts
at grade, or other corrosive environments (C-1). Manufacturing requirements, such as the need to
often remove forms within 24 hours of casting, may govern the actual mix design, including the use of
supplementary cementitious materials and high early strength cement,
10. Support devices and accessories. Zinc plating or hot dipped galvanizing of precast anchors, support
and lifting hardware is recommended as the minimum required level of corrosion protection. Stainless
steel hardware may also be used, but is only necessary in extreme cases. The preference is for bolted
connections as opposed to field welding, which can negatively affect the corrosion protection of the
support hardware, and may also make future removal and relocation or replacement more difficult if and
when required,
11. Manufacturing capabilities of local precast facilities and historical evidence of long-term performance
of the desired finish are important considerations for the designer. Available manufacturing expertise,
techniques and practices should be discussed. Consultation with the manufacturing plants in the
preliminary design stages is always recommended,
12. Fabrication requirements, including tolerances, and source quality control and testing, with reference to
relevant standards (refer to relevant standards and CPCI’s Architectural Precast Concrete Specification
http://www.cpci.ca/en/resources/specifications/
13. Execution, including; examination of existing conditions prior to panel installation, preparation of
temporary bracing, and erection activities, including panel alignment, structural welding, touching up of
damaged finishes and sealant installation,
14. Repair techniques in the plant and field, and
15. Cleaning, if required, of installed work, and provision of documentation relating to maintenance
requirements. Refer to the guide document Maintenance and Inspection Manual for Precast Concrete
Building Enclosures, by RDH Building Science Inc., relevant standards, and CPCI’s Architectural Precast
Concrete Specification, http://www.cpci.ca/en/resources/specifications/.

6.4 Tender
6.4.1 Samples
Each precaster intending to bid should be required to provide pre-bid colour and finish samples showing the
panel colours and textures (sample size generally 300 mm x 300 mm). Technical descriptions of the concrete mix,
aggregates and finishes should be provided and checked against the specifications. This prequalifies the precaster
and allows competitive bids from firms with adequate capability.

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6.4.2 Pre-Bid Conference

Complete contract drawings should be provided to the bidders prior to this conference. Incomplete drawings
will lead to additional costs due to allowances being added for unknown conditions. Missing details may also
lead to additional charges for extras once the project has been awarded due to misunderstood conditions, some
of which may have already been allowed for with the above noted allowances. Approved precasters and the
general contractors should meet with the design team prior to the award of the precast contract to clarify any
unclear conditions or details, review material sources, production capability and schedules. Requirements for shop
drawings, design submittals and mock-up panels should be reviewed, as per the contract documents.

6.4.3 Contract Award

Once the bids have been evaluated and the contract awarded, the contract requirements should be reviewed
with the successful bidder immediately following award. If bids are found to be incomplete, the precaster should
be disqualified and dismissed and the next bid reviewed. Under no circumstances should incomplete bids be
accepted.

Shop Drawings
Prior to the commencement of precast shop drawing preparation, complete architectural and structural drawings
are required. All details should be fully developed and included in the contract drawing set. Failure to provide
these details at this time may lead to additional costs to the contract due to longer detailing duration and extras
charged by the precast manufacturer and sub trades during construction.
Shop drawings are normally produced by the precast manufacturer. The necessity of accurate shop drawings,
proper coordination by the general contractor and architect, and the thorough review of these drawings by the
architect and all trades is paramount. Many issues need to be carefully considered and incorporated into the
design prior to final approval for production. Examples include review of dimensions, location and tolerance for
connections (for loading on the structure), interface tolerances, and connection interference with the structure
and other elements such as windows and adjacent building envelope assemblies. The inclusion of mechanical
openings, electrical openings and window attachment devices will save all parties time and money during
precast erection and other component construction. Site lifting equipment capacities and access also need to be
considered. Incomplete architectural drawings and frequent drawing changes will cause delays and increase the
cost of the project.
Preparation of shop drawings stamped by a qualified professional engineer is the responsibility of the precast
manufacturer. Requirements for the shop drawings are specified in CSA A23.3 and CSA A23.4. Shop drawings
include general arrangement drawings, erection drawings, connection details, and cast in place and/or pre-weld
hardware drawings showing the location of embedded or pre-welded hardware to the structure. Internal plant
drawings for connection hardware and production drawings for the individual precast panel elements are also
required for production to proceed.
The prime consultant, typically the project architect, is responsible for the review of the precast manufacturer’s shop
drawing submissions and coordination with the design team. The general contractor is responsible for coordination
with the various trades.
A key element in the shop drawing review process is to ensure proper coordination of the work of other trades,
particularly at interfaces between the precast wall panels and other building envelope assemblies and components
such as windows, louvers, electrical devices and roofing materials. The location and detail of the precast anchors
to the structural frame of the building should be reviewed by the structural engineer, and the details developed to
maintain the integrity of the building envelope should be reviewed by the building envelope consultant.

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Window shop drawings should be reviewed in conjunction with the precast shop drawings. Responsibility for
continuity of thermal insulation or connection of the air barrier and vapour barrier between the precast and
adjacent building envelope assemblies should be defined on the project drawings and coordinated between the
trades at the time of shop drawing review. Reviewed shop drawings should be copied to all trades affected by
the work. Confirmation of window sizes and window openings should be the responsibility of both the window
subcontractor and the precast concrete panel subcontractor.

6.5 Plant Visits

Plant visits should be carried out by the project architect at the start of production and at various times during
the production of the precast panels to observe methods and materials employed in the fabrication. The prime
consultant should review the written quality control procedures established by the manufacturing plant (these may
be proprietary and may need to be viewed at the precaster’s facility). Documentation of material test results, either
established by plant tests of raw materials or based on certified test reports from suppliers, should be available to
the prime consultant on a regular basis throughout the production period.
Architects should also use these plant visits as an educational opportunity to see what is possible with precast
concrete and to look at the other projects in production at the plant. Many architects will be surprised by the many
opportunities available to them when using architectural precast concrete.
Post-pour inspection of the finished product should be conducted to identify non-conformances prior to shipping to the
job site. The reader is directed to Section 33 of CSA A23.4 for further information regarding defects and their repair.

6.6 Mock-Ups
6.6.1 Production Approval Samples
The small samples suggested for the pre-bid conference stage are adequate to prequalify precasters, but one
quarter to full size mock-ups are recommended to demonstrate materials, colour, texture, scale and patterns
under changing light conditions. Mock-ups are particularly important for precast concrete wall panels with multiple
finishes, textures or veneers. As concrete is a natural material, an acceptable range of colour variation should be
established using a series of range samples.
Assessment of mock-ups and samples should be made at distances and orientations similar to those possible at the
project site, under varied light conditions and when the mock-up is both wet and dry. Reviewing the finish of mock-
up panels should be done in typical lighting with the unaided naked eye from a minimum 6 metre viewing distance.
The architect and/or an owner’s representative should sign off on the approved samples.

6.6.2 Full-Scale Mock-Up on Site

Production and assembly of a full scale mock-up of the precast wall assembly is recommended prior to
commencement of precast panel installation. The mock-up should include all main elements of the exterior wall
assembly as well as the connections between elements. The mock-up should include details representative of all
key elements in the project, including anchorage to the structural frame of the building. This may require that the
mock-up include details at the ground level, intermediate slab level and at roof level.
Performance testing of the mock-up may also be required if new products or methods are employed on the project
or if the client wishes to verify the installation. This should be paid for by the owner and can be included in the
precast contract or done as an extra to the contract. The test results should be available to all parties providing
materials to allow the parties to identify areas that may need additional attention.

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Clarifications to the design details should be formalized by issuing supplementary details as site instructions or
bulletins. Changes to the design details should similarly be documented and issued to all parties. It is critical that
variances from the design, including dimensional relationships between elements within the exterior wall assembly,
and details (and materials) for connection and continuity of the building envelope, be resolved at the mock-up
stage and preferably prior to completion of the precast shop drawings and absolutely prior to the production of
precast panels and final installation of the panels on the project site.
The prime consultant should accept overall responsibility for the review of mock-ups and any changes required,
but the structural engineer and the building envelope consultant also play key roles in this review and the
resolution of any problems. The general contractor and the sub trade contractors must also be included in this
process to ensure that what is detailed can be constructed without need for further revision later.

6.6.3 Periodic Field Review during Construction

Prior to the commencement of precast panel installation, the forming contractor, with the assistance of the general
contractor should survey each floor to confirm that the building dimensions conform to the drawings, to provide
layout gridlines and baseline elevations and to confirm all cast in hardware required for the precast contractor is
installed as per the cast in hardware drawings and placed in the correct location. If a survey of the cast in hardware
is not provided by the forming contractor or general contractor claiming that all is correct, all additional survey
costs to verify hardware placement should be borne by the forming contractor if any hardware is found to be
incorrectly placed.
Periodic field review of the precast construction is required throughout the project to confirm general compliance
to the contract documents and the accepted mock-up construction and to ensure that the specified quality is
maintained. Site visits are also useful to identify unanticipated design issues or construction issues, and to permit
timely resolution.
Field review of connections is also required by the precast design engineer prior to the closing of walls to confirm
that connections are complete and made according to the accepted and approved connection details. Upon
completion of the project, a letter certifying the connections should be issued by the precast engineer to confirm
compliance to the approved details.
Field measurement of as-built joint dimensions should be conducted at critical locations to accommodate creep
and shrinkage (of the building frame) due to sustained loads.
Ongoing coordination between the design team and the various trades must be continued throughout the project
to ensure that all parties receive notice of any changes or revisions that may affect related work.

6.7 Quality Assurance (QA) Procedures and Documentation

As mandated by the provincial building codes through CSA standards A23.3 and A23.4, precast plants are
required to be certified by an accredited certification organization such as CPCI. Precast manufacturers are audited
through the CPCI Precast Concrete Certification Program twice annually, and are issued a certificate, which the
designer can request. The certification expiry date is given on the certificate and certification is withdrawn if the
plant falls below a required level. Plants certified by CPCI can be found online on the CPCI certified plants listing
(www.precastcertification.ca). Information on the CPCI Precast Concrete Certification Program for Structural,
Architectural and Specialty Precast Concrete Products and Production Processes can also be found online. The
following categories are evaluated by CPCI:

1. Quality System, including but not limited to the plant QA program, the personnel, design
responsibilities and project samples,

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2. Production practices, including but not limited to general objectives and safety, production and
curing facilities, welding, form and mould construction, hardware installation, product identification,
handling, surface finishes, repairs, appearance and sealers or coatings,
3. Raw materials and accessories, including but not limited to cement, aggregates, admixtures,
reinforcement and hardware, insulation and other ancillary devices,
4. Concrete, including but not limited to mix proportioning, air entrainment, structural lightweight
aggregates, compatibility of mixes, water-cement ratios, storage and handling of cement,
aggregates and admixtures and concrete mixing equipment requirements,
5. Reinforcement (and prestressing, as required), including but not limited to reinforcing steel,
composite reinforcement, fibres, and pre-tensioning and post-tensioning equipment and
procedures,
6. Quality control, such as inspection, testing, documentation and testing facilities, and
7. Product tolerances, including but not limited to product dimensions, hardware locations and finish
consistency and limits.
CPCI certified precast manufacturers must develop an exhaustive Quality System Manual (QSM) for the fabrication
of architectural precast panels. Once developed and approved by the Accredited Certification Organization (ACO),
the precast manufacturer must follow this QSM for all products manufactured and ensure they conform to the
requirements as set out in the program standards. The QSM is generally based on standards such as:
• PCI Manual MNL-117-13 Fourth Edition, Manual for Quality Control for Plants and Production of
Architectural Precast Concrete Products (PCI, 2013)
• PCI Manual MNL-116-99 Manual for Quality Control for Plants and Production of Precast and
Prestressed Concrete Products (PCI, 1999)
• CSA A23.4-16, Precast Concrete – Materials and Construction
• Other applicable ACI, ASTM and CSA Standards
• Special Advisories issued by the Quality Assurance Council
The CPCI standard specification (http://www.cpci.ca/en/resources/specifications/) for quality assurance practices
calls for the materials and manufacturing procedures to be conducted as per CAN/CSA A23.1, Concrete Materials
and Methods of Concrete Construction and the materials and products to be tested and verified in accordance
with CAN/CSA A23.2, Test Methods and Standard Practices for Concrete. The CPCI standard specification also
requires that the precast elements shall be designed to CAN/CSA A23.3, Design of Concrete Structures, and the
CPCI Design Manual. CSA A23.4, Precast Concrete – Materials and construction is also referenced as it applies
specifically to precast concrete wall panel construction.
Annex A of CSA A23.4 provides detailed information on the general responsibilities of the owner and precast panel
manufacturer, as well as three options for the specific design and engineering responsibilities of the owner and the
precast panel manufacturer (refer to Table A.1 of the standard). These responsibilities shall be clearly established in
the contract documents. It is the precast manufacturer’s responsibility in all cases to develop shop and installation
drawings. The owner’s choice of the three design options defines what the precast manufacturer’s responsibilities
are as far as design is concerned,
Consideration should be given to the inclusion of the text of Annex A in the specifications.
It is the precast manufacturer’s responsibility to establish the precast panel properties to meet the performance
criteria, develop and implement the quality control plan in accordance with the owner’s requirements, submit the
required quality documentation and to certify that the concrete complies with these criteria.

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When the owner assumes responsibility for the complete drawings and specifications, including aesthetics,
functional requirements, and panel dimensioning, the precaster plans the construction methods based on the
design parameters provided by the owner. The precaster will need to obtain approval for any changes made to
improve the economics, structural soundness or performance, or to address anticipated problems with the design
parameters, however, full responsibility remains with the owner.
In any case, the precaster can be asked to verify that all plant equipment and materials used in the fabrication of
the precast concrete panels meets the requirements of CSA A23.4.
CSA A23.4 provides information on testing for quality control purposes, such as, but not limited to testing for air
content, compressive strength, water absorption, low density concrete and accelerated curing. The owner may
request documentation confirming compliance with quality control specifications, design criteria or parameters.

6.8 LEED and Sustainability

6.8.1 Building Reuse (Materials Credit #1)
A one point LEEDTM credit is offered for maintaining 100% of the building shell for reuse, consisting of the skin
and frame but not the windows, interior walls and other components. Precast concrete’s durability gives it a strong
advantage, as architectural precast concrete wall panels can provide long service life and enable full reuse at the
end of building service life.
The exact predicted service life can be hard to quantify because it depends on many variables, including weather,
maintenance and type of finish. The precast concrete wall panels will endure major climatic events and resist
significant abuse; however the sealant between panels may need to be replaced as determined by inspection to
maintain the integrity of the building envelope.

6.8.2 Construction Waste Management (Materials Credit #2)

This credit is available for reducing construction, demolition and land-clearing waste that ends up in landfills. At
least 50% of these materials must be diverted from landfills for a one point credit. The second credit is offered
if 75% is diverted. This credit can be used in conjunction with the Building Reuse credit to achieve as many as
four points if existing materials, such as precast concrete wall panels, are reused in the project. In that case, the
materials preserved can be applied to this credit as well as to Materials Credit #1.
Concrete’s inorganic composition also makes it ideal for recycling. Concrete is frequently crushed and reused as
aggregate for road bases or construction fill. As with the Building Reuse credit, these options are available only in
the future after the building has been constructed and is being reconsidered for other uses. Concrete’s impact on
these points for future use can play a role in specifications today.
Precast concrete offers other waste saving benefits. Less material is required to produce precast components
because thinner sections, precise mix designs and tighter tolerances can be achieved. Less concrete is wasted
because the quantities of constituent materials are tightly controlled in a precast plant. The use of less material
means less natural resource extraction and less energy during manufacturing and transportation.
The waste materials from a precast plant are more likely to be recycled because concrete production takes place
in one location under controlled conditions. Grey water can be recycled into future mixes. Between 5% and 20% of
the aggregate in a mix can be recycled concrete aggregates. Sand used in finishing can be reused. Wood and steel
forms and other materials used in casting can also be reused many times before recycling.
There is less dust and waste at the construction site because precast components are made to the exact size
required and delivered when needed. There is no on-site debris from formwork, no excess rebar or concrete.

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6.8.3 Recycled Content (Materials Credit #4)

This two point credit is achieved for using materials with post-consumer recycled or post-industrial recycled
content. Precast concrete components can contribute to this requirement because supplementary cementitious
materials can replace a portion of the cement in a mix. The use of recycled materials is growing, and will continue
to grow as more designers learn about this option and its benefits.
Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) can significantly reduce the embodied energy of precast concrete
products by substituting waste materials for relatively high energy consuming hydraulic cement. SCMs are
mostly by-products of other industrial processes. Their judicious use in concrete production is desirable both for
environmental and energy conservation as well as for the technical benefits they can provide. SCMs are added
to concrete as part of the total cementitious system, either as an addition to or a partial replacement of hydraulic
cement. When properly used, SCMs can enhance the following properties of concrete:
• Generally improves the workability and finishing of fresh concrete
• Reduces bleeding and segregation of fresh concrete
• Lowers the heat of hydration (beneficial in large pours)
• Improves the pumpability of fresh concrete
• Improves long term strength gain, reduces chloride permeability and absorption (especially silica
fume), and reduce alkali-aggregate reactivity
The effect of replacing cement with supplementary cementitious materials on the embodied energy of concrete
is appreciable. For example, a 1% replacement of cement with fly ash results in approximately a 0.7% reduction in
energy consumption and environmental impact per cubic metre of concrete.

Silica Fume
Silica fume is a waste product recovered from the reduction of high-purity quartz with coal in electric arc furnaces
in the production of silicon and ferrosilicon alloys. Silica fume improves the quality, strength and durability of
concrete by making the concrete much less permeable to chlorides and more resistant to corrosion of the steel
reinforcement.

Fly Ash
Fly ash is a pozzolan waste product collected from coal-fired power plants. Fly ash refines the pore structure of the
concrete, making it more resistant to chloride penetration. Fly ash must conform to the requirements of CSA A3000
and must be specified in accordance with Table 8 in CSA A23.1.
Although fly ash offers environmental advantages, it also improves the performance and quality of concrete. Fly ash
affects the plastic properties of concrete by improving workability, reducing water demand, reducing segregation
and bleeding, and lowering heat of hydration. Fly ash increases strength, reduces permeability, reduces corrosion
of reinforcing steel, increases sulphate resistance, and reduces alkali-aggregate reaction. Concrete with fly ash
reaches its maximum strength more slowly than concrete made with only hydraulic cement.
Normally 10% to 20% of the cement can be replaced with fly ash to reduce the environmental burden of the
concrete. Substitution of fly ash at levels exceeding 25% is considered to be a high volume SCM application. Care
must be taken to perform appropriate testing to ensure desired performance. The use of fly ash can increase
setting times. This may be an economic factor in precast concrete manufacturing if casting and stripping cannot be
maintained on a daily cycle.
Designers and specification writers should consult with the precast panel manufacturer to optimize the use of fly
ash to achieve the required performance prior to the project tender.

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Blast Furnace Slag

Production of blast furnace slag consumes about 1/3 of the energy required to produce cement. Substitution
of slag at levels exceeding 35% for the hydraulic cement in precast concrete is considered a high volume SCM
application, and its suitability for intended use must be prequalified. The addition of slag cement usually results in
a reduced need for water, faster setting time, improved pumpability and finishability, higher 28-day strength, lower
permeability, resistance to sulfate attack and alkali-silica reactivity (ASR), and a lighter color. Not all slag is suitable
for use in concrete. Blast-furnace slag must also conform to the requirements of CSA A3000 and must be specified
in accordance with Table 8 in CSA A23.1.

6.8.4 Local/Regional Materials (Materials Credit #5)

A one point credit is offered when at least 20 percent of building materials are manufactured within an 800 km
radius of the site. An additional point is offered when half of the regionally manufactured products are extracted
or recovered within 800 km. Precast concrete meets both of these requirements in virtually all cases. Most precast
plants are within 300 km of a project, and the raw materials used to produce the precast concrete components
(cement, aggregate and reinforcement) are usually obtained from sources within 300 km of the precast plant. This
advantage leads many designers to replace granite, stone and other imported products with precast concrete wall
panels.

6.8.5 Durable Building (Regional Priority #1)

The intent of the Durable Building credit is to design and build a durable building that will minimize waste resulting
from inappropriate material selection and premature deterioration of building components.
Buildings constructed from robust materials can withstand weather exposure and occupant use for a very long
time.
Precast concrete’s durability creates a long life cycle with low maintenance, reducing the need for maintenance
and replacement during a building’s life. As well, durable systems and components are prime candidates for
refurbishment and continued service. Buildings constructed using precast concrete wall panels that are designed,
constructed and maintained to suit the climate and exposure fit these criteria.
Predicted service life of precast concrete elements can generally meet or exceed the building design service life.
While sealants have a shorter service life than precast concrete, sealant is accessible and readily replaceable, and
as such precast panels meet the intent of the LEED Canada Durable Building credit. Selection of a durable exterior
sealant such as silicone is a key factor in minimizing maintenance needs.
At the end of a building’s useful life, up to 100% of the precast concrete panels can be reused or recycled. After
removal of the reinforcement, concrete can be crushed to produce aggregates that are primarily used in pavement
construction, as granular sub-base, lean-concrete sub-base and soil-cement aggregates. Recycled concrete has
also been used on a limited scale as replacement aggregates in new concrete production. The extracted steel
reinforcement can be recycled and made into new reinforcement.

6.8.6 Life Cycle Assessment, Environmental Impacts and Resource Measurements

In 2012, the Canadian Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (CPCI) published a multi-year life cycle assessment
(LCA) “Life Cycle Assessment Study for Commercial Buildings” for a typical commercial building with various
structural assemblies in two distinctly different Canadian climates, Toronto and Vancouver (CPCI, 2012). The LCA
study was instrumental in understanding precast concrete’s relative environmental performance in the context of
building construction, use, and end-of-life. One of the key findings of the ISO compliant study was that operating
energy was responsible for the majority of the environmental impacts for a typical commercial building. For
example, over a 73-year building life cycle, more than 90% of the total primary energy (TPE) and global warming

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Figure 6-1: Visual Schematic of the Sustainable Plant Tracking Program showing the input materials
through their life cycle stages of extraction, processing, and finally their optimization in the precast
manufacturing process. Source: CPCI

potential (GWP) impacts for a building in Toronto were associated with the operation of the building. These
findings were consistent with other recent studies (Verbeeck and Hens, 2010; UNEP, 2009). In addition, these
studies support the sustainable movement towards net-zero construction, and the Architecture Canada 2030
Challenge. In the same study, concrete manufacturing was determined to be responsible for approximately only 9%
of the GWP and TPE impacts.
In 2012, CPCI also launched the CPCI Sustainable Plant Program to benchmark the Canadian precast concrete
industry’s impact on the environment in the areas of global warming, energy and water use, waste, dust and noise
generation (refer to Figure 6.1). At the center of the Sustainable Plant Program is the Sustainable Precast Concrete
Benchmark Calculator (v3.0), a tool that measures and quantifies the impacts of all input materials through their
life cycle stages of extraction, transportation, processing, and finally through their optimization in the precast
manufacturing process. Environmental impact is of particular interest to architectural projects, where long term
performance and total cost of ownership are well understood in the decision-making process, but the cradle-
to-construction environmental impacts have not yet been readily or clearly defined or available. The innovative
tracking software enables individual manufacturers to measure their “cradle-to-gate” environmental footprint on
a facility, product or client project basis (with cradle being raw material resource extraction and gate being the
finished product leaving the precast plant for the construction site) .
Ultimately, the precast industry is striving to reduce the environmental impact at the manufacturing level while
creating a culture of sustainability. The CPCI Life Cycle Assessment Study for Commercial Buildings has helped
to identify where the industry can improve its manufacturing stage life cycle impacts, with a goal to positively
influence the environmental impact over the entire life of the precast product in use. This program has now been
adopted by both the National Precast Concrete Association (NPCA) and Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute
(PCI) and is currently known as the North American Sustainable Plant Program. Visit www.sustainableprecast.ca for
more information.

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6.8.7 Environmental Product Declarations

Life cycle assessment is a more comprehensive way to look at the environmental impact of a product over its
lifetime. An EPD, or Environmental Product Declaration, documents this information in a standardized format that
makes the job of assessing products much easier for the designer.
With the proliferation of eco-labels and green certifications worldwide, it can be confusing determining a product’s
environmental attributes. Well established in other parts of the world, EPDs are starting to appear in the North
American marketplace as the common methodology for assessing the potential environmental performance of a
product or process. The CaGBC LEED v4 Rating System and Architecture 2030 are leading the demand for EPDs.
EPDs list all of the impacts associated with a product, from raw material extraction, processing and transportation
to the manufacture of the product and transportation to the construction site. In some cases the EPD report
ends at the gate of the plant, and in other cases it continues through occupancy and maintenance to the end of
a products useful life, as part of a complete system. How a product is defined by an EPD depends on the rules
applied, and these rules are established by the Product Category Rules (PCR), which are distinct for each product.
The end result of all of this is a standard document for all manufacturers that enables a uniform and consistent
method to declare the environmental impact of their product.
EPDs can also help contribute to LEED credits and are verified by an accredited Program Operator such as ASTM
International to ensure that the contents of the declaration conform to the requirements of the PCR, including
the life cycle assessment. As a Program Operator, ASTM International has developed its program in conformance
with ISO 14025 - Environmental Labels and Declarations - Type III Environmental Declarations - Principles and
Procedures.
CPCI members are one of the first concrete manufacturers in North America to achieve a third-party verified EPD,
providing comprehensive, uniform details about a product’s composition and environmental impact throughout
the lifecycle. CPCI partnered with the other major North American precast concrete industry associations, namely
NPCA and PCI, together with ASTM International to create a set of Product Category Rules for Precast Concrete
and subsequently develop Precast Concrete Environmental Product Declarations which can be found at
www.sustainableprecast.ca.

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CHAPTER 7 Maintenance

Precast concrete is a durable, low maintenance building material. As with all building envelope assemblies, when
a simple program of inspection and maintenance is followed, precast concrete panels can meet and exceed the
building’s design service life. In CSA S478-1995 (r2007) Guideline on Durability in Buildings, there is an expectation
that the building’s performance will be monitored for deterioration or distress; problems will be investigated and
addressed, so that the building and its systems achieve the design service life.
It is important to address issues of access to the exterior face, for window replacement, reglazing, reapplication of
sealants and cleaning of the precast panels.

Annual inspection: In order to ensure the continued performance of the precast wall assembly and maintain
warranty, visual inspections should be conducted. Particular attention should be paid to the sealant joints, and
the surface appearance. Signs of deterioration should be documented with pictures, and a report sent to the
manufacturer. Applicable defects reported during the warranty period should be remedied by the manufacturer as
soon after detection as possible to limit possible deterioration of other elements.
Annual inspections are encouraged after expiration of the warranty period as well in order to promote the
continued performance of the building envelope.
Suggested maintenance activities are summarized below:
Immediately after erection:
• Clean precast concrete elements.
Annual inspection during the building service life:
• Review sealant joints to ensure precast joints are properly sealed.
• Replace damaged joint sealant precast panel to precast panel and precast panel to adjacent non-
precast components by:
1. Removing the damaged joint sealant,
2. Cleaning the substrate(s) with solvents to remove any deleterious substances (consult the sealant
manufacturer to confirm appropriate solvent types),
3. Applying primer, as required by the manufacturer, and
4. Re-applying sealant, as per the manufacturer’s instructions. There may be benefit in matching the
new caulking with the existing, for compatibility purposes.

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CHAPTER 7­ Maintenance

Periodic cleaning:
• Power wash precast panels every four to six years, based on environmental exposure (e.g. acid rain)
to maintain its original appearance.
• If acid is used for cleaning purposes, pre-test a sample to confirm that the precast panels, and any
other adjacent assemblies, will not be damaged by the cleaning process.
• If pigments are used in the concrete mix, a non-acid treatment is recommended. Follow applicable
by-laws regarding the use of sand-blasting or acid-cleaning.
For all maintenance activities, ensure that access equipment does not damage precast surfaces. As well, ensure
that window cleaning solution runoff is cleaned from precast units to prevent staining.
General information on periodic review of building envelopes can be found in Protocols for Building Condition
Assessment (NRCC/IRC, 1993) and ASTM E2270, the Standard Practice for Periodic Inspection of Building Facades
for Unsafe Conditions (ASTM, 2005). Maintenance and cleaning guidelines for precast panels can be found in
Insulated Wall Panel Technical Guide (CPCI, 2010) (http://www.cpci.ca/en/resources/technical_publications/).
The Architectural Precast Concrete Technical Guide (CPCI, 2009) (http://www.cpci.ca/en/resources/technical_
publications/) provides guidance on how to remove stains from precast concrete surfaces.
For more information on precast building maintenance and inspection, refer to the guide Maintenance and
Inspection Manual for Precast Concrete Enclosures, prepared by RDH Building Sciences Inc. The manual provides
an inspection checklist template for architects and engineers to use when performing inspections of precast
building enclosures to ensure consistency and all components are reviewed.

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CHAPTER 8 Glossary

Absorbed moisture: Moisture which is mechanically held in a material.

Absorption: The process by which one substance (solid or liquid) takes up or dissolves another
substance (liquid or gas).

Accelerator: An admixture which, when added to concrete, mortar, or grout, increases the rate of
hydration of the hydraulic cement, shortening the set time and increasing the rate of
strength gain,

Adhesion: the action, process or property of a material to stick to or bond to the surface to which
it is applied.

Adhesion failure: Failure of a compound by pulling away from the surface to which it was bonded.

Adhesion peel test: The separation of a bond, whereby the material is pulled away from the mating surface
at a 90-degree or 180-degree angle to the plane to which it is adhered.

Admixture: A material other than water, aggregates, and portland cement that is added to the mix
immediately before or during mixing.

Adsorption: The binding of molecules or particles to a surface.

Air barrier system: The assembly installed (in the building envelope) to provide a continuous barrier to the
movement of air (NBC’95)

Air entraining agent: An admixture for concrete or mortar which intentionally introduces minute air bubbles
into concrete or mortar during mixing.

Air infiltration: The unintentional introduction of outside air into a building through cracks in walls,
windows and doors.

Anchor: A device used to secure a building part or component to the adjoining construction or
supporting member.

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CHAPTER 8 Glossary

Architectural precast: Precast concrete units which, through finish, shape, colour and texture, define the
architectural aesthetic and function of the structure.

Backer rod: A polyethylene or polyurethane cylindrical shaped foam material installed in the joints
between building materials

Back-up: A material placed into a joint, primarily to control the size and flow of materials.

Bead: A material after application in a joint between two elements, irrespective of the method
of application, such as caulking bead.

Blast furnace slag: A non-metallic waste product developed simultaneously with iron in a blast furnace.
It consisting of a mixture of lime, silica and alumina, the same oxides that make
up portland cement, but not in the same proportion or form. It is used both in the
manufacture of portland blast furnace slag cement and as an aggregate for lightweight
concrete.

Bleeding / Bleed A form of segregation in which some of the water in a concrete mix rises to the surface
water: of freshly placed concrete.

Bond: Adhesion of cement or concrete to aggregate or reinforcement, or to other surfaces.

Bond breaker: A material, usually plastic film or foam used to prevent adhesion between two
materials.

Bush-hammer: A tool having a serrated face, used to texturize a surface and create an architectural
finish on a concrete surface.

Butyl: A synthetic rubber formed from isobutylene and isoprene.

Capillarity: A wick-like action resulting from the forces of attraction of molecules.

Carbonation: Reaction between the products of Portland Cement (soluble calcium hydroxides), water
and carbon dioxide to produce insoluble calcium carbonate (efflorescence).

Caulk (v): The application of a sealant to a joint or crack. A compound used for sealing that has
minimum joint movement capability; sometimes called low performance sealant.

Cement, Portland: A powdery substance made by burning, at a high temperature, a mixture of clay and
limestone producing lumps called “clinkers” which are ground into a fine powder
consisting of hydraulic calcium silicates. This is the main adhesive ingredient in
concrete.

Cold joint: A visible lineation which forms when the placement of concrete is delayed. The
concrete in place sets prior to the next placement of concrete against it.

Compatibility: The ability of two or more materials to exist in close and permanent association for an
indefinite period with no adverse effect of one on the other.

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 CHAPTER 8­ Glossary

Concrete: A composite building material made from the combination of aggregate and cement
binder.

Condensation: The appearance of moisture (water) on the surface of an object caused by warm moist
air coming into contact with a colder surface.

Construction joint: A plane of weakness to control contraction cracking in concrete. A joint can be
initiated by forming or created the in plastic or green concrete and shaped with later
process.

Convection: The transfer of heat by mass motion where air flows downward due to cooling against a
cold surface and flows upward due to heating against a warm surface.

Convex bead: Bead of compound with a convex exposed surface.

Deflection: The degree to which an element is displaced due to an applied load.

Double wythe A precast concrete panel where thermal insulation is sandwiched between an exterior
insulated wall panel: architectural precast concrete wythe and an interior precast concrete structural wythe.
They have been commonly referred to as a “sandwich panel” or an “insulated panel” in
the past.

Elastomeric material: An elastic, rubber-like substance capable of stretching and having the ability to recover
to its original configuration.

Entrained air: (See air entrainment) Microscopic air bubbles intentionally incorporated in mortar or
concrete, to improve workability and durability (for increased freeze/ thaw resistance).

EPDM: Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, a synthetic rubber.

Façade A face or elevation of a building.

Face sealed: A wall system with a single seal on its exterior surface to prevent water and air leakage.

Fenestration: Any glass panel, window, door, curtain wall or skylight unit on the exterior of a building.

Fillet bead: Caulking or sealant placed in such a manner that it forms an angle between the
materials being joined.

Fly ash: The finely divided residue resulting from the combustion of ground or powdered coal.
Fly ash is a by-product of burning coal in coal fired power stations.

HVAC: Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (systems).

Hydraulic cement: Cement that gains strength through a process of hydration, not drying. All portland
and blended cements are hydraulic cements. “Hydraulic cement” is merely a broader
term. ASTM C1157, Performance Specification for Hydraulic Cement, is a performance
specification that includes portland cement, modified portland cement, and blended
cements.

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CHAPTER 8 Glossary

IGU or IG unit: Insulating Glass unit formed by two or more panes (sheets) of glass on either side of a
rigid spacer creating a hermetically sealed air space.

Modulus of elasticity: A measure of the resistance of material to deformation. The elastic modulus, or Young’s
Modulus is usually given the symbol E.

Polyurethane An organic compound formed by the reaction of a polyol with an isocyanate.

sealant:

Portland cement: (ASTM C 150) the product obtained by pulverizing clinker consisting essentially of
hydraulic calcium silicates.

Post-tensioning: A method of prestressing reinforced concrete in which the steel is stressed in tension
against the hardened concrete to place the hardened concrete in compression prior
loads being applied to the element due to use

Prestressed Concrete in which stresses have been introduced prior to use which are opposite in
concrete: sense to those that the structural member will be expected to carry during its use.

Pre-tensioning: A method of prestressing reinforced concrete in which the steel is stressed tension
before the concrete is placed around it and then released to create compression in the
concrete after the concrete has gained sufficient strength to bond to the reinforcement
and hold the stressed material in tension.

Rain screen: A design methodology for cladding to shed water and prevent water penetration into
the building envelope by creating a capillary break in the wall assembly.

R-value: The imperial designation of thermal resistance of a system expressed in ft2/hr/°F/Btu.

RSI-value: The metric designation of thermal resistance of a system expressed in m2/W/°C

Sealant: Compound used to fill and seal a joint or opening, as opposed to a sealer which is a
liquid used to seal a porous surface.

Single wythe wall A precast concrete cladding panel consisting of a single layer of precast concrete
panel: providing both the aesthetic and structural properties of the cladding. Single wythe
wall panels are commonly referred to as “conventional” precast panels.

Slag: A non-metallic waste product developed in the manufacture of pig iron, consisting of
a mixture of lime, silica and alumina, the same oxides that make up portland cement,
but not in the same proportions or forms. It is used both in the manufacture of portland
blast furnace slag cement and as an aggregate for lightweight concrete.

Slump: A measure of the workability and consistency of plastic concrete. (See ASTM C143).

Soffit: The underside of a construction element in a building.

Spandrel panel: A horizontal opaque panel used to cover other building elements that would otherwise
have a negative impact on the aesthetics of a building facade.

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 CHAPTER 8­ Glossary

Stack effect: The movement of air or gasses into or out of buildings or building spaces resulting
from the buoyancy of warm air.

STC (Sound A single number rating derived from individual transmission losses at specified test
Transmission Class): frequencies. It is used for interior walls, ceiling and floors.

Vapour barrier: The elements installed (in the building envelope) to control or resist the diffusion of
water vapour (NBC’95)

Venting: Providing circulation of air or ventilation between various layers in a wall assembly.

Water-Cement ratio: The ratio of the amount of water, exclusive of that absorbed by the aggregates, to the
amount of cementing materials in a concrete mix.

Weeps (or weep Drain holes or slots in the panel joints to allow the evacuation of water.
holes):

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CHAPTER 8 Glossary

8-6 CPCI Architectural Precast Concrete Walls: Best Practice Guide

CHAPTER 9 References

ASTM. 2005. ASTM E2270-05, Standard Practice for Periodic Inspection of Building Facades for Unsafe Conditions.
West Conshohocken: American Society for Testing and Materials.
ASTM. 2010. ASTM C793-05(2010), Standard Test Method for Effects of Laboratory Accelerated Weathering on
Elastomeric Joint Sealants. West Conshohocken: American Society for Testing and Materials.
ASTM. 2010. ASTM C794-10, Standard Test Method for Adhesion-in-Peel of Elastomeric Joint Sealants. West
Conshohocken: American Society for Testing and Materials.
ASTM. 2011. ASTM C1135-00(2011), Standard Test Method for Determining Tensile Adhesion /Properties of
Structural Sealants. West Conshohocken: American Society for Testing and Materials.
ASTM. 2013. ASTM D412-06a(2013), Standard Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic Elastomers –
Tension. West Conshohocken: American Society for Testing and Materials.
ASTM. 2013. ASTM C719-13, Standard Test Method for Adhesion and Cohesion of Elastomeric Joint Sealants
under Cyclic Movement. West Conshohocken: American Society for Testing and Materials.
ASTM. 2010. ASTM C794-10 Standard Test Method for Adhesion-in-Peel of Elastomeric Joint Sealants. West
Conshohocken: American Society for Testing and Materials.
ASTM. 2013. ASTM C1521-13, Standard Practice for Evaluating Adhesion of Installed Weatherproofing Sealant
Joints. West Conshohocken: American Society for Testing and Materials.
ASTM. 2011. ASTM C510 - 05a(2011), Standard Test Method for Staining and Color Change of Single- or Multi-
component Joint Sealants. West Conshohocken: American Society for Testing and Materials.
ASTM. 2012. ASTM C1248-08(2012), Standard Test Method for Staining of Porous Substrate by Joint Sealants. West
Conshohocken: American Society for Testing and Materials.
ASTM. 2013. ASTM C1193, Standard Guide for Use of Joint Sealants. West Conshohocken: American Society for
Testing and Materials.
Cement Association of Canada. 2006. Concrete Design Handbook, 3rd ed. Cement Association of Canada, Ottawa,
ON.
CGSB. 1987. CAN/CGSB 19.13-M87, Sealing Compound, One Component, Elastomeric, Chemical Curing.
Gatineau: Canadian General Standards Board.
CGSB. 1990. CAN/CGSB 19.24-M90, Multi-component, Chemical-Curing Compound. Gatineau: Canadian General
Standards Board.

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CHAPTER 9­ References

CPCI. 2017. Design Manual, Precast and Prestressed Concrete, 5th edition. Ottawa: Canadian Precast/Prestressed
Concrete Institute.
CPCI. 2009. Architectural Precast Concrete Technical Brochure. Ottawa: Canadian Precast/Prestressed Concrete
Institute, 535 p. Available at: http://www.cpci.ca/downloads/national_architectural_2009_2009.pdf
CPCI. 2010. Insulated Wall Precast Concrete, Technical Brochure. Ottawa: Canadian Precast/Prestressed Concrete
Institute. Available at http://www.cpci.ca/downloads/national_insulated_2010_20096.pdf
CPCI. 2004. Architectural Precast Concrete Colour and Texture Selection Guide. Ottawa: Canadian Precast/
Prestressed Concrete Institute. Available at http://www.cpci.ca/en/resources/technical_publications/
CPCI. 2011. Life Cycle Assessment of Precast Concrete Commercial Buildings, CPCI Technical Research Bulletin
#12-01. Ottawa: Canadian Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute. Available at http://www.cpci.ca/downloads/
Life_Cycle_Assessment_of_Precast_Commercial_Buildings.pdf
CPCI. 2012. CPCI Life Cycle Assessment Study for Commercial Buildings. Ottawa: Canadian Precast/Prestressed
Concrete Institute.
CPCI, 2013. Architectural Precast Concrete Specification. Ottawa: Canadian Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute.
Available at http://www.cpci.ca/en/resources/specifications/
CSA. 1995. CSA S478-95 (R2007), Guideline on Durability in Buildings. Toronto: Canadian Standards Association.
CSA. 2000. CAN/CSA A251-00, Qualification Code for Architectural and Structural Precast Concrete Products.
Toronto: Canadian Standards Association.
CSA. 2014. CAN/CSA-A23.3-14), Design of Concrete Structures. Toronto: Canadian Standards Association.
CSA. 2008. CAN/CSA A3000-08, Cementitious Materials Compendium. Toronto: Canadian Standards Association.
CSA. 2014. CSA A23.1-14, Concrete Materials and Methods of Concrete Construction. Toronto: Canadian Standards
Association.
CSA. 2014. CSA A23.2-14, Test Methods and Standard Practices for Concrete. Toronto: Canadian Standards
Association.
CSA. 2016. CSA A23.4-16, Precast Concrete – Materials and Construction. Toronto: Canadian Standards
Association.
Gustaferro, A. H. and Abrams, M. S. 1975. Fire Tests of Joints between Precast Wall Panels: Effect of Various Joint
Treatments. Chicago: PCI Journal, vol. 20, no. 5, Sept.-Oct., pp. 44-64, as cited in CPCI, 2007.
Hutcheon, N.B. 1963. Canadian Building Digest-48: Requirements for Exterior Walls.
Kerr, D. 2004. Keeping Walls Dry. Ottawa: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
Masonry Council of Canada. 1982. Guide to Energy Efficiency in Masonry and Concrete Buildings. Downsview, ON.
Morrison Hershfield. 2011. Thermal Performance of Building Envelope Details for Mid- and High-Rise Buildings
(1365-RP). Atlanta: American Society of Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Engineers.
Neville, A.M. 2011. Properties of Concrete, 5th ed. Essex: Pearson Education Limited.
Ontario Masonry Contractor Association. 1976. Masonry Design Handbook.
NRCC/IRC. 1993. Protocols for Building Condition Assessment. Ottawa: National Research Council of Canada,
Institute for Research in Construction.
NRCC. 2015. National Building Code of Canada. Ottawa: National Research Council of Canada.

9-2 CPCI Architectural Precast Concrete Walls: Best Practice Guide

 CHAPTER 9­ References

PCI. 2013. MNL117-13. Manual for Quality Control for Plants and Production of Architectural Precast Concrete
Products, 3rd ed. Chicago: Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute.
PCI. 1999. MNL116-99, Manual for Quality Control for Plants and Production of Precast and Prestressed Concrete
Products, 4th ed. Chicago: Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute.
RDH Building Science Corporation. 2013. High Performing Precast Concrete Building Enclosures: Rain Control.
Waterloo, ON: Building Science Corporation, Waterloo.
ULC. 2007. Standard Methods of fire Endurance Tests of Building Construction and Materials. Toronto:
Underwriters Laboratory of Canada.
UNEP. 2009. Buildings and Climate Change. Sustainable Buildings & Climate Initiative. Paris: United Nations
Environment Programme.
Verbeeck, G. and H. Hens. 2010. Life cycle inventory of buildings: A contribution analysis. Building and
Environment, vol. 45.

CPCI Architectural Precast Concrete Walls: Best Practice Guide 9-3

CHAPTER 9­ References

9-4 CPCI Architectural Precast Concrete Walls: Best Practice Guide

CHAPTER 10 Bibliography

Architectural and Building Science References: Technical Bulletins and Manuals:

High Performing Precast Concrete Building Enclosures: CPCI 5th Edition Design Manual
Rain Control Guide http://www.cpci.ca/en/resources/design_manual/
http://downloads.cpci.ca/57/downloads.do
Designing with Precast Concrete: Structural Floor &
Meeting and Exceeding Building Code Thermal Roof Systems Guide
Performance Requirements Guide http://downloads.cpci.ca/62/downloads.do
http://downloads.cpci.ca/491/download.do
Designing with Precast Concrete: Structural Solutions
Maintenance and Inspection Manual for Precast Guide
Concrete Building Enclosures Guide http://downloads.cpci.ca/63/downloads.do
http://z.cpci.ca/?d=m3k2f0p9k

Architectural Precast Concrete Technical Guide Sustainability Resources:

http://downloads.cpci.ca/61/downloads.do EPD – Architectural and Insulated Wall Panels
Insulated Wall Panel Technical Guide http://downloads.cpci.ca/418/download.do
http://downloads.cpci.ca/59/downloads.do EPD – Structural Precast Concrete Products
Colour and Texture Selection Guide http://downloads.cpci.ca/419/download.do
http://downloads.cpci.ca/65/downloads.do EPD - Underground Precast Concrete Products
Architectural Precast Concrete Repair Guide http://downloads.cpci.ca/420/download.do
http://downloads.cpci.ca/492/download.do Life Cycle Assessment of Precast Concrete Commercial
Buildings
http://downloads.cpci.ca/71/downloads.do

North American Precast Concrete Sustainable Plant

Program
http://downloads.cpci.ca/368/download.do

CPCI Architectural Precast Concrete Walls: Best Practice Guide 10-1

CHAPTER 10­ Bibliography

10-2 CPCI Architectural Precast Concrete Walls: Best Practice Guide

 Top left: William’s Court, Ottawa, Ontario–By Alcaide Webster Architects • Top right: École Espace Jeunesse, Saint-Charles-
Borromée, Québec–By Leclerc associés | architectes • Lower left: Simons Park Royal Store, Vancouver, British Columbia–By
LEMAYMICHAUD Architecture Design • Lower right: Champagne Quarry Park, Calgary, Alberta–By Gibbs Gage Architects

Canadian Precast/Prestressed M.E. Hachborn Engineering

Concrete Institute 44 Cityview Circle
PO Box 24058 Hazeldean Barrie, ON, Canada L4N 7V2
Ottawa, ON, Canada K2M 2C3 Tel: 647-861-5348
Tel: 613.232.2619
Toll free: 877.937.2724
www.cpci.ca

Disclaimer: This Guide is not intended to replace professional expertise. When the information contained within this Best Practice Guide is used as guidance and incorporated
into the design of buildings, it must be reviewed by knowledgeable engineering and building envelope professionals and reflect the specific and potentially unique conditions
and design parameters of each building. Readers are advised to evaluate the information, materials and techniques cautiously for themselves and to consult appropriate
professional resources to determine whether information, materials and techniques are suitable for their application. The drawings and text are intended as general best
practice guidelines only. The project and site specific factors of climate, cost, aesthetics, and so on must be taken into consideration. Use of the Guide does not relieve
designers of their responsibility to comply with local building codes, standards and bylaws with respect to the design and construction of the building envelope.