The second guide, ‘Test Specification for Precast Concrete Wall Panels for Use in Domestic Construction’, defines the test requirements of precast concrete panel construction for volumetric panel built housing. 

Within the test specification, a structural concrete panel is classified as a concrete sandwich panel containing a mesh or fibre reinforcement with an insulated core. 

Panels can be designed in conjunction with BS EN 1992, Eurocode 2: Design of concrete structures; however this tends to give a conservative approach and does not take into consideration some of the detailing of the panels which will affect air tightness, water tightness, condensation risk and the design life of the panel finish. 

Panels have a variety of finishes; they can be pattern imprinted or have brick slips cast into the outer skin or adhered post curing. The concrete panel guide stresses the importance of proving the performance of the panel finish with respect to aesthetics and the durable bond of the brick slip to the panel. This is of paramount importance when supplying the panels to site; major insurance organisations will not accept panels onsite without proof of a 60-year design life. 

The guide enables manufacturers to budget for both costs and time when in the early stages of developing a new system which will ultimately lead to a more efficient route to market and final sign-off when installed.

The free guide can be downloaded via the Resources panel on this page.