State-of-the-art of precast/prestressed sandwich wall panels

Abstract

Precast/prestressed sandwich wall panels are structures composed of two concrete wythes separated by a layer of thermal insulation. Design and detailing of these structures require several considerations including wythe thickness and size of presstressing strands, strand location and force panel dimensions, bowing and reinforcement requirements. Current North American practices concerning design and detailing manufacturing and thermal performance of sandwich panels are presented. Moreover, product tolerances, cracking and repair, and handling shipping and storage are discussed along with erection and inspection methods.