scope:

This document provides guidelines for specifying, planning, designing, fabrication, and erecting precast concrete wall panels. Although the focus is on precast wall panels produced in established precasting plants, site precasting is an option that has been used successfully. Tilt-up concrete, as discussed in ACI 551.1R, is a variation of site precasting. ACI 533R should aid in establishing and maintaining quality site fabrication as well as plant fabrication of precast wall panels.

This guide covers non-load-bearing or load-bearing panels, fabricated of normal or lightweight concrete. Panels may be one of the following types:

a) Solid

b) Insulated (sandwich)

c) Ribbed

d) Hollow-core

e) Sculptured

In addition to reinforced panels, lightly prestressed (effective prestress, after all losses, between 150 and 225 psi [1.0 and 1.7 MPa]) and prestressed panels are covered. Structural design considerations addressed in Chapter 3 include the use of panels as shear wall components.

Emphasis is placed on wall panels with an integral exposed aggregate concrete surface finish. Smooth wall panels and panels with a textured or shaped architectural surface finish are included. Panels having natural stone veneer or ceramic veneer finishes are not covered in detail.