Hollowcore wall panels are made via slip-forming (or sometimes extrusion). Hollowcore derives its name from the empty internal cores that run the entire panel length and thereby reduce the weight of the panels. Prestressed reinforcing is placed around the cores. Generally the panels are used as walling for industrial and commercial buildings in a non-loadbearing (cladding) capacity. Cladding panels are designed for wind actions and sometimes may retain earth fill against the building. The generic surface finishes are machine trowel, water washed exposed aggregate and profiled ribs. Painting and staining can also be applied. The actual finishes available will depend on the individual manufacturer.
Advantages
- Thermal mass and sustainability benefits
- Faster construction time
- Quick installation by highly skilled crews
- Immediate access below for following trades
- Less weather dependent
- Simplified and safer construction process
- Less trades on site
- Less exposure to WHS and industrial relations risks
- Less waste
- Less materials handling
- Design flexibility
- Many surface finishes and patterns available
- Shop drawing process eliminates on-site surprises
- Smoother design process
- Quality product
- Off-site manufacture means high quality
- Services (for power, water, etc.) can be cast in
- Can be loadbearing or non-loadbearing
- Fire resistant
- Durable
- High strength, factory produced, precast concrete offers the ultimate outcome with minimal maintenance.
Applications
- Commercial offices
- Hotels
- Retail and bulky goods
- Industrial – warehouses and factories
- Multi-unit residential
- Airports
- Carparks
- Railways
- Education
- Correctional facilities
- Health and aged care
- Cinemas and theatres
- Clubs, libraries, churches and community centres
- Noise walls.