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| By limiting concrete cover depth, ultra-durable stainless steel strand enables fabrication of Arcis elements in 5/8- to 1.5-in. thicknesses. |
AltusGroup partnership precast producers can now add to their licensed architectural or structural CarbonCast offerings an ultra- thin panel technology for cladding or exterior fascia applications; rainscreens and ventilated drainage components; interior décor elements; marine decking or planking; and, tactile ADA detectable warning panels.
With 20 North American members, AltusGroup has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement for the panel and product technology of Portland, Ore.-based Arcis Corp. Limited to Pacific Northwest projects thus far, Arcis ultra-thin precast panels are fabricated in 0.625- to 1.5-in. depths (16 mm to 37.5 mm); their non-corroding stainless steel strand imparts exceptional strength, crack control and durability, while allowing concrete cover and net product weight to be minimized.
“This agreement is more evidence of our desire to be the driving force for bringing precast innovation to North America,” says AltusGroup Executive Director John Carson. “We have been studying the movement of the architectural market with respect to changing regional building codes and material specifications, and believe Arcis gives us another proven, economical platform to meet diverse enclosure needs.”
The agreement represents AltusGroup’s first non-carbon fiber based platform since the flagship CarbonCast line, a next generation precast technology that uses C-Grid composite for shear and face reinforcement in high performance insulated wall panels, architectural cladding, double tee members and piles. A novel “co-opetition” model—where group members cooperate to speed product development and introduction, then compete with each another for projects—provides an ideal structure to quickly broaden Arcis market availability. Five AltusGroup producers have initially obtained sublicenses to produce the ultra-thin precast/prestressed panels.
“Our agreement with AltusGroup will allow Arcis to realize its full market potential as a differentiated precast technology,” notes Brian Blount, Arcis founder and president, adding: “AltusGroup and its members have proven capacity and leadership to introduce new technology on a national basis as they have done with CarbonCast. Rather than being only a regionally accepted product, Arcis technology will be able to achieve significant scale over the next five years as the construction market continues to recover.” — www.arcisproduct.com