Sources: AltusGroup Inc., Bethlehem, Pa.; CP staff
AltusGroup precast producers have renewed ICC Evaluation Service report (ESR #2953), reaffirming how their CarbonCast High Performance Insulated Wall Panels meet code requirements. CarbonCast elements with carbon fiber C-GRID shear truss connectors and rigid foam insulation were first tested in accordance with ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria AC-422 in 2014.
Building officials, architects, contractors, specifiers, and designers reference ICC-ES documents to provide a basis for using or approving products in construction projects under various International Code Council building codes. Many municipalities and building jurisdictions require an ICC-ESR certification before allowing use of a structural product for projects in areas they govern.
ICC-ES has thoroughly examined AltusGroup’s product information, test reports, calculations, and quality control methods to ensure the CarbonCast panel is code-compliant. Testing for much of the ICC-ES criteria was completed in accredited University of Miami laboratory facilities, as well as at the North Carolina State University Constructed Facilities Laboratory, along with prior research and testing performed at other independent venues. Dozens of precast sandwich test samples were submitted to verify the performance of the C-GRID connector and assembly according to the AC-422 criteria AltusGroup and ICC pioneered.
In collaboration with C-GRID composite reinforcement producer partner Chomarat NA of Anderson, S.C., the most recent ICC-ES report includes additional testing to address grid carbon fiber, epoxy, supply chain and durability performance confirmation tests. According to Executive John Carson, the criteria and testing that AltusGroup and its precast partner members uphold for their signature product “remains the most significant of any wythe composite connector in the market today.”