CompositesWorld

JAN 2018

CompositesWorld

Issue link: https://cw.epubxp.com/i/919214

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 41 of 51

JANUARY 2018 40 CompositesWorld INSIDE MANUFACTURING requirement to meet," he points out, noting, "You can do it with solid concrete, but it's heavy and expensive." e CarbonCast system also is a plus in the booming digital world. "We build a tremendous number of data centers, and C-GRID is used in the precast walls to meet the mandatory 180- to 200-mph wind load requirements," Spence adds. e Carbon- Cast panels also meet data center conditioned space (heating/cooling/dehumidifica- tion) requirements. "I don't quote a job with conditioned space, where I don't specify C-GRID. e panels are cheaper and the energy costs are lower," he explains, empha- sizing, "e customer wins twice." But why must the fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) composite be reinforced with carbon fiber? Wouldn't glass fiber be more cost-effective? "ere are other FRP forms that CarbonCast competes against, most being glass fiber-reinforced vinyl ester resin," Carson replies. "But CarbonCast offers higher performance, enough that you can use significantly less concrete. ere is also an advantage in how the CarbonCast system uses the C-GRID vs. how other FRP elements are used in competing wall systems." is last point is part of the unique relationship between Chomarat as the C-GRID manufacturer, Altus Group, the CarbonCast technology licensor, and the precast manufacturer members of Altus Group as CarbonCast licensees. "All of our members which use CarbonCast use the same design engineering protocol and manufacturing guidelines," Carson explains. He adds that Chomarat's manu- facturing process for C-GRID is unique. It supplies the reinforcement trusses straight to each precaster. "It's ready to use as delivered, and is one of the lowest- cost forms of carbon FRP [CFRP] used for building/construction applications." "Composites, in general, offer a lot of flexibility in projects," says Cooper Carry's Fish, citing a current project where FRP is being considered to reinforce a building that must be supported during partial demolition because it is light- weight yet stronger than steel. All of the GSU Piedmont Central partners agree that the demand for speed, efficiency and performance in building and construction will continue to increase. According to industry reports, this will drive continued growth in precast concrete's share of the overall construction market, and continued opportunities for C-GRID and CarbonCast. CW senior editor Ginger Gardiner has an engineering/ materials background and more than 20 years of experience in the composites industry. ginger@compositesworld.com W T F yoming est ixtures INC. • Over 40 types of fixtures in stock, ready to be shipped. • Expert consultation with Dr. Adams • Email or call today to discuss your fixture and custom design needs. Fastener Double Shear Test Fixtures NASM 1312-13 2960 E. Millcreek Canyon Road Salt Lake City, UT 84109 Phone (801) 484.5055 Fax (801) 484.6008 email: wtf@wyomingtestfixtures.com www.wyomingtestfixtures.com Dr. Donald F. Adams President 50 years of Composite Testing Experience WE HAVE A VARIETY OF CUSTOM SHEAR FIXTURES We provide quotes for a variety of grips, fixtures, and jigs. We carry over 40 types of fixtures in stock, available for immediate delivery. Email or call us today. We look forward to hearing from you. Amsler Double Shear Test Fixture ASTM B 769 Fastener Single Shear Test Fixture NASM 1312-20 Custom Pin Single Shear Test Fixture

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of CompositesWorld - JAN 2018