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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1 | 17 Concrete P H OTO G R A P H Y CO U RT E S Y A LT US G RO U P with superior composite wall design to improve pre- cast prestressed wall performance by integrating ultra-strong, non-corrosive C-GRID (whose carbon fibre composition is four times stronger in tensile strength by weight than steel) into the wall panels during fabrication. By taking the place of steel rein- forcement, CarbonCast wall panels provide negligible thermal transmission and a multitude of benefits (less concrete means less weight, less embodied energy, and a reduced carbon footprint) that makes factory-made precast concrete an even more intelli- gent choice for commercial building envelopes. The CarbonCast panels can achieve load bearing performance, provide continuous insulation to meet ASHR AE 90.1 requirements, and are versatile aes- thetically. "When we design with CarbonCast and composite design concepts, we can achieve a lower carbon footprint because we are trading concrete for insulation," says Carson. "The best money one can spend is on energy efficiency." In the North American market for nearly 20 years (with over 10 years in Canada), CarbonCast has already played a major role in a variety of high pro- file projects, including the Capitol Federal Hall at the University of Kansas, Des Moines Hilton, and the Levern Hamlin Allen Residence Hall at Western Carolina University, and more than 1,500 other proj- ects in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Carson says of precast in general, "It remains a solid solution to construction in the COVID 19 era as our members continue to focus on quality, effi- ciency, and speed of delivery; and we're also busy investigating ultra high performance concrete as a potential future mainstream material." Reducing footprints is also a key concern for companies that develop concrete enhancers and waterproofers. Kathy Fowler, director of marketing at Kryton International Inc., calls reducing carbon emissions "The hottest topic in the world now," but while she acknowledges the Wood First marketing push, "the answer doesn't solely lie in wood con- struction. Concrete construction is longer lasting and can withstand mould, fire, and extreme cli- mate events. At this time we have a more accurate method of tracking and reporting carbon emissions in the production of concrete, so we have the ability to make informed decisions and apply the benefits of new technology to reduce emissions. Fowler goes on to point out that most of the carbon emissions from concrete come from manu- facturing cement, concrete's primary ingredient: "Our product Hard-Cem increases the durability of concrete, which means you don't need to replace or repair as often and reduce the amount of concrete needed through the lifetime of the structure. When added to concrete, Hard-Cem's proprietary technol- ogy increases the hardness of the concrete paste and CarbonCast wall panels, Maine West High School, Des Plaines, IL. HERITAGESTEEL.COM 9718 197B Street, Langley, BC V1M 3G3 604.888.1414 | Toll Free: 1.877.988.1414 PRODUCTS • Black, Stainless & Epoxy Coated Rebar • Threaded Rebar • Welded Wire Mesh • Reinforcing Steel Accessories • Plain Round Bars • Post Tensioning Systems • Mechanical Couplers SERVICES • Estimating • Detailing • Fabrication • Installation QUALITY, VALUE, TRUST... OUR HERITAGE Over 37 years of service Heritage Steel.indd 1 2021-08-22 10:55 AM