Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/1485645
D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 2 | 9 Concrete P H OTO G R A P H Y CO U RT E S Y C A N A D I A N P R EC A S T/ P R E S T R E SS ED CO N C R E T E I N S T I T U T E; A LT US G RO U P I N C . While interest rates challenge the concrete sector, sustainable innovations are helping keep it buoyant by ROBIN BRUNET S ociety returning to normal and pent- up demand has, in the broad-ranging concrete sector, resulted in product advancements and especially a con- tinuation of sustainability goals. In the precast realm, John Carson, executive director of AltusGroup, Inc., notes that despite the ever-changing economic and political headwinds, the North American construc- tion market for the U.S. and Canada remains strong and healthy. "However, project lead times and advance bookings remain significant hurdles for some," he says. "Raw material and supply pressures remain constant despite some reprieve in select areas." Carson adds that, "The market picture looks to be similar for the next six to 12 months unless the situation changes, which is possible given volatile financial markets." Carson goes on to remark that carbon footprint reduction and thermal efficiency of the overall building and envelope "remain at the forefront of front-end façade and system selection." Also, "Due to a tight labour market, contractors continue to seek creative solutions to reduce trades and speed projects to the finish line. Precast remains a preferred option to reduce the need for on-site trades and expedite dry-in. To that end, factory installed windows are one of the time- and labour-saving approaches in addition to floor, roof, and structural members." Meanwhile, AltusGroup continues to focus on its flagship technology CarbonCast, an effective and economical alternative for conventional mass wall sandwich panels. CarbonCast Enclosure Systems use advanced technology to improve precast con- crete by integrating ultra-strong, noncorrosive C-GRID into the wall panels during fabrication. By taking the place of steel reinforcement, C-GRID provides many benefits that makes factory-made precast concrete an even more intelligent choice for commercial building envelopes. Moreover, depending on design, CarbonCast panels are priced competitively with other curtain wall systems such as brick veneer, masonry, stud walls, or concrete; and after factoring in reductions A Solid Juggling Act Ponoka Community Learning Centre, Ponoka, AB CarbonCast High Performance Insulated Wall Panels.