Thin Concrete Masonry Units for Wall Panels

摘要

Suddenly, there are new finish options for concrete wall panels. While excellent thin brick products have been available for years, there is now a practical "thin block" product, consisting of genuine, 2 in. (50 mm) thick concrete masonry units (CMUs), which provides the authentic look of architectural block or stone (Fig. 1). As shown in Fig. 2, these units are specially engineered and designed to be embedded in the face of tilt-up or precast panels as part of the normal construction process. Called Chameleon Cast Wall, the system provides a tested, durable veneer that is available in a variety of sizes and any of the colors and finishes of architectural concrete masonry. Several concrete block producers have licensed the system and produce the special units. As panelized construction takes a growing share of high-end markets, this system gives designers more of the premium, traditional finishes preferred for school, office, retail, and multifamily buildings.%Al igual que los ladrillos finos, que normalmente se incrustan en el lado de los paneles prefabricados y basculantes para añadir un atractivo arquitectónico, el producto "bloque fino" descrito en este artículo ofrece una nueva opción de acabado para los paneles murales. Los elementos de manipostería de hormigón se instalan de manera parecida a los ladrillos finos, pero eliminan la necesidad de plantillas o separadores mediante el uso de clips de plástico para la alineación y el barrido de arena en las juntas para evitar que el hormigón exude por el lado del elemento.