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Thermomass

Concrete insulation systems for precast, tilt-up & cast-in-place projects

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Insulated Precast Construction

Precast panels are produced in a controlled factory environment and shipped to the job site.

Insulated precast concrete panels are cast into a specific shape at a location other than its in service position. The concrete is placed into a form, typically wood or steel, and cured before being stripped from the form, usually the following day.

Insulation and Thermomasss connectors being placed into forms at a precast plant

These components are then transported to the construction site for erection into place. Precast concrete components are reinforced with either conventional reinforcing bars, strands with high tensile strength, or a combination of both. The strands are pretensioned in the form before the concrete is poured. Once the concrete has cured to a specific strength, the strands are cut (de-tensioned).

As the strands, having bonded to the concrete, attempt to regain their original untensioned length, they bond to the concrete and apply a compressive force. This “precompression” increases load-carrying capacity to the components and helps control cracking to specified limits allowed by building codes.

Finished panels are shipped to the site

Prestressed concrete has been used in European buildings and structures since the early 1900s. The Baha’I Temple in Winnetka, Ill., which began construction in the 1910s, also used architectural concrete techniques to build its facade. But it wasn’t until the 1950s that prestressing and, later, precast concrete techniques became a significant influence in the American construction industry.

The first true U.S. project to incorporate prestressed concrete components was the Walnut Lane Memorial Bridge in Philadelphia, Pa., which was built in 1950 with prestressed concrete girders. The concept was the brainchild of Professor Gustave Magnel of Belgium. He initially developed the concept of prestressed concrete in the 1940s while at the University of Ghent. After he visited America in 1946 and published a book on the concepts, his ideas began to grow in popularity.

Thermomass systems have been used in precast wall panels since 1980, with the first uses being in agricultural and cold storage applications.

Insulated precast panels can be constructed with all manner of architectural detailing. Design options are practically unlimited.

Additional Resources

Thermomass is a proud member of the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute and the Canadian Precast Prestressed Concrete Institute.

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Questions?

Have a question about our products? You can contact us by email at engineeringsupport@leviat.us.

In the U.S.: (800) 232-1748
International: (515) 433-6075

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About Us

As the manufacturer of Thermomass insulation systems, we are passionate about high-performance walls. For over 40 years, we have helped customers from around the world design and build concrete sandwich walls that exceeded their expectations for durability, energy-efficiency and environmental responsibility.

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6467 S Falkenburg Rd
Riverview, Florida 33578

(800) 282-7213 Phone
(877) 568-8296 Fax

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