PRECAST CONCRETE WALL PANELS DESIGN

Non-load-bearing panels, often called cladding, are in general not significantly different from load bearing wall panels. For design purposes, non-load-bearing panels are assumed to transfer negligible load from other elements. Handling, storage, transportation, and erection consideration are identical for all precast panels. Thermal movement and other volume change effects of the panels are likewise identical for both classes. The codes adopted for designing precast concrete panels are ACI 553R-93 and ACI 318-94.