SYSTEMS/PRECAST
Thermal Insulation
There are several approaches to insulating precast panel walls, with the key to good performance
being continuity of the insulation system over the entire envelope. Insulation may be part of a
backup wall within the panel facade (such as an insulated stud wall), attached directly to the back of
the panels, or incorporated into the panel itself, a so-called sandwich panel. Insulation in an inner
stud wall results in thermal bridging at the floor slabs, as shown in Figure 4.4.5. Air leakage can
also be a problem at this intersection. Figure 4.4.6 shows an alternative design to eliminate this
thermal bridge by adding a layer of rigid insulation between the precast panels and the studs.
UNACCEPTABLE
Panel
upport
Figure 4.4.5 Conventional Precast Panel Wall
ACCEPTABLE
Air seals between
interior gypsum air
barrier and floor slab
Vented two-stage
horizontal joint
Insulating
fire stop
Precast
panel
Figure 4.4.6 Precast Wall with Rigid Insulation (PCI)
PAGE 4.4-6
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