System Installation The following guide details the general concepts involved in installing the THERMOMASS Building Insulation System for tilt-up or precast construction.
Please contact Composite Global Solutions for answers to any questions or for full installation instructions for your project.
Step 1: Exterior wythe of concrete is poured The bottom layer of concrete is placed in the forms. This begins once the forms have been secured and the surfaces cleaned and treated with a bond release agent. Reinforcing has also been placed.
The reinforcing for this exterior (and usually thinner) face is typically 6 x 6 - W 2.9 x W 2.9, or as specified by the engineer of record.
Note: The next three steps (steps 2, 3, and 4) are critical.
Step 2: STYROFOAM insulation is installed The pre-drilled insulation is then placed directly over the concrete that has just been poured.
This should be done immediately after the bottom layer has been consolidated and leveled to thickness, but in any event, within 15-20 minutes after placement of the concrete to ensure the mix is still plastic.
Step 3: Fiber composite connectors are installed The fiber composite connectors should immediately be inserted through the pre-drilled holes in the installed insulation.
Step 4: Concrete is consolidated around the connectors The concrete around the connectors should then be consolidated. Walking on the insulation near each row of connectors and applying foot pressure on each side of the connector can do this effectively. This will cause the still fluid concrete to flow into the notch in the bottom side of the connector.
Additional consolidation can be achieved by vibration of the bed in precast/prestressed plants.
In addition, Composite Technologies Corporation provides a connector vibrating device for use where insulation thickness exceeds 100mm (4").
Note: Steps 5 can proceed immediately. If step 5 can't be executed immediately, the process should wait until after the lower layer of concrete has set.
Step 5:Interior wythe of concrete is poured The top layer of concrete is then poured after necessary reinforcement has been placed. This will become the inner (structural) wythe of concrete for the finished panel.