3D Panels

The 3D Panel is a unique and effective way to easily create a strong insulated concrete building or wall. 3D Panels are used in every type of concrete structure because of the flexibility of design and ease of use. Thousands of structure and walls have been built around the world with 3D panels. Many of them use the panel for all elements of the structure including walls, floors, stairs and trim. 3D Panel is used for affordable housing all the way to multi-million dollar housing. Residential, commercial, institutional multi-story all can be created easily with this remarkable code-approved method.

The strength of the 3D system is enormous and is partially attributed to the truss wires which are welded to connect each side of the mesh to make the panel. The insulation in the center of the panel is suspended on the truss wires and becomes a continuous thermal break when panels are connected. The performance of the insulation thus is greater than the R-value rating because of the thermal-mass effect of the concrete on each side of the panel.

The monolithic structure with 3D panel enables it to withstand earthquakes, hurricanes and typhoons. Many 3D buildings have endured hurricanes with no water penetration or damage, earthquakes with no cracking, and at the same time provided a comfortable and energy-efficient environment for the residents. It provides hard walls and perfectly placed insulation for maximum efficiency. Stay-in-place forms today use polystyrene as molds for concrete and end up with soft exteriors and exteriors which have to be hardened. In the process, they lose the thermal mass effect necessary for energy efficiency. Unlike concrete block, the 3D panel provides the insulation and reinforcement strength to concrete which makes it acceptable for residential or commercial construction.

The 3D Panel System has been described as Twenty First Century technology available today. Isn’t it time for you to enjoy the pleasure of a construction system which provides long term durability and long term energy savings without compromising our natural resources?

Benefits of Polystyrene Panels for Construction

1. Insulation
Expanded polystyrene has a thermal conductivity of k = 0.03 W/(m.K) while Portland cement (concrete/cement blocks) has a thermal conductivity of k = 0.29 W/(m.K). Therefore cement block walls have a thermal conductivity of about 10 times that of 3D panels.

2. Moisture proofing
It has shown excellent prevention against moisture on walls when used for exterior walls.

3. Reduction in construction time
Construction rate of walls and floor slabs can increase by up to 400% to 500% when using 3D panels. Cement blocks also require production and curing on site which takes up time and space during construction.

4. Soundproofing
Just as polystyrene has a very low thermal conductivity, it also has a very low sound conductivity.

5. Fireproofing
It has passed the 120 minutes fireproofing test (with the correct amount of plaster on each side) and has been approved for fire safety all over the world.

6. Modification
Location of doors, windows, electrical/plumbing pipes can be easily modified by cutting out sections of the panels without delaying schedule of works.

7. Economic efficiency
The reduction in construction time saves the builder and client money. The reduction in foundation size also results in lower costs.

8. Reduction in weight
Using polystyrene panels will drastically reduce the overall weight on the underlying foundation, minimizing settlement.

9. Environmentally friendly
Sand mining is currently a big issue in The Gambia. The increase in construction projects is depleting the beaches which are so vital to the environment and to the tourism sector. The use of 3D panels will greatly reduce the demand for sand since the ingredient for production is polystyrene. Conventional cement blocks use about 4 parts sand to 1 part cement to produce.

Contact Us today to find out how 3D panels can help with your construction project.