AERCON load bearing vertical (ALV) wall panels can be utilized
to create a building whose primary structural system is comprised exclusively of
AERCON reinforced panels. ALV wall panels are the mechanism for supporting gravity
loads while also functioning as the lateral load resisting system. Using ALV wall panels
produces a cost effective, load bearing, modular system with rapid installation while
providing the excellent benefits associated with all AERCON building materials.
Panel System
The use of modular 2 feet wide panels, along with half-panel
widths of 1 foot where necessary, creates the repetition and efficiency that leads
to an economical installation. The panel thickness and story height vary
depending on the design requirements and constraints of the project. ALV wall
panels are supplied on the basis of Strength Class AC4 and AC6. Available
thicknesses are nominal 8", 10" and 12". Standard panel heights of 8'-0", 9'-4"
and 10'-0" are available. Special story heights, up to a maximum of 12'-0", are
available upon request.
Hotel being constructed of AERCON load bearing vertical wall panels.
Design Flexibility
In order for a building system to be advantageous for architects,
engineers and builders alike, there must be design flexibility. The ALV wall panel
system provides that flexibility. With minimal design modifications, the standard
panel can be used to accommodate the constraints of a building while maintaining
the panel optimization and cost effectiveness of the overall system. Also, the
versatility of this system is demonstrated at window and door openings where
the panels can be adjusted for accurate constructed rough openings.
Reinforcement
The simplicity of the ALV wall panel system is that the panels
are load bearing and internally reinforced. The reinforcing for ALV wall panels
can be designed to withstand the extremely high wind loads associated with hurricanes
and coastal regions.
Installation
The ease and speed of construction are attained through many factors
inherent in the ALV wall panel system. For example, a traditional bond beam at each
level is not required along the perimeter of the building as in masonry
construction. Instead, when AERCON floor or roof panels are used, the integral
diaphragm bond beam provides the required perimeter continuity; or a tension strap
can be used when non-panel floor or roof systems are utilized. The diaphragm bond
beam or tension strap is placed at the top of the wall panels along the perimeter
of the building. Whichever element is used acts as a tension chord for the transfer
of diaphragm loads and provides overall stability and continuity for the building
structure.
In addition to the elimination of the traditional bond beam,
the transfer of wind uplift and lateral loads can be achieved by using a dowel into the
diaphragm bond beam (when AERCON floor or roof panels are used) and a strap anchor
embedded in the foundation when uplift exists at the foundation level. The reinforcing
dowel is installed at the top of the panel by drilling and epoxying. When a truss roof system
is specified, a strap anchor can be used to secure each truss directly to a wall panel.
Also, a strap anchor is embedded in the foundation when uplift exists at that level.
Whether panels or trusses are used, the uplift is transferred through the longitudinal
reinforcing bars in the panels. When strap anchors are used, they are connected to a
wall panel using tube nails, easily installed using a regular hammer.
Applications
ALV wall panels are extremely versatile and allow enormous
design flexibility. Since this system represents an economical alternative to
other building systems, it may be used in a variety of applications. For example,
production homes, multifamily, office, retail and low rise hotel construction
would be well suited for ALV wall panels. The system offers economy, structural
integrity, rapid construction, and of course, the extensive benefits of AERCON
building materials.
AERCON load bearing vertical wall panels are multifunctional
structural elements which must be designed for various conditions,
including but not limited to:
- Vertical Loads – Design based on the AAC material properties
of the panel, neglecting internal reinforcement. See the Blocks subsection for suggested
design method.
- Diaphragm Bond Beam Design
- Lateral Loads – AERCON determines the appropriate internal reinforcement in
panels that resist out-of-plane lateral loads normal to their surface.
- Shear Wall Analysis
Panel Wall System Shear Wall Analysis:
The following procedure determines the allowable in-plane
load for a series of ALV wall panels mortared together and used as a shear
wall. The inplane load is balanced by 85% of the sum of the wall dead load
plus superimposed dead loads on the top of the wall.
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