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40 mm precast façade panels reinforced with solidian GRID Q95-C-EP-s38-F278

For a multi-family house in Germany, thin precast concrete façade panels were produced using approved carbon mesh reinforcement by solidian. The project demonstrates how carbon-reinforced concrete can support slender, lightweight and durable curtain wall elements while enabling efficient planning through approved system components.

The façade panels were produced by MFW Fertigteilwerke GmbH and reinforced with solidian GRID Q95-C-EP-s38-F278. The structural design was carried out in accordance with the DAfStb guideline “Concrete components with non-metallic reinforcement”.

Challenge

Curtain wall façades require a careful balance between architectural quality, structural performance and efficient installation. For this project, the goal was to produce thin, high-quality precast concrete panels while reducing material use and avoiding additional project-specific approval procedures.

The key requirements were:

• thin façade panels with only 40 mm thickness
• approved carbon mesh reinforcement
• approved curtain wall anchors
• reliable structural design according to current German guidance
• no approval on a case-by-case basis
• no project-specific construction type approval
• high-quality visible concrete surface

Solution

The façade elements were designed as carbon-reinforced precast concrete panels using a centrally placed layer of solidian GRID Q95-C-EP-s38-F278 in white concrete C50/60.

The design followed the DAfStb guideline “Concrete components with non-metallic reinforcement”, including the shear design approach from the dissertation of Dr.-Ing. Jan Bielak. The project used the solidian precast approval Z-71.3-45, valid since January 2025, supporting efficient planning and execution without additional project-specific approval procedures.

For the façade connection, approved curtain wall anchors by Leviat / HALFEN were used.

Two panel geometries were produced: a solid slab measuring 2.00 × 2.85 m and an L-shaped slab measuring 2.15 × 2.85 m. Both were produced with a thickness of only 40 mm and finished with a high-quality, acid-etched surface.

Result

The project shows how approved carbon reinforcement can support the production of thin and durable precast façade panels for real building applications. With solidian GRID Q95-C-EP-s38-F278, slender façade elements with a thickness of only 40 mm could be realized while maintaining the required structural performance and architectural surface quality.

The use of carbon reinforcement also supports material efficiency, reduced element weight and long-term durability due to its non-corrosive properties.