Contec Wall Panel

Technical Sheetand Installation Guide

Building System

Xella AAC Texas, Inc.

1 Contec Wall Panel Technical Sheet

Lightweight, fire resistant*, water penetration resistant**,pest resistant, fast and easy to install, versatile andaffordable. Contec Wall Panel is an AAC, steel reinforcedelement. Reinforcement is Grade 70 steel covered withan anti-corrosive coat.

®* Under ASTM E119-95 UL** ASTM E514

Contec Wall Panel

Technical Sheet

General Features

Uses

Contec Wall Panel can be used with steel or concretestructures as curtain walls in horizontal and/or verticalarrangement. Suitable for commercial and industrialbuildings.

Dimensions

Length:Width:Nominal Thickness:

Properties

Up to 20 ft.24 in.4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 12 in.

Fig. 1: Contec Wall Panel (AAC steel reinforced element).

CharacteristicStrength Class

(1)GB3.3/0.6 (37 pcf) (1)GB4.4/0.7 (44 pcf)

Design Weight (pcf)

Minimum compressive strength, f’ (psi)C

Modulos of Elasticity (psi)

Drying shrinkage (in/ft)

Thermal Expansion Coefficient (1/°F)

(2)Resistance to Freezing

(1) Maximum dry density.(2) Ratio of final versus initial volume of sample subjected to freeze/thaw cycles.

45

497

249,000

0.003

-6x4.4 10

0.979

52

710

355,000

0.003

-6x4.4 10

0.979

4 (3 7/8)

5 (4 7/8)

6 (5 7/8)

7 (6 7/8)

8 (7 7/8)

10 (9 13/16)

12 (11 13/16)

Thickness *in

14.75

18.43

22.12

25.81

29.49

36.87

44.24

29.51

36.89

44.27

51.65

59.02

73.78

88.54

17.20

21.51

25.81

30.11

34.41

43.01

51.61

34.43

43.04

51.65

60.25

68.86

86.08

103.29

Design Weight

GB3.3/0.6

psf lb/ft psf lb/ft

GB4.4/0.7

* Nominal dimension (Exact dimension)

Tongue and grooveprofile

Beveled edges

Thickness

Width

Leng

th

Building System

Contec Wall Panel Technical Sheet 2

Design considerations

Contec Wall Panels can be used as a partition or curtain wall and shall be designed in order to comply withsafety and serviceability requirements as specified by ACI 318-95 and following guidelines of ACI 523.2/R-96.Main structure (steel or concrete) should be designed according to Local Building Codes.The design of Contec Wall Panel should consider wind loads according to Local Building Codes and theslenderness ratio must be revised as follows: a) Contec Wall in horizontal arrangement: – Maximum quantity of panels installed without brackets: 20 pieces (maximum total height: 40 ft). – Panel slenderness ratio:

For t 7 in. For t 8 in. For fitting units (16 in b 24 in)

Where: t=Panel thickness, I=Panel length, b=Panel width.

b) Contec Wall in vertical arrangement:– Maximum height of wall: 60 ft– Panel slenderness ratio:

For single unit walls or top course of a multi-course wallFor multi-course walls, except the course on top

l/t 40l/t 35

Where: t=Panel thickness, I=Panel length, b=Panel width.

Fitting panels should not be less than 16 in. wide. If more than one fitting panel is required on a wall, at leasttwo normal (non-fitting) panels shall be installed between them.Maximum capacity for steel connectors can be checked in Table 1.

l/t 38l/t 35

l/t 40

–

––

–

–

4 (3 7/8)

5 (4 7/8)

6 (5 7/8)

7 (6 7/8)

8 (7 7/8)

10 (9 13/16)

12 (11 13/16)

Thickness *

4.05

5.06

6.07

7.08

8.09

10.12

12.14

3.36

4.20

5.03

5.87

6.71

8.39

10.07

Thermal Resistance“R”

in GB3.3/0.6

2ft h °F / Btu

GB4.4/0.7

Thermal properties

Acoustic Performance

Assembly Type

Contec 8” wall GB3.3 Unfinished

Contec 10” wall GB3.3 Unfinished

46

49

AS-TL957AX

AS-TL977AX

STC Report No.

Note: Testing performed at Acoustic Systems, Inc., Austin, TX in accordancewith ASTM E90 “Standard Method for Laboratory Measurement of AirborneSound Transmission Loss of Building Partitions”.

Fire Performance

Material

ThicknessFire

RatingUL Design

Number

in

Reinforced WallPanels GB3.3/0.6and GB4.4/0.7

Hrs.

(UL Fire ResistanceDirectory 1998)

6 and up 4 U920

Note: Testing performed at Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., under ASTM E119(UL/ANSI 263) “Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials”.

Building System

3 Contec Wall Panel Technical Sheet

Fig. 3: Typical connection in Contec Horizontal Wall Panelsusing type “C” connector.

Fig. 2: Typical connection in Contec Horizontal Wall Panelsusing type “A” connector.

Fig. 5: Typical middle connection in Contec Vertical Wall Panelsusing type “C” connector.

Fig. 4 : Typical bottom connection in Contec Vertical WallPanels using type “B” connector.

STEEL COLUMN

CHASING OF PANEL ON SITE(CONNECTOR AREA)

CONNECTORTYPE A-15 OR A-20

HORIZONTALWALL PANEL

ELASTOMERIC SEALANT

ISOMETRIC VIEWISOMETRIC VIEW

STEEL COLUMN

CHASING OF PANELON SITE(CONNECTOR AREA)

CONNECTOR TYPE C

HORIZONTALWALL PANEL

ELASTOMERIC SEALANT

CHASING OFPANEL ON SITE

JOIN CONNECTOR TOFOUNDATION WITHHILTI BOLT OR NAIL.(SEE NOTE 3)

PANELCL

SLAB ON GRADEOR BEAM

TYPE B CONNECTOR

CEMENT-SAND MORTAR 1:4

ROUND NAIL 7”1/4” (3 PCS. REQUIRED)

PANEL

VERTICALWALL PANEL

CL

ISOMETRIC VIEW

CHASING OF PANELON SITE

STRUT

VERTICAL WALLPANEL

TYPE CCONNECTOR

ISOMETRIC VIEW

1 1/4”

4”

10”

Building System

Contec Wall Panel Technical Sheet 4

Fig. 6: Summary of connectors for Contec Wall Panel installation.

TYPE A: CONNECTOR TYPES A-15 & A-20 FORINSTALLATION OF HORIZONTAL WALL PANELS

TYPE B: CONNECTOR FOR VERTICAL PANELINSTALLATION (LOWER END OF PANEL)

TYPE C: CONNECTOR FORINSTALLATION OF WALL PANEL

TYPE D: CONNECTOR FOR INSTALLATIONOF VERTICAL PANELS (CORNERS)

TYPE E: CONNECTOR FOR INSTALLATIONOF VERTICAL WALL PANELS

TYPE F: CONNECTOR FOR INSTALLATIONOF VERTICAL WALL PANELS(INTERMEDIATE JOINTS)

TYPE G: CONNECTOR FOR THE INSTALLATIONOF VERTICAL WALL PANELS OF VERTICAL WALL PANELS (UPPER END)

TYPE H: CONNECTOR FOR THE INSTALLATION GALVANIZED ROUND NAII7” LONG fi DIAM.

Notes:– Steel for APS, nails and conector ASTM A-36.– Use series AWS E-70XX welding.

2– All elements must be galvanized (2.9 mils., coating 515 gr/m ) according to ASTM A-123-89-A.

Table 1: Maximum capacities for connectors in Contec Wall installation.

Connector Type

Wall PanelOrientation

Use

(Connection)

PanelThickness

Allowable ShearCapacity (lb)

A-15, A-20

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

Horizontal

Vertical

Horizontal, Vertical

Vertical

Vertical

Vertical

Vertical

Vertical

Panel - Frame

Panel - Floor

Panel - Frame

Panel -Panel (Corners)

Panel - Frame

Panel - Frame

Panel - Panel

Panel - Frame

All

All

6, 7, 8

6,7, 8

All

6,7, 8

All

6,7, 8

1190

826

1240

Nil

1240

1240

Nil

1240

1190

1180

1770

Nil

1770

1770

Nil

1770

in GB3.3/0.6 GB4,4/0.7

Note: Refer to Technical Specifications of Contec Connectors.

1 fi’’”4

10”

3416 / ”

1 fi’’

10”

7”

1 fi’’

fi’’

91 / ’’16

5164 / ’’

1 fi’’ 31615 / ’’

31615 / ’’

2’’

1 fi’’

1 fi’’

1 fi’’

7162 / ’’

3163 / ’’

4’’

315 / ’’85

1617 / ’’

10’’

15169 / ’’

4’’

1 fi’’

79 / ’’8

2’’

141 / ’’

141 / ’’

141 / ’’

342 / ’’

141 / ’’

141 / ’’

141 / ’’

141 / ’’

17 / ”2

141 / ’’

141 / ’’

91 / ’’16

342 / ’’

Building System

5 Contec Wall Panel Installation Guide

Foundation must be designed according to LocalBuilding Codes.

Verify the level of slab foundation.

Contec Wall PanelInstallation Guide

Before Installation of Contec WallPanels

2. Check structure

Check plumb and alignment of columns.Complete visual inspection of entire supportingstructure for panels (bracing, etc.).

3. Clear the unloading and provisionalstorage area

Tabla 2: Average efficiency for Contec Wall Panel installation.

1. Check foundation

––

Flat surfaces are required for unloading pallets,preferably close to final position.Place pallets over wood blocks (panels must not bein contact with ground).

–

–

4. Check material and installation logistics

Verify dimensions, positions and quantity of thepanels according to construction drawings.Define sequence of panel installation.Define type of installation equipment (crane orsimilar).Evaluate quantity of personnel required (see Table2: Average efficiency for Contec Wall PanelInstallation).

–

––

–

5. Check for metal accessories

Contec connectors for wall panel installation.If type “A” (A-15 or A-20) connector will be used, fixconnection steel angles to the structure (steel orconcrete), spaced as indicated in constructiondrawings.Steel frames required for span over doors, windowsand vents.

––

–

Fig. 5: Lifting gear(Contec horizontalwall panels).

Fig.6: Lifting hook(Contec vertical wallpanels).

Item AverageEfficiency

PersonnelRequired

Notes

HorizontalWall Panel

(panels/shift)

75

50

25

65

60

4

2

men installingandassistants forlifting gear

1

12

1

welder andassistantcoordinator andassistants forlifting gearassistant forconnectorplacement

When installation of steelstructure allows for continuousinstallation of Contec wall panelsWhen installation of structuredoes not allow for continuousinstallation of Contec wall panels

When bottom anchorage is withcontinuous steel angle

When bottom anchorage is withsteel channel or double steelangle

When bottom anchorage is withconnector Type B

VerticalWall Panel

Building System

Contec Wall Panel Installation Guide 6

Mark center of panels on the tongue side.Unpack panels using scissors or hammer ax.Identify the panel that will be laid according toprevious logistics.Chase tongue areas where connectors will beplaced.Place lifting gear at the center of the panel overtongue side and proceed with installation.Place cement sand mortar bed (1:4) for levelingthe first row of panels. If required, use wedges whilesetting mortar bed.Set the panel with the tongue side up.When placing first row of panels, use provisionalclamps to fix panel to structure while connector isplaced.If type “A” connector is used, set steel plate in itsfinal position, place the hook and nall to panel (seeFig. 9).If type “C” connector is used, just place it in its finalposition and nail to panel.The type of connector to be used should bespecified in construction drawings.This procedure is followed for the next panels(see Fig. 10).Seal vertical joints between boards using backerrod and caulking.Seal horizontal joints between panels with caulking.

Contec Wall Panel Installation

Fig. 8: Place lifting gear at the center of the panel.

1. Installation of Contec Horizontal WallPanels

Handle panels with care to avoid damage.Panels must be in contact with the support structurebefore nailing.Clean the groove side of panels.Make chases needed prior to installation.

Cautions:

––

––

a)b)c)

d)

e)

f)

g)h)

i)

j)

k)

l)

Fig. 9: Nail the connector to the panel (type A connector).

Fig. 10: Installing second panel.Fig. 7: Unpacking panels.

Building System

7 Contec Wall Panel Installation Guide

Unpack panels using scissors or hammer ax.Identify the panel that will be laid according toprevious logistics.Chase tongue areas where connectors will beplaced.If needed, place cement sand mortar bed (1:4)for leveling the first row of panels. Wedges canbe used to adjust panels while setting mortar bed.Turn down the panel over wood blocks and placethe lifting hook into lateral hole (all ContecVertical Wall Panels are manufactured with alateral hole) (see Fig. 11).Lift the panel and place it in its final position (seeFig. 12).Check alignment and plumb using a mason’slevel.Place bottom connector (type “B”) over tongueside, nail to the panel using galvanized 7” nailsand fix to the foundation using a powder-actuatedfastening tool and pins for concrete (seeApplication requirements).Place the upper connector (middle connector iftwo or more rows will be installed) (see Fig. 14).The type of connector to be used should bespecified in construction drawings.This procedure is followed for the next panels.Once the first row of panels is installed, proceedwith installation of second row of panels, asrequired, using middle and upper connectors(see Fig. 15 and Fig. 16).Seal joints between panels with caulking.Seal joints at corners using backer rod andcaulking.

Fig. 12: Once the panel in its position, check alignment.

2. Installation of Contec Vertical Wall Panels

Handle panels with care to avoid damage.Panels must be in contact with the supportstructure before nailing.

Cautions:

––

Fig. 13: Fix the lower connector (type “B” connector).

Fig. 14: Typical upper connection (type “C” connector).Fig. 11: Place the lifting hook into the hole and lift the panel.

a)b)

c)

d)

e)

f)

g)

h)

i)

j)k)

l)m)

Building System

Contec Wall Panel Installation Guide 8

– Clean the groove side of the panels.– Make chases needed prior to installation.

According to construction drawings, identify Contec WallPanels prepared to be cut. Contec Wall Panels can becut to length to fit openings or frame heights.

Permissible cutting lengths are a function of the projectdimensions. Along its length, Contec Wall Panels canbe cut 1/3 the width.

Fig. 15: Plumbing the panel in second course.

3. Cutting panels

Fig. 16: Second course of Contec Vertical Wall Panels.

Fig. 17: Cutting panel.

Prepare a flat surface for cutting site.Check dimensions of cuts to be made.For transversal cuts, wood pieces must be placedalong the sides of the cut and at the edges of thepanel.For longitudinal cuts, wood pieces must be placedat every 9 ft. minimum for 6 to 12 in. thick panelsand at every 6 ft. for panels 4 and 5 in. thick.Check for full contact between wood pieces andpanel. Wedge if necessary.Trace the cut dimensions and place a ruler as a guide.Proceed with panel cutting, verifying that cuttingdimensions comply with specifications.Transversal cuts must be performed with panel invertical position using groove edge as support.Longitudinal cuts must be made with panel inhorizontal position; if full thickness is to be cut,perform cut from both sides.Apply anticorrosive paint at reinforced bar tips.

Cutting procedures:

a)b)c)

d)

e)

f)g)

h)

4. Openings

Steel frames are required in opening for doors, windows,vents, etc. (see Fig. 18). Opening locations and steelprofiles must be specified in construction drawings.

5. Surface patching

Use Contec Repair Mortar to patch chips, breaks andother imperfections on surfaces of Contec Wall Panels.

Contec Repair Mortar is prepared in a plastic bucket,adding water and mortar from the bag (see instructionson the bag) and mixed with a stirrer using a power drillor by manual means (depending on quantity to be used).It is applied using a spatula.

Building System

9 Contec Wall Panel Installation Guide

Contec Wall Panel can be finished with Contec Stucco,acrylic texture coat, elastomeric finishes, cement basedfinishes, etc. Joints between panels should be visible.For plane surfaces without visible joints, call Contec fortechnical assistance.

Hammer axRubber malletSanding floatMason’s levelBrushChasing toolPlastic bucketStirrer for power drillSpatulaScissors for unpackingClamps

6. Renders and Finishes

Fig. 18: Openings using steel frames: a) Windows, b) Doors.

7. Application Requirements:

Tools

Equipment:

–––––––––––

Circular saw with 8 1/4” or 9” metal or diamond bladeVertical wall panel lifting hookHorizontal wall panel lifting gearPowder-actuated fastening tool (HILTI DX36M orsimilar)Crane1/2” Power drillSafety gear (goggles, dust mask, gloves, hard hat)

––––

–––

Additional material needed, available through TexasContec, Inc.:

Contec Repair MortarConnectors and nails

––

Additional material needed, not available throughTexas Contec, Inc.:

Backer rodCaulkingCement-sand mortarPanel wedges4X4 in. wood blocks, 2 ft. longAnticorrosive paint

––––––

Note: Technical support is available for builders andarchitects, contact your local Texas Contec Inc. salesoffice for more information.

Caution: Use safety gear: Hard hat, gloves,dust mask and goggles to avoid excessiveinhalation of dust and protection of the eyeswhen handling Contec Wall Panels.

a)

b)

Building System

Contec Repair Mortar Technical Sheet 10

Contec Repair Mortar is a dry-mixed (ready mix)component consisting of inorganic aggregates in a finepowder, Porltand cement and additives to improve themortar’s properties.

Technical Sheet

Fig. 1: Contec Repair Mortarbag.

Contec Repair Mortar

Description

Use

Contec Repair Mortar may be used on Contec blocksand panels for patching and aesthetic repairs.

Mixing the Repair Mortar

For each pound of mortar add approximately 6 ouncesof water. Use a plastic bucket for mixing. A variable speeddrill with the Contec stirrer is used for mixing the repairmortar with water. Follow instructions printed on the bag.

Helpful hints for using Contec Repair Mortar

Working life of mixture is about 4 hours.Do not wipe away any excess mortar that exudesfrom the patching area right away as it might smear.Let it set partially and then scrape off with a spatulaand sand down.It is advisable to wear safety equipment (gloves,dust mask, etc.) since Thin Bed Mortar containscement and this may cause irritation to the skin, eyesor breathing.

Delivery, Storage and Use of Contec RepairMortar

Repair mortar comes dry from the factory and is packedin sealed sacks. Sacks should de protected againstdamage, placed in a dry area and protected againstmoisture or freezing.

Do not apply if temperature is below 4°C (39°F) or in rainyconditions.

Tools

–––

Stirrer for Power drillPlastic bucket1/2” Power drill

Precautions

Contec Repair mortar contains Portland cement.May be irritating to eyes and nose. Avoid eyecontact or prolonged contact with skin. Usesafety gear: gloves, dust mask and goggles).

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–

Building System

Contec Wall PanelBuilding System

Xella AAC Texas, Inc.San Antonio, Tx.1535 Brady Blvd., Suite 2San Antonio, TX 78237-4355Phone: (210) 402-3223Fax: (210) 402-6390txcontec@aol.com

Rio Grande Valley700 E. Expressway 83

San Juan, TX 78589Phone: (956) 782-9065

Fax: (956) 782-9068txcontecvalley@txcontecmc.com

www.texascontec.com

Printed and Made in Mexico