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Calsi-Crete ??

Calsi-Crete ??

Calsi-Crete ??

(OP)
We are looking at utilizing an existing roof for a potential extension of space.  The existing roof is composed of steel bar joists spaced at about 6'-8" [2030 mm).  The roof surface is supposedly made up of a product called "Calsi-crete" precast planks.  

We suspect that they might be some kind of gypsum/concrete product but have no other info on them.  Strength, stiffness, reinforcing, suitability to work as a floor.

Anyone out there know anything about these?  Would appreciate any information you might have.

RE: Calsi-Crete ??

Do the "Calsi-crete" precast planks span between the joist or are there other framing members between the joist and the plank then run parallel to the joist?  There was an old system called Bulb-Tee Gypsum Deck that was similar.  In any case, if it is a gypsum system, you might try contacting US Gypsum Company in Chicago.  They may have some information on it.

RE: Calsi-Crete ??

(OP)
No bulb tees indicated....panels appear to span from joist to joist and are 5" thick.

RE: Calsi-Crete ??

After doing a little web sleuthing, it seems that Calsi-crete was a subsidiary of Continental Materials Corporation of Chicago.  Calsi-crete produced precast lightweight concrete cellular slab panels.  You might try to contact Continental to see if they can help.

RE: Calsi-Crete ??

(OP)
Thanks, Taro - will check it out.

RE: Calsi-Crete ??

JAE

I came across this thread in looking for information on an existing roof with Calsi-crete roof panels. This thread was from a number of years ago, but do you recall what, if any, information you were able to find?

Thanks for any help.

RE: Calsi-Crete ??

(OP)

PUEngineer - I don't recall at all what that was about - and it is at a previous firm so can't search my old files.
Sorry.

RE: Calsi-Crete ??

I have not heard of Calsi-crete roof panels, however, I do have some experience with precast Siporex roof panels which sound similar. Siporex panels were made with reinforced, autoclaved, aerated concrete and (from memory) were in the 4 Mpa to 6 Mpa range for compressive strength. They were used in my area in the 50's up to early 70's. You can distinguish then from regular precast panels by indenting the surface relatively easily. I might be able to dig up an old tech manual for them if any additional information might be useful.

RE: Calsi-Crete ??

The reference to Siporex woke up some old brain cells. As I recall, it was an autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) product that had very low shrinkage, high insulation and light weight (under 80 pcf and some even floated) and high fire resistance. The materials were cement, fine sand, fly ash or silica flour, aluminum powder or another "foaming" material that were compatible with the required short term (6 hours), high pressure and high temperature(360F) curing. It is seen unreinforced as rectangular units that are wire cut into selected sizes. This was a very common building material in Europe and Russia because of the insulation and the compatibility with the construction systems.

I have seen similar products in eastern Europe (almost every plant is identical (near a power station), but none in the U.S., but the product could exist in the U.S. I did see the reinforced units across the pond. The major producers were Ytong and Hebel(sp?) and there are a couple of similar plants in the U.S. At one time, there was a plant near Chicago that made AAC materials in conjunction with a power plant.

The autoclaving process requires energy, but is totally consistent and uses 100% of the cement material in a 6 hour curing cycle and produces a product with shrinkage 1/3 of that with other concrete products.

This is just a guess, but the products question could have come from the Chicago plant and could be similar to the Ytong or Hebel products that should be able to be searched since their product lines are still made. A plant in Florida also made unreinforced AAC panels for interior and exterior walls in homes.

The 2M span sounds like it came from a typical industrial building system. - Good luck on your research of the product.

Dick

Engineer and international traveler interested in construction techniques, problems and proper design.

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