paroc panel system magazine

16 THE MAGAZINE
A technical qua
Advanced structural technology represents the highest
quality standard in structural sandwich panels in terms
of strength, durability and fire safety. AST is a visible
sign guaranteeing a high, defined quality level of these
invisible characters and making the choice of reliable
sandwich panels easier.
AST SETS THE STANDARD BASED ON 3 PARTS CRITERIA
Strength - optimised and controlled properties
The use of the best properties of each material and the interaction between them is the basis in
structural sandwich panel design, providing optimal strength properties. Without this interaction
there is no sandwich structure, that is why the bonding technique is the most essential part in the
manufacturing process. A measure of the interactive quality is the tensile strength of a panel. For
AST panels the threshold value is 100 kN/m 2
. A panel that fulfils the AST demands ensures reliable
strength properties and minimises the risk with window openings and suspensions in the facings.
Durability - long term performance property
Sandwich panels have to maintain their strength and insulating properties, and to remain weather
resistant over their expected service life. For industrial buildings a lifetime of 25 years can be sufficient
but in other cases, the requirements can be 50 years or more. The durability of a sandwich panel
describes its ability to fulfil this requirement. The lifetime of a structural material can be estimated
by using accelerated test methods. For structural sandwich panels methods and classification can
be found in the new ECCS/CIB European Recommendations for Sandwich Panels. An AST panel
must fulfil the highest class for durability to guarantee the properties during the lifetime of a building.
Fire safety – minimised risk for people and property
The global fire safety design objectives are to ensure safety for people in the building, to prevent
losses in terms of properties and business activities and to protect the environment from hazardous
materials. An AST core is a non-combustible material, which means that it is impossible to ignite and
it will not contribute heat to the fire. It will neither produce smoke nor toxic irritant products. The
panel joint in an AST panel must be tight against hot gases and flames.
AST - a reliable value for clients
AST is a major step forward in defining a quality standard for structural sandwich. The hidden
characteristics that distinguish AST panels from other panel products are made visible by the AST
logo stamped on each panel. It is a sign specifiers and building owners can rely on.
Applied
bending
forces
Compression
Tension
Sandwich panels are of complicated nature.
Core
compression
Core shear