FAQ
What is the EVG-3D Panel?
The EVG-3D Panel is a prefabricated panel used for numerous building applications. The EVG-3D Panel consists of a super-insulated cote of rigid expanded polystyrene sandwiched between two engineered sheets of steel welded wire fabric mesh. A 4mm galvanized steel truss wire is pierced completely through the polystyrene core at offset angles for superior strength and welded to each of the outer layer sheets of 2mm steel welded wire fabric mesh. To complete the concrete structure, a special mix of shotcrete is applied to each side of the panel
Who invented the EVG-3D Panel?
The Austrian company, Entwincklungs-und-Verwertungs-Gesellschaft m.b.H., Raaba-Austria are the founders of the EVG-3D construction system. They hold the international patent for the EVG-3D Panel. EVG Austria has also invented numerous automated wire mesh systems. EVG plants have been set up in many locations around the world to manufacture and distribute EVG-3D Panels.
What are the uses of the EVG-3D Panel?
The EVG-3D Panels can be used for various building applications. It may be used in place of wood framed walls, metal framed walls, and masonry block walls or in place of pre cast panels. The EVG-3D construction system is primarily used as walls but can also be used for floor systems, ceilings including roofing structure.
How does the EVG-3D Construction System compare to other building systems?
EVG-3D Panels construction system economizes the use of materials. It can replace traditional building techniques and satisfy any physical and structural requirements. The use of EVG-3D panels can reduce up to 40% of the total weight of construction compared with traditional building methods.
There are many benefits associated to the EVG-3D construction system. In brief, it is cost effective, time & labour efficient and most importantly energy efficient. The EVG-3D construction system is extremely versatile and will cater to creative architectural designs. Additionally, the structural integrity and energy savings of the EVG-3D construction system will provide ongoing long term benefits for the owner.
What are the main benefits of the EVG-3D construction system?
- Structural Integrity: Concrete and steel remains the best materials for strength and resistance to the elements. Such materials are enhanced by exterior infill walls made with EVG-3D Panel and thus there are no joints to crack and no weak spots that eventually become vulnerable to water intrusion
- Thermal and Sound Insulation: Heat and cold transmission is reduced by 50% through the use of EVG-3D Panel and its superior sound insulation keeps each living space a quiet zone.
- Time and Labour Savings: EVG-3D Panels goes up so quickly, precisely and easily that fewer framers, masons, insulators, and drywall specialists are needed to get the job done
- Environmentally Intelligent: EVG-3D Panel is made from galvanized steel, so the system does not deplete forestry products. Furthermore, the material used in the panels polystyrene core contains no ozone damaging CFCs either in the manufacturing process or the end product; it is also recyclable
- Financial Sensibility: Earlier completion means earlier occupancy. Fewer labourers and less equipment means a lower budget. Together, it means lower total capital investment and a quicker ROI
- Maintenance Savings: Concrete structures require minimal long-term maintenance, especially in areas prone to extreme weather and temperature conditions. Summer heat, winter snow, heavy rains, high wind so nothing gets through EVG-3D Panel
- Lower Utility Bills: Structures built with EVG-3D panel have experienced up to 50% savings in electricity consumption, made possible by the use of smaller and more efficient heating and air conditioning systems
- Termite Proof: Never worry about this threat to conventionally built apartments and condominiums.
- Hurricane and Earthquake Protection: There are many documented instances where structures built with EVG-3D panel have survived the severest storms and other natural disasters.
- Lower Insurance Costs: LEEDS certifiable and insurable at lower rates.
STANDARDS & TESTING
What standards do the EVG-3D construction system comply with?
In Australia, the EVG-3D Construction System will meet the Building Codes of Australia (BCA). Please contact us to obtain the latest test appraisal.
What are the R-Value ratings for the EVG-3D construction system?
The R-Value ratings will vary with differences in:
- thicknesses and density of the polystyrene panel core
- thickness of shotcrete applied to the interior and exterior
- fluctuation of ambient temperatures
The following figures are approximate indicators of the expected minimum of R-Value ratings for the EVG-3D construction system
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- 50mm Polystyrene Core-R-Value 1.2 m2C/W
� - 80mm Polystyrene Core-R-Value 1.8 m2C/W
� - 100mm Polystyrene Core-R-Value 2.2 m2C/W
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What are the thermal value heat loss for the EVG-3D construction system?
The EVG-3D Construction System has been designed for maximum environmental comfort; The EVG-3D structure will keep you cooler in summer and warmer in winter. The modified expanded polystyrene core satisfies all thermal requirements.
The incorporation of minimum 100mm of high density of shotcrete and variable thickness of polystyrene ranging from 50mm through 140mm provides an excellent thermal barrier. There are few wall penetrations keeping thermal loss at a minimum. Further, there are no wooden or metal studs to transfer or conduct heat/cold through the exterior walls. Ultimately, the EVG-3D Panel construction system can save up to 50% in heating/cooling costs.
Is the EVG-3D Panel structure earthquake resistant?
A two-storey EVG-3D construction system research complex jointly funded by the National Science Foundation, Southern California Edison, Inc., and the University of California withstood California's worst earthquake in forty years was struck twice a (6.5) and (6.9) Richter Scale. According to Dr. Philippe Cohen who resides at the site in the Mojave Desert, the area at one point was subjected to a continuous shake lasting over a full minute. The structure went through the quakes with zero structural effects. The above earthquake was later found to be 7.6 on the Richter Scale.
Is the EVG-3D Panel fire resistant?
A structure built with EVG-3D Panel is non-combustible and has a minimum 1.5-hour fire rating and a higher rating can easily be attained. Thus, structures built with EVG-3D Panel are virtually fire resistant.
The EVG-3D construction system is especially ideal in areas which are heavily forested, with high grass and bush, as well as other areas in Central Australia where structures may be prone to fires.
What is the fire rating of EVG-3D construction system?
The fire-rating is derived from the wire mesh gauge with considerations to the concrete thickness of the EVG-3D construction system.
The insulation core polystyrene foam demonstrated a flame-spread index of 25 or less and a smoke developed rating of 450 or less when tested in accordance with ASTM -E84.The modified polystyrene core does not contain ozone-damaging chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's) in the manufacturing process or products.
- 50mm EXP-Core with 40mm Shotcrete each side = 1.5 Hours
� - 80mm EXP-Core with 50mm Shotcrete each side = 2.0 Hours
� - 80mm EXP-Core with 80mm Shotcrete each side = 4.0 Hours
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Fire rating increases with greater quantities of concrete applied to each side.
What is the wind load capacity of EVG-3D Panel?
A test conducted in Miami Florida in 1994 (in accordance with Dade County Building Code Compliance Office Protocols PA 201-94,PA 202-94 and PA 203-94), installed three typical EVG-3D Panels 1200mm wide and 3040mm high with 40mm of shotcrete on each face were installed vertically, side-by-side, on a concrete slab, several cm in front of a rigid backup wall with space between the panels and the backup wall. These panels were tested per static-wind load test (PA202-94 manner of testing).
Summary of test: No failures occurred to the specimens nor their fastenings nor anchorage. The products described in this report comply with SFBC Sections 2309 and 2315. The panels tested at 615 kgf/ square meters. Ft. pressure, which represents over 400 Km/h-wind factor.
What are the load bearing capabilities of EVG-3D structure?
The traditional wood frame, metal frame, blockwall and other traditional systems cannot compare to EVG-3D Panel¡¯s strength. According to USA testing a standard EVG-3D Panel with 50mm polystyrene core using 2mm mesh wire, 2.50m in height has been tested at a structural load of over 78,000 lbs.
Is the E.P.S. core waterproof?
The polystyrene core is water-resistant. The ASTM test conducted on the EVG-3D Panel demonstrated the polystyrene product to have maximum water absorption of less than 2.5%. It should be noted that the E.P.S. used in EVG-3D Panels is an inert, organic material that provides no nutritive value to plants, animals, or microorganisms.
In addition, the polystyrene will not rot and is highly resistant to mildew. Aging has no effect upon the performance of the polystyrene. E.P.S. is able to withstand the abuse of temperature cycling 180¡ă, essentially assuring long term performance.
Installation
Are there different types of core density and steel mesh styles available for the EVG-3D Panel?
The dimensions of the panels are manufactured from a starting width of 1200mm x up to 6000mm length in 200 increments. Truss wire gauges available are 280mm, 320mm and 355mm. Polystyrene Core are normally 40mm, 50mm, 60mm, 80mm and 100 mm thick. Outer Layer Wire Thickness Mesh to Mesh 50mm, 64mm, 76mm, 89mm, 100mm, 127mm.
How is the EVG-3D structure secured into the slab?
Firstly, the rebar is embedded within the concrete slab. The panel is then placed over the rebar, through the open space between the polystyrene core and the wire mesh. Once set, the rebar is fastened directly to the wire mesh by hand with tie wire. The rebar should be installed at a straight perpendicular angle so that it will fit easily into the cavity between the polystyrene and the wire mesh.
It is important to make sure the rebar is completely exposed so it becomes monolithically enclosed with the shotcrete or cement application. If the building department or engineer requires additional tie downs, the polystyrene core can be removed from the base of the panel. The panel is then set in place over the required tie-down and cemented in place. Another option for placing the rebar in the concrete slab is to drill the concrete slab and pour epoxy in the cavity placing the rebar within its confines. The typical spacing of the rebar is 600mm.
How is a bond beam ¨C lintel made with EVG-3D structure?
This is one of the biggest advantages of the EVG-3D Construction System. A bond beam-lintel is used to create large openings, or to strengthen large areas of ceiling or to help support roof structures. By simply adding a couple of re-bars at the bottom of the lintels most of the bigger openings can be accommodated.
In some cases removing the polystyrene core, or part of it and installing rebar creates the bond beam. The best method for removing the polystyrene core is torch-burning, it takes only a matter of minutes. The polystyrene will not burn it will shrink & melt leaving a cavity for re-bars and concrete.
How are the electrical and plumbing components installed?
The electrical and plumbing components are installed by removing a part of polystyrene core to create a cavity that electrical conduit or plumbing piping. Approximately 20mm of the polystyrene off the wire mesh is removed. If a greater opening is required, it can be removed with a small keyhole saw or butane torch. The polystyrene will not burn it will shrink or melt leaving a cavity. The electrical or plumbing is then installed into the cavity. The use of paint frequently shrinks the polystyrene to allow the placement of plumbing, electrical pipes and other services.
How are windows and doors installed?
The window and door openings may be cut out with before or after wall installation, by the use of three primary tools, a reciprocating saw, a set of bolt cutters or pneumatic cutter, and a small hand saw to remove the polystyrene.
For some construction sites, wood jambs of treated material are then fitted into the openings. The windows and/or doors are then fastened to the treated jambs. Alternatively, pre-finished concrete openings may be used as they create whether-step for windows and doors installation and for waterproofing purpose. The windows and doors installed into the openings, as they would be into a typical masonry block structure.
How do you build curved or radius walls with EVG-3D Panel?
Curved and radius walls can be installed by cutting the 2mm wires on one side of the panel. This will allow the panel to bend to the desired shape or radius. It is important not to cut through the heavier 4mm truss wire so that wall strength and integrity remain intact.
How is the shotcrete mix applied to the EVG-3D Panel?
A specialised mix of shotcrete may be applied either by hand or machine on either side of the panel.
The quality of the mix design, concrete slump, retarder factor, waterproofing additives, concrete pump and adequate workmanship are all equally important factors for a smooth shotcrete operation.
There is a great versatility of plaster & stucco finishes available for both the interior and/or exterior walls. Additional product may be applied on top of the finished concrete for presentation purposes.
