Trade Journals for the Concrete Industry

New and innovative products are required in order to improve the image and added value of precast concrete elements. One possible approach towards the development of the new structural elements is doubtless to be found in the current trends in the property industry. These trends demand energy-optimised buildings, but at the same time a high degree of comfort for the user. Savings can be achieved with the optimisation of energy efficiency just as they can with the maximisation of comfort, because the user's stamina depends to a large extent on the thermal and acoustic comfort – the feel-good climate. The biggest challenge for the concrete elements to be developed lies in the implementation of the energy efficiency. However, these elements then have to be adapted to the demands for comfort, which leads to a fur- ther optimisation of the structural elements. In parallel to these boundary conditions the existing production plants must be checked for fea- sibility and new, supplementary processes introduced where necessary. The basis for successful implementation as an innovative precast element is formed by comprehensive "integral planning", which harmonises the previous technical disciplines of architecture, building physics, building technical equipment and plant equipment. On the basis of experience gained over the years, this article reports on individ- ual procedures and presents innovative, already established products.