Stand & Shoot
Why Panel
Build Sustainable Structures
With Total Integrated Panel System
The design of the Total Integrated Panel System (TIPS) is the source of its multiple technological advantages. It consists of an EPS core set between steel wire welded mesh fabric. These are joined together by welding a diagonally oriented galvanized steel truss wire through the EPS core. The resulting pyramidal-shaped truss system creates a three-dimensional distribution of loads and stress equally across the entire structure. Each individual panel is connected to its adjoining panel with additional mesh fabric overlaying the abutting joint. Once shotcrete is applied over the mesh fabric, this creates a monolithic structure with unparalleled strength (has been shown to carry a structural load of over 78,000 lbs in testing). This system makes it possible to build multiple stories and complex designs without additional support elements. The panels can be used as walls, ceilings, roofs, and as filler panels for larger metal structures. Our panels can be used for nearly any project due to inherent design flexibility. A few examples of previous projects include individual homes, apartments, hotels, assisted living centers, townhouses, storage units, large commercial buildings, government structures such as firehouses and prisons, military facilities, fencing, and sound walls.
Creating a monolithic structure means the wall will have no joints or fault lines, causing it to be able to stand up to any test man or mother nature may throw at it. In fact, laboratory testing has demonstrated that TIPS walls can withstand sustained winds of over 300 kph and that when undergoing 2 minutes of continuous shaking at simulated level 9 on the Richter Scale, without any structural damage. Mother nature has also proven this strength in real life, as demonstrated by homes surviving hurricanes and greater than level 7 earthquakes
Thermal & Sound Insulation
The Total Integrated Panel System (TIPS) has been designed for maximum thermal performance. A panel structure will keep you cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. The incorporation of high density shotcrete and variable thicknesses of polystyrene ranging from 2-6 inches provide an excellent thermal barrier. This mass effect of concrete sandwich panels as discussed in ASHRAE 90.1 explains how the insulative performance of the panel is greater than the sum of its parts. For example, while the material R-value of TIPS walls range from R-10 to R-30, the performance of our most common 4 inch EPS wall is effectively the same as a stick frame structure insulated with R-38 insulation. This value could obviously go up by using thicker EPS or Neopor. In addition to the thermal mass effect, TIPS walls perform better thermally because there are fewer wall penetrations, keeping thermal loss at a minimum. For comparison, standard wooden 2×4 studs have an R value of approximately 3.5. This means that for every 8 standard studs in a wall, there is a 1 foot section of wall with an R value of 3.5. In total comparison, a wooden wall with standard insulation and siding will likely have an R value of 15-20, while an uninsulated concrete or block wall will have an R value of around 0.5/inch. Ultimately, TIPS can save over 50% in heating/cooling costs when compared to other traditional residential building materials.
In addition, it is not only cold and heat transfer that is reduced by TIPS, our standard panel system has a sound transmission coefficient rating (STC) of at least 50. This increases into the mid or even upper 50s depending on the finishes that are used. In comparison, a standard wood frame wall with insulation and drywall on both sides has an STC in the mid 30’s. As STC is a logarithmic scale, this is a huge difference. Other testing has shown that by itself the panel system reduced noise from one side to the other by 42 dB (airborne sound insulation index). What this really means is that even very loud noises such as musical instruments or stereos would only be faintly heard in the room next to them. This keeps each space a separate sound zone. This is especially useful in settings such as apartments, schools, churches, businesses, and manufacturing sites where noise pollution can often make performing everyday tasks more difficult. It also makes TIPS a great choice for fencing sound barriers.
STC Examples
What is Heard Through the Barrier?
Normal speech can be easily heard and understood
Loud speech can be easily heard and understood
Loud speech heard, but not understood
Loud speech now only a murmur
Loud speech not heard, music systems / heavy traffic noise still a potential problem
Very loud sounds such as musical instruments or a stereo can be faintly heard but 99% of population not annoyed by it
Fire Resistance
A sustainable structure built with the Total Integrated Panel System (TIPS) is non-combustible and is certified for a two-hour fire rating. A higher rating of 4 can also be achieved by increasing the thickness of the shotcrete applied to each face of the panel to 3 inches. This means that a insulated concrete panel wall can be used to replace the double walls that were previously required in many multifamily housing projects built with traditional materials, greatly reducing cost and space. It should also give peace of mind to occupants of apartments, storage units, etc, to know that a fire caused by a neighbor could not spread throughout a complex to their property. It also makes the panel a very attractive building material for any location prone to wildfires.
Cost Effectiveness
As with structures built with traditional materials, the cost of buildings constructed with TIPS will vary depending on the finishes and amenities desired. However, TIPS has been shown to be cost-effective in both the construction and long-term ownership phases. Upfront construction costs are reduced through the elimination of many materials and trades. In addition, the panel system is faster to assemble. This leads to quick turnaround and occupancy with its accompanying financial benefits. In the long term, panel structures also provide savings through a reduction in maintenance and utility costs. As discussed above, the excellent capacity for insulation means that many owners spend over 50% less on heating and air conditioning costs. Maintenance is also less because our concrete structures are totally resistant to termites, insects, rodents, mold, mildew, and fungi. The walls are also less likely to be damaged by everyday use, meaning that repairs will be very infrequent (a huge benefit to any building where occupancy turnover is high). And, in the case of exposure to the extremes of nature (earthquakes, tornados, hurricanes, fires, floods, etc), TIPS structures are the ultimate in disaster resistant construction. Many owners have even been able to find reduced insurance premiums based on TIPS durability.
Environmentally Responsible
At TIPS we believe in taking care of the world around us. TIPS is ecologically minded at its core and strives to be a good steward of the natural resources around us. Our EPS contains no CFCs, a major ozone depleting pollutant associated with some other forms of insulation. Our construction process utilizes a minimal amount of wood, which causes less of our forests to be harvested. The energy efficiency of structures built with TIPS reduces the amount of pollution produced per structure substantially. We also recycle all the remaining steel and EPS leftover from our manufacturing processes, making TIPS a zero-waste facility. Finally, the durability of a TIPS building means that its lifespan will be drastically increased. The reduction in cost and pollution realized by not replacing a structure every 50-70 years is where the ultimate value is seen.