Multiwall Polycarbonate Systems

Transcription

Multiwall Polycarbonate Systems
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Multiwall Polycarbonate
Systems
This Online Learning Seminar is
available through a professional
courtesy provided by:
AmeriLux International
1212 Enterprise Dr.
De Pere, WI 54115
Telephone: (888) 602-4441
Fax: (920) 336-9301
Website:
www.ameriluxinternational.com
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©2011, 2013 AmeriLux. The material contained in this course was researched, assembled, and produced by
AmeriLux and remains its property. “LEED” and related logo is a trademark owned by the U.S. Green Building
Council and is used by permission. Questions or concerns about the content of this course should be directed
to the program instructor.
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Multiwall Polycarbonate Systems
Presented by: AmeriLux International
1212 Enterprise Dr.
De Pere, WI 54115
Description:
Provides an overview of multiwall polycarbonate, its contribution to daylighting, the
various types, its thermal and light transmission properties, and its multiple architectural
applications.
To ensure the accuracy of this program material, this course is valid only when listed on
AEC Daily’s Online Learning Center. Please click here to verify the status of this course.
If the course is not displayed on the above page, it is no longer offered.
The American Institute of Architects · Course No. AEC646 · This program qualifies for 1.0 LU/HSW Hour.
AEC Daily Corporation is a Registered Provider with The American Institute of Architects Continuing Education Systems (AIA/CES). Credit(s)
earned on completion of this program will be reported to AIA/CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and nonAIA members are available upon request. This program is registered with AIA/CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not
include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method
or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. Questions related to specific materials, methods, and services
will be addressed at the conclusion of this presentation.
This course is approved by other organizations. Please click here for details.
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AEC Daily Corporation has met the standards and requirements of
the Registered Continuing Education Program. Credit earned on
completion of this program will be reported to RCEP at RCEP.net. A
certificate of completion will be issued to each participant. As
such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed
to be an approval or endorsement by the RCEP.
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Purpose and Learning Objectives
Purpose: Provides an overview of multiwall polycarbonate, its contribution to daylighting,
the various types, its thermal and light transmission properties, and its multiple
architectural applications.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this program, participants will be able to:
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list the benefits and design considerations for daylighting
describe how multiwall polycarbonate contributes to sustainability, and explain how the
method of manufacturing allows for additional energy saving benefits
describe the properties of multiwall polycarbonate, including its light transmission and
thermal performance
explore various multiwall polycarbonate systems, their ideal applications and
advantages, and
recall the various architectural applications of multiwall polycarbonate sheeting in
industrial, residential and sport facilities.
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How to use this Online Learning Course
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Table of Contents
What Is Multiwall Polycarbonate?
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Properties and Performance
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Sustainability and High Quality Daylight
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Multiwall Polycarbonate Systems
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Summary
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What Is Multiwall Polycarbonate?
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Multiwall Polycarbonate Overview
Polycarbonate is a widely used plastic from a
specific group of thermoplastic polymers. It is
versatile due to its high impact resistance, clarity,
wide temperature range, fire resistance, and UV
coatings, making it well-suited for many
applications.
When extruded into multiwall sheets,
polycarbonate is available in a wide range of
thicknesses and structural strengths. Its high
strength and light weight means longer spans with
less support. Designing with multiwall
polycarbonate is limited only by one’s imagination.
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Ingredients
Polycarbonate is made with Bisphenol A (the core shape in the monomer below), which is a
key organic compound in the creation of thermoplastic polymers. Although the molecular
bonds are strong, making polycarbonate tough and durable, thermoplastics are very
recyclable and do not degrade when reprocessed.
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Manufacturing
Extruding polycarbonate uses plastic resin, which
is melted and pushed through a die. Imagine the
plastic being formed into pipes or tubes, a
multiwall sheet being many pipes connected to
one another. After traveling through the die, the
sheets enter a hot oven to release tension. The
polycarbonate sheets then travel through a series
of rolls and are cooled and cut to the final
dimensions.
Dies are sophisticated, expensive, and unique for
each product created. Different dies will set the
width, thickness, and structure of the products,
creating particular forms to the specifications of a
company.
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Co-Extrusion Process
Co-extrusion involves adding a thin layer of a
complementing material to the polycarbonate
extrusion. This allows the addition of specialty
materials with performance enhancements to the
polycarbonate sheet.
UV Co-extrusion layer
The co-extruded material is often used as a UV
protection layer, as a means to color the sheet, or to
add other external performance improvements. It
can be added to one or both sides of the
polycarbonate sheet.
Polycarbonate
Main extruder
PC resin
Co-extruder PC
resin and UV
absorber
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Properties and Performance
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Polycarbonate and Light Transmission
Multiwall polycarbonate is primarily used as a glazing
material. The high light transmission of polycarbonate
makes it ideal for daylighting. The structure of the
multiwall polycarbonate helps diffuse light. New UV coextrusions and coatings protect this light transmission
from yellowing the polycarbonate. In addition to light
transmission, other performance characteristics such
as thermal resistance and strength make multiwall
polycarbonate an excellent glazing material.
In this section, we’ll look at typical glazing performance. All performance data is based on
the following standards:
• % Light Transmission: ISO 9050, EN410 D65 (380–780 nm)
• Shading Coefficient and SHGC: ISO 9050, EN410
• U-Value (Btu/hr ft2 °F): ISO 10077 (EN673)
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UV Resistance and Warranty
Over time, UV light affects the outer layer of the polycarbonate sheet. This may turn the
outer layer of the sheet yellow, which indicates a loss of the sheet’s mechanical
properties—namely LT (light transmission) and impact resistance.
The most common procedure used to protect the sheet from UV degradation is a
microscopic layer of UV/polycarbonate inhibitor. This “co-extruded protection layer” blocks
the UV wavelength before it gets to the outermost layer of the polycarbonate. Other
advanced panels have a coating applied during the production process.
In a typical test measuring a sheet’s ability to resist UV, the sheet is exposed to 4500 hours
of sun approximating 10 years of exposure. The angle to the sun, direction, dust, and
shade all play a role in the lifespan of the product. Polycarbonate is also very resilient to
temperature changes since it can maintain its mechanical properties from 40°F to 248°F.
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UV Resistance and Yellowing
Sheet degradation is measured using a yellowness index, ∆YI. Yellowness index is a
number calculated from spectrophotometric data that describes the change in color of a
test sample from clear or white toward yellow. The essence of this test is to measure the
difference in the color of the sheet at any point in time compared to its original color. Delta
YI also correlates with a proportionate amount of loss of the sheet’s ability to transmit light
(light transmission). Some modern polycarbonate sheets have warranties for maximum
yellowing as low as ∆2.
Sample 1: ∆YI = 0
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Sample 2: ∆YI = 2 : Industry leading
warranty
Sample 3: ∆YI = 10 : Typical
multiwall PC sheet warranty
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UV Protection: Coatings
Various coatings can also be added to the panels to increase the performance. Often,
these coatings are applied as part of the original manufacturing process, providing a strong
bond that cannot be worn off or removed. UV protective coatings have the ability to outperform co-extrusions with up to 15-year warranties. Coatings can also provide drip
resistance and easy clean capabilities.
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UV Protection
The stadium pictured below is found in Amsterdam. After 15 years in use, the multiwall
polycarbonate roof shows no discernible change in color. This was verified by TNO, a thirdparty testing organization in Europe.
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Panel Strength
Structure and Thickness = Strength and Thermal Performance
Increasing the thickness of a panel and altering the structure and size of the internal walls
can increase the panel strength.
Panel (4' Wide)
2"DX at 3"
2"DX at 4'
10mm Twin Wall
35 psf
na
16mm Triple Wall
60 psf
20 psf
25mm 5x Wall
120 psf
100 psf
Actual loading dependent on system and application.
DX= Maximum deflection
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Design Aesthetics
Design options include:
• Colors in clear, opal, blue, green,
bronze, and custom
• Textures from smooth sheen to
hammered crystal
• Framing and profiles with finishes to
complement
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Definitions
Light Transmission: Percentage of incident visible light that passes through the sheet.
Visible Light Transmission (VLT): A measure of the amount of visible light that passes
through the sheet. Visible light transmission, or simply visible transmission (VT), is a
fraction of the visible spectrum of sunlight (380 to 720 nanometers), weighted by the
sensitivity of the human eye. A product with a higher VT transmits more visible light. VT is
expressed as a number between 0 and 1.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): The amount of direct solar transmission plus
secondary heat transfer compared to amount of heat hitting the sheet. Secondary heat
transfer is a calculated part of the solar absorption. The relationship between SHGC and
SC(shading co-efficient) is: SHGC = SC × 0.87. The lower a window’s SHCG, the less
solar heat it transmits, and the greater its shading ability.
R- and U-Values: These indicate the thermal resistance of a material. They are a
measurement of the amount of energy that transfers to a material. The higher the R-value
the greater the thermal resistance. U-value is the inverse of R-value. The lower the Uvalue, the greater the thermal resistance. U=1/R
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Performance Values
Visual and thermal performance values for various gauges, structures, and colors:
Sheet Size
Color
VLT
SHGC
U-Value
10mm Twin Wall
Clear
81
.80
.52
10mm Twin Wall
Opal
40
.68
.52
10mm Twin Wall
Bronze
50
.55
.52
16mm Triple Wall
Clear
74
.78
.40
16mm Triple Wall
Opal
40
.57
.40
25mm 5x Wall
Clear
57
.65
.26
25mm 5x Wall
Opal
49
.54
.26
40mm X Wall*
Clear
49
.53
.22
40mm X Wall*
Grey
14
.32
.22
*Interior X cross structure
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Sheet Sizes
The length and width of polycarbonate
sheeting can be adjusted to meet specific
customer requirements. However, standard
sheeting sizes in the United States are 4 ft. or
6 ft. wide, with the maximum length being 52
ft. long.
Cutting and trimming of the sheet’s length is
usually free of charge, while the cutting of the
width is negotiable in most cases since it is
technically easy and possible.
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Light Weight
Polycarbonate materials have a hollow-core structure.
The structure functions like an I-beam and offers
strength along with light weight.
Multiwall polycarbonate is 15 to 20 times lighter that a
piece of glass of similar thickness.
Its light weight offers significant savings in terms of
transportation, handling and installation. A similar truck
could haul four to five times the square footage of
25mm multiwall polycarbonate as it could 1" double
pane glass. Polycarbonate is safe and easy to handle,
cut, and install. This ease of handling and fabrication
can reduce construction time and cost.
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Impact Resistance and Durability
Polycarbonate products offer high impact
resistance and protection against storm damage
and vandalism. Common uses include: safety
glass, storm shutters, and bullet resistant
dividers.
The impact strength of polycarbonate glazing
products has been tested to meet Florida
Building Code, Miami-Dade County Building
Code and Texas Building Code impact
standards.
Although not included as a category in all green
building certification systems, durability remains
a valuable trait for sustainable building products.
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Cold Bending
Multiwall polycarbonate sheets can be cold
bent lengthwise over a curved support.
Once a sheet is removed from its form, it will
regain its flat profile.
Polycarbonate cold bending is a good
solution to applications such as domes and
roof lights. Field fabrication offers greater
flexibility and can account for variations in
construction. Over-bending may be a
breach of warranty.
Thickness
Min. Radius
8mm
55"
16mm
110"
25mm
173"
Typical allowable radii
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Flame Retardant
The relative burning behavior of a material is determined by
observing flame spread during testing. ASTM E84 and D635
measure and describe the material performance and
determine its acceptance by building codes. Most multiwall
polycarbonate products are rated Class A and CC1.
Polycarbonate often achieves values greatly below the
maximum for ASTM E84 and D635 ratings. This high
performance can be seen in large-scale tests where
polycarbonate will outperform other materials, like FRP or
acrylic, that in lab tests had similar results.
Polycarbonate in a fire test
Acrylic in a fire test
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Anti-Condensation
Water droplets on the inside surface of
polycarbonate glazing reduce light
transmission, and, if they fall, can spoil
plants or damage sensitive goods and
equipment beneath.
Reduces Contact Angle Water droplets
Anti-condensation sheets are available with
a hydrophilic coating which reduces the
contact angle of the condensation of the
droplets.
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Anti-Drip
This coating helps eliminate the dripping of water
droplets into the interior and prevents the reduction
of light transmission by condensation droplets. The
thin layer of water runs off the polycarbonate sheet
without affecting the light transmission values of
the glazing. With both sides of the sheet having UV
protection, it is the perfect product for applications
such as greenhouses and swimming pool covers.
Please remember the exam password SKYLIGHT.
You will be required to enter it in order to proceed
with the online examination.
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Aerogel
An additional option for increased thermal
performance is combining polycarbonate with
aerogel. Aerogel is derived from a gel in which the
liquid component of the gel has been replaced with
a gas.
Silica aerogel is used with polycarbonate glazing.
Silica aerogel has the lowest known density of any
solid and promises glazings that transmit light, yet
insulate similarly to the best rigid foams. Though
aerogel is derived from a gel, they do not share
any common properties. Instead, aerogel is more
like a rigid foam with extremely low density.
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Aerogel
Aerogels have several remarkable
properties:
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High light transmission
Noncombustible
Totally recyclable
Nontoxic
Silica aerogels contain 97% air
Color stable
Hydrophobic (repels water)
C2C certified
Highly effective as a thermal insulator
(R-8 in a single inch)
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Aerogel
Aerogel’s high porosity and fine structure ensures
excellent thermal performance in inhibiting heat
transfer:
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Conduction: The low solid content of aerogel
reduces the transfer of heat through solid phase
conduction.
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Convection: The pore size of aerogel traps gas
molecules, preventing them from colliding and
transferring heat.
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Radiation: Aerogel can be opacified, minimizing
heat radiation by absorbing it.
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Gas molecules in open space Gas molecules in aerogel
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Aerogel
Polycarbonate sheets filled with aerogel exhibit increased thermal insulation coupled with
excellent light transmission. The chart below shows the performance for aerogel-filled
polycarbonate glazing.
Accelerated age testing of aerogels has been very successful and has shown that there is
no discoloration due to ultraviolet light; there is no risk of absorbing moisture because the
material is permanently hydrophobic.
1" Insulated
Glass Unit
Standard
25mm Panel
AerogelFilled 16mm
Panel
Aerogel-Filled
25mm Panel
Aerogel-Filled
40mm Panel
R-Value
2.85
2.94
3.84*
6.25*
10*
Light Transmission
74%
72%
52%*
49%*
38%*
Solar Heat Gain
Coefficient
.71
.57
.57*
.54*
.42*
STC Value
(Sound)
n/a
20
21
24
n/a
*Tested per NFRC
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Sustainability and High Quality Daylight
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Healthy and Energy Efficient
The high performance of multiwall polycarbonate
makes it an ideal product for daylighting and
sustainable design.
Daylighting is an extremely beneficial aspect of
sustainable and green design. By understanding
its key benefits and design challenges, the
advantage of multiwall polycarbonate is clear.
“Daylighting design, when done with care, is the
single most powerful strategy to reduce energy
use in commercial and institutional buildings—
from 30% to 60%.” California’s Pacific Gas and
Electric Company.
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Benefits
In a study done in San Juan Capistrano, California,
students with the most daylighting in their classrooms
progressed 20% faster on math tests and 26% on reading
tests in one year than those with the least.
Diffused daylight through a skylight was also found to
affect test scores positively. Students with a well-designed
skylight in their room, one that diffused the daylight
throughout the room and which allowed teachers to
control the amount of daylight entering the room, also
improved by 19–20% faster than those students without a
skylight.
Source: Heshong Mahone Group. “Daylighting in Schools.” PG&E 1999. http://h-mg.com/projects/daylighting/summaries%20on%20daylighting.htm#ReAnalysis%20Report:%20Daylighting%20in%20Schools,%20Additional%20Analysis
%20%20%20–%20CEC%20PIER%202001
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Benefits
According to studies done by the Heschong
Mahone Group from California, diffused
daylighting increased retail sales up to 40% for
one major retailer. For another, daylighting
achieved profits worth 19 times more than
energy savings, possibly even 45–100 times
more.
In a similar study, it was found that with access
to a window with an attractive view, call center
workers handled calls 6% to 12% faster, while
office workers tested 10% to 25% better when
compared to workers in spaces with less light
and window views. However, glare potential
decreased performance by 15% to 21%.
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Glare
Glare is a drastic change in light intensity that our
eyes are not able to adjust to easily. This may be
light reflecting off a mirror or water—or, in the case
of the top image, is a result of shadows cast on
desks. While the room has more than enough light,
the human eye cannot adjust between the 400
foot-candles (fc) on the desks and the 10fc on the
board.
The image on the bottom utilizes translucent
glazing on the top two sections of window. This
translucent glazing scatters light, allowing it to
reach further into the room. It also reduces the
contrast between the desks and board.
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Light Quality
In addition to thermal insulation and sound reduction, the addition of aerogel to multiwall
polycarbonate greatly improves light quality. When light hits the aerogel, it is scattered in all
directions. This results in 100% light diffusion. Not only is a high percentage of the light
transmitted, but the light is of the highest quality, eliminating glare.
In tests where a panel
is exposed to light at
-45°, almost half the
light is reflected above
0° after passing
through the panel.
25mm aerogel-filled panel
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Human Health and Natural Light
A biological process in line with a 24-hour period is a
circadian rhythm. These rhythms are driven by an internal
clock. Examples of these rhythms are seen in body
temperatures, the sleep/wake cycle, peak coordination,
and various body chemicals.
Among other factors, light is important to the setting and
maintaining of our internal clock. The full spectrum of
natural light is the only proven method of maintaining this
internal clock. Natural light also varies in intensity
throughout the day, which has an effect on human
function.
Cool White
Sunlight (12:00 Noon)
Different wavelengths of light affect the human body in
different ways. As shown in the graphs to the right, the
light levels in artificial light can vary greatly from that of
natural sunlight.
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Overview: LEED® Certification
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization composed
of leaders from every sector of the building industry working to promote buildings and
communities that are environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy places to live and
work. USGBC developed the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
green building certification program, the nationally accepted benchmark for the design,
construction, and operation of high performance green buildings.
LEED credit requirements cover the performance of materials in aggregate, not the
performance of individual products or brands. Therefore, products that meet the LEED
performance criteria can only contribute toward earning points needed for LEED
certification and cannot earn points individually toward LEED certification.
For detailed information about the council, their principles
and programs, please visit www.usgbc.org.
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LEED
Polycarbonate contributes to achieving points under the LEED green building certification
program:
Sustainable Sites: Credit 8 – Light Pollution Reduction (1 point): Sheets offer light-diffusing
characteristics that prevent direct-beam illumination from leaving the building interior. Also,
sheet color can be easily varied within an application.
Energy & Atmosphere: Credit 1 – Optimize Energy Performance (1–19 Credits): The
thermal performance of multiwall polycarbonate, especially when filled with aerogel, can
greatly improve building thermal performance. Daylighting can help reduce electrical loads.
Materials & Resources: Credits 4.1 and 4.2 – Recycled Content (1 point
each): Polycarbonate sheet may utilize between 15% and 30% of pre-consumer recycled
content that can help builders to obtain these credits.
Indoor Environmental Quality: Credits 8.1 and 8.2 – Daylight & Views (1 point
each): Multiwall polycarbonate is an ideal material for translucent daylighting. It can be
used in a variety of standard and custom glazing systems.
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Multiwall Polycarbonate Systems
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Multiwall Polycarbonate Sheets
Multiwall sheets can be used as a standard glazing
material and can be cut to size on site. The
advantage of these sheets is the multitude of sizes
and their light weight. The thermal expansion
properties of these sheets has to be considered
during design and installation and when installing
gaskets and silicon sealant.
These sheets are very flexible and can be cold bent
to suit design requirements.
Loading capacity of the particular sheet will
determine its width and the length, as well as
thickness. The higher the load, generally, the thicker
the sheet.
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Multiwall Polycarbonate Sheets
Common uses for multiwall sheets include the
following:
• 6mm and 8mm are usually for greenhouses
and signage.
• 10mm use is office dividers and drop
ceilings.
• 16mm, 20mm, 25mm, 32mm are used when
high impact or heavy snow/wind load
designs are needed.
• 32mm to 50mm is used when high-insulation
performance is needed.
• The thicker the panel, the stronger and
better the insulation performance.
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Polycarbonate vs. Glass
The benefits of choosing a polycarbonate system over a glass system include the
following:
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Minimized solar glare and heat gain
High-quality diffused daylight projects into the room
No interior or exterior shading devices needed
Can be field-fabricated
Lightweight and high strength, requires less structure
Curves easily (cold forms) to suit the design
Cuts easily for unique shapes
Cost for thermal performance is significantly better
Sheets color easily for exceptional aesthetics
Is a 100% recyclable material with a possibility of LEED points
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Polycarbonate vs. Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic
(FRP)
The benefits of choosing a polycarbonate system over an FRP system include the
following:
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No settling for one-size-fits-all—total flexibility
No costly unnecessary and unwanted features
Higher light transmission with same U-value
Water management without adhesives and sealants
Possibility of downsizing openings, yet the ability to gain more light
Long lengths and fewer joints in polycarbonate eliminate leakage
Exceptional flexibility for interior designs
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Multiwall: Canopies
Multiwall is light and requires minimal structure. A variety of light transmission levels can be
achieved with different products.
Clear, corrugated polycarbonate
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Twin wall polycarbonate
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Multiwall: Skylights
Skylights use frames and systems similar to conventional plastics or glass. Light quality is
greatly improved. Multiwall polycarbonate skylights have high impact resistance.
Aerogel-filled skylights
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Clear, triple wall polycarbonate
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Multiwall: Stadiums
The light weight of multiwall polycarbonate
makes it ideal for stadiums and large roof
systems. Panel color can be adjusted to
offer location-specific light levels within a
stadium.
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Multiwall: Interior
In these examples, images were directly
printed on 8mm sheets. These partitions divide
employee workout and kitchen spaces. The
images were designed by employees.
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Multiwall: Interior
Multiwall polycarbonate is ideal for interior
signage and trade show booths. A variety of
colors can offer unique branding opportunities.
Because the sheets are translucent, they can be
easily backlit.
Clear 50mm tongue and groove multiwall
polycarbonate
Blue 40mm tongue and groove multiwall
polycarbonate
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Custom color 40mm tongue and groove
multiwall polycarbonate
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Typical Polycarbonate Sheets
Multiwall Sheet Designs
Specialized Panels
Tongue and Groove
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Standing Seam
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Multiwall: Vertical Glazing
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Multiwall: Vertical Glazing
The multiwall polycarbonate below is a 25mm twin wall with aerogel fill in a thermally
broken aluminum frame.
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Multiwall: Vertical Glazing
For the stadium entrance below, a 50mm tongue and groove multiwall polycarbonate was
used in the team color, orange.
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Tongue and Groove
Tongue and groove is used for vertical walls, office
dividers, and industrial windows. It uses seamless
connections to create an aesthetically flawless
wall.
Products are available in 20mm, 40mm, and 50mm
thicknesses. For increased insulation and sound
barrier properties, heavier gauge products should
be used.
By using minimal vertical framing, there are fewer
thermal bridges. The reduction in aluminum
framing also reduces cost and simplifies
installation.
Installation of blue 40mm tongue and
groove multiwall polycarbonate
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Tongue and Groove
Panels snap together, and the panels
attach to the structural system via a
clip (fix key). The loading requirements
determine the number of clips and
structural supports.
Slide metal fastener clip in place
Bolt clip to purlin
Slide and click next panel in place
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Tongue and Groove: Vertical Glazing
Vertical profiles are only needed at corners or transitions between materials. The height of
the material is only limited by transportation and installation abilities. Because the panels
are lightweight, it is possible to install long panels without heavy equipment.
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Tongue and Groove: Vertical Glazing
Office Building, Spain. Multicolor 40mm
tongue and groove mulitwall polycarbonate.
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Utility Building, University of California Davis. Clear
40mm, thermally broken frame.
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Tongue and Groove: Vertical Glazing
Warehouse, De Pere, WI. Blue 40mm tongue
and groove in simple aluminium frame.
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Warehouse, De Pere, WI. Blue 40mm tongue
and groove in simple aluminium frame.
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Standing Seam Polycarbonate Sheets
Standing seam sheets are usually a nominal width and manufactured in a variety of long
lengths. They are commonly used for skylights or canopies. They have polycarbonate
battens which snap over the sheet edges, forming the seams with minimal framing. They
are easy to install and air and water tight.
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Standing Seam Polycarbonate Sheets
As shown below, standing seam sheets have upturned legs at adjacent panels that
interlock in a variety of ways. This type of polycarbonate system reduces the use of
gaskets and sealants, minimizing chances for leakage. Compared to traditional translucent
systems, standing seam construction provides ease of installation, increased impact
protection, and high load capacities.
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Standing Seam: Batten Types
Battens and panels come in a
variety of shapes and profiles.
Round or square battens can be
used to achieve different aesthetics.
There are aluminum and
polycarbonate battens. The internal
structure of the panel will determine
strength, visual characteristics, and
thermal performance.
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Standing Seam: Performance
Third-party testing in accordance with NFRC and other agencies is available for many
multiwall polycarbonate products
Results per NFRC compliant testing:
Panel
U-Value
R-Value
SHGC
LT
20mm X wall Opal
.34
2.94
.45
41
Additional third-party testing for 20mm 5x standing seam system:
Title
Result
Test
Air Infiltration
< 0.01 cfm/ft2
ASTM E283
Water Penetration Resistance
Pass,15 psf
ASTM E331
Design Pressure
90 psf
ASTM E330-02
Uniform Load Structural Test Pressure
135 psf
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ASTM E330-02
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Variable Standing Seam System
While most standing seam and clip-together systems are only available in fixed widths,
there are options for variable sizes. By using ultrasonic welding, it is possible to weld the
polycarbonate legs onto a panel. This weld is as strong as a solid panel and allows
different widths to be created without new dies. The stock sheets are cut to size before
welding, allowing for a wide variety of materials and sizes.
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Standing Seam: Deflection vs. Load
Standing seam systems are extremely strong. With a variable width system, the max
loading is determined by the panel width and purlin spacing. By maximizing the panel
width, installation time is reduced. The panels can also be created to work with existing
structures.
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Standing Seam: Applications
This application is a high school in Independence, Ohio. Several different panel widths
were used on this project.
Opal 20mm 5x wall, variable width panels
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Standing Seam: Applications
This pavilion in Pittsfield, MA was constructed by volunteers without the need for heavy
machinery to lift panels into place. The 3'-0" wide standing seam panels work with a 3'-0"
purlin spacing to create a grid pattern desired by the architect.
Opal 20mm 5x, 3'-0" wide panels
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Summary
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Summary
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Polycarbonate is a clear, colorless polymer created through a chemical reaction called
polymerization.
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The co-extrusion manufacturing process provides UV protection. This makes
polycarbonate sheeting ideal for greenhouse and swimming pool enclosures as well as
commercial skylights, canopies, and window applications.
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In a standing seam sheet, the longitudinal edges of the sheet are bent perpendicular to
the surface, forming a pair of 90-degree angles. The folded angles can be easily
attached to other sheets, allowing for installation without aluminum extrusions; this
reduces the thermal expansion issue.
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Polycarbonate offers the industry’s widest applications of translucent daylighting
technology in applications as shown, as well as walls, doors, partitions, curtain walls,
clerestories, illuminated walls, and LED lighting.
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Polycarbonate sheeting offers transparency, lightness, and thermal insulation and is
noted for impact, fire, and weather resistance.
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Conclusion
If you desire AIA/CES and/or state licensing
continuing education credits, please click on the
button below to commence your online
examination. Upon successful (80% or better)
completion of the exam, please print your
Certificate of Completion.
For additional knowledge and post-seminar
assistance, please visit the Ask an Expert forum
(click on the link above and bookmark it in your
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If you have colleagues that might benefit from
this seminar, please let them know. Feel free to
revisit the AEC Daily web site to download
additional programs from the Online Learning
Center.
©2011, 2013 AmeriLux. The material contained in this course was researched,
assembled, and produced by AmeriLux and remains its property. “LEED” and
related logo is a trademark owned by the U.S. Green Building Council and is
used by permission. Questions or concerns about this course should be directed
to the instructor.
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