Architects choose to specify Litecrete lightweight precast concrete cladding, manufactured by Wilco Precast, because it offers exceptional versatility, speed of enclosure and durability. No other product provides the combination of textures, shapes, surface details, fire resistance, acoustic values, insulation, low maintenance and accelerated construction schedules. But the key benefit is that Litecrete can offer solutions for designers and engineers when developing low, medium or high-rise buildings with steel or concrete superstructures — especially in poor grounds, or high seismic areas. Typical construction details are available for download from the Litecrete website.

Litecrete cladding panels are 40% lighter than standard precast cladding panels and offer insulation and fire resistance standards that exceed New Zealand Building Code requirements. Litecrete is manufactured with pumice aggregate, which reduces the weight of the concrete yet provides its unique strength-to-weight ratio. The air cells in the pumice provide insulating properties and weight reduction. In low/medium/high rise projects, ranging from apartments to supermarkets, there is typically a 30% saving in structural steel costs compared to using standard precast. The combination of pumice, sand and cement, together with steel reinforcing systems and polypropylene fibre reinforcement, gives Litecrete its exceptional durability. Engineers and architects have relied upon the strength, durability and design possibilities of Litecrete to achieve a variety of outcomes:

• Design freedom: unlimited aesthetic options; excellent plan flexibility
• Fast-track construction: faster to erect; unaffected by inclement weather
• Finishing trades are able to begin work earlier than would be the case in using built-up multi-element cladding systems
• Low maintenance and life-cycle costs
• Trucks can ship more panels, resulting in fewer truck movements
• Environmentally friendly; less embedded energy; recyclable
• Peace of mind: quality-assured, consistent factory manufacture enables greater quality control and consistency of finish
• Outstanding durability, including fire and moisture resistance

The durability of concrete is defined as its ability to resist any process of deterioration such as weathering action caused by water. Auckland Uniservices have tested samples of Litecrete vs 30 MPa standard precast concrete for water absorption. The test report concluded that Litecrete does not saturate with water to the same extent when compared to 30 MPa concrete. Litecrete meets the following performance requirements of the Building Code:

• Clause B1 STRUCTURE: Performance B1.3.1, B1.3.2 and B1.3.4 for
• the relevant conditions as in B1.3.3. a, b, f, g, h, i, j
• Clause B2 DURABILITY: Performance B2.3.1, 50 years
• Clause C3 SPREAD OF FIRE: Performance C3.3.5
• Clause E2/AS1 EXTERNAL MOISTURE: Performance E2/AS1:3.2,
• E2/AS1:3.3, E2/AS1:3.6
• Clause E3 INTERNAL MOISTURE: Performance E3.3.1
• Clause F2 HAZARDOUS BUILDING MATERIALS: Performance
• F2.3.1
• Clause G6 AIR & IMPACT SOUND: Performance G6.3.1
• Clause H1 ENERGY EFFICIENCY: Performance H1.3.1, H1.3.2