Precast concrete-to-precast concrete facade joints using precompressed expandable foam

This paper reviews precompressed expandable foam as an option for sealing the joints of an architectural precast concrete panel building enclosure. Precast concrete wall joint designs are typically specified with a two-stage sealant with a backer rod between the concrete elements. This approach has been an accepted and recommended standard by the industry. Both field and laboratory testing were conducted for precompressed foam using three joint configuration details: precompressed foam only, precompressed foam with sealant, and precompressed foam with sealant and hacker rod. Specimens with the industry standard of dual sealant and backer rod were also tested to serve as the control and benchmark for data comparison.