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Design & Strength:
The square grid allows use of the elements
either vertically or horizontally, maintaining the grid and the runways for
reinforcement, which allows for unsurpassed creativity in design. RASTRA
provides minimal heat and cold transfer through the RASTRA element, thus
concrete grout retains its heat and moisture longer thus allowing a
consistent cure, unhindered by outside temperatures. This results in a
stronger end product.
Environmental Qualities: RASTRA is a
sustainable, energy efficient, environmentally correct construction system.
RASTRA offers the structural strength of concrete paired with high thermal
insulation, sound attenuation and fire resistance - a truly “Green” building
material for houses and commercial buildings.
Thermal Performance: The same
component matrix THASTYRON which gives RASTRA its fire resistance, also
insulates the concrete placed inside the elements, in our Caribbean climate,
this means good cooling because of good insulation. During five-hour fire
endurance testing of full-scale 10-inch (25cm) thick RASTRA walls, applied
temperatures exceeded 2000F (1100C) on the exposed face. In essence, the
wall did not conduct heat during the test. Other tests have shown that A/C
thermostats can be lowered, and or smaller A/C units utilized.
Fire Resistance: RASTRA elements
are very effective in areas where high fire resistance is required. In
full-scale tests of RASTRA walls it has been shown that the RASTRA wall
does not support combustion and does not emit smoke and has a
four-hour fire rating.
Mold and Mildew Resistance: RASTRA elements
also have other features and qualities that make it unique. Because the
component matrix THASTYRON will not hold or wick water the way concrete, or
concrete block or wood products do, RASTRA elements will not promote or
sustain mold and mildew. As a building system used in Europe for more than
25 years, numerous tests have proven RASTRA’s ability to resist mold and
mildew.
Insect & Vermin Resistance:
Unlike solid polystyrene, the mixture of Portland cement and polystyrene
creates and undesirable atmosphere for insects. Additionally, the concrete
grout placed in the channels penetrates the pours of the RASTRA interior
surface, fusing the concrete and the RASTRA panel together, therefore
eliminating channels that termites and other insects could use for migration
and nesting.
Sound Quality of RASTRA Elements: The RASTRA element
has exceptional sound absorbing the attenuation qualities. This means that
the interior of the new RASTRA structure will be shielded from most outside
noises. RASTRA has a high insulation rating above R34.
CONCLUSION: The RASTRA wall
directly contributes to a healthy living environment. It also helps
indirectly to improve the environment by conserving energy. Therefore RASTRA
reduces pollution (Builders use up to 60% smaller units for air conditioning
and heating and save even more in utilities). RASTRA reuses worthless waste,
which would end up in landfills. Ecologically sound, RASTRA provides a safe
shelter; it is fire proof, earthquake safe, rodent and termite proof,
resists storms, and provides privacy due to good acoustic attenuation.
RASTRA means higher living quality with unlimited lifetime at low
maintenance cost.
www.RASTRA.com
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