Astec - Amsteel panels may be used for quick build shelters to accommodate disaster relief situations, temporary housing. military housing and support centers. Combinations of panels are screwed together along with the leading edge steel to form a building system that is extremely fast, light-weight, and extremely strong. Panels are provided already with windows and doors and complete with colored corrugated steel exterior finish.

Panel Specs
Standard panels are 120 cm x 240 cm (4' x 8') and 120 cm x 260 cm (4' x 9'). Studs are manufactured from 18 gauge, G-90 galvanized steel and are spaced at either 40 cm (16')' or 60 cm (24')' on center. This steel is also utilized as edge metal at the top and bottom of each panel.

Interior Finishing's
Interior finishing's are not required all units are supplied with the interior paneling in place. Various designs of wood paneling are available, as well as other products such as T&G aluminum boards.

Panel attachment system
Panels are connected with hexagonal self-tapping tech screws. This method uses metal tracks for the top and bottom plate.

Level of Service
A technical representative is available at our offices to review technical details and plans if needed. Local Astec - Amsteel representatives can provide local technical support. Additional support personnel can be assigned on a per diem basis. A detailed set of shop drawings and an assembly manual will be provided for ease in assembly. Certain designs and regions require a seal or letter of recommendation from a licensed structural engineer. Astec - Amsteel, for an additional fee, can provide engineering on a case by case basis

 

Wiring
After wall panels have been set into bottom channel, two options of wiring are possible.

Option 1

Baseboard Raceway

This technique is gaining popularity with some kit panel construction . A specially-made baseboard is used that extends out from the wall at least an extra ¾", providing a chase for wiring (see Figure right). These baseboards are usually shop-manufactured and cut to length on-site.

Receptacles are inset into the baseboard and usually a short distance into the wall finishing and kit panel as well. Wires should enter and exit the receptacles through the ends rather than back or sides.

A slight variation of ties technique makes use of surface-mounted, low-profile, baseboard hydronic or electric heating units manufactured in Europe (available from Danex, Inc., Route 23, Box 66, Acra, NY 12405). These baseboard heaters, which stand out little more than a wooden baseboard, carry relatively low-temperature water or electric resistance heating elements along the full perimeter of a room. They have built-in wiring chases, making them well-suited for wiring kit panel structures.

Option 2

Surface-Mounted Wiring

Surface-mounted wiring is a simpler alternative for wiring, and it can be done after the interior finishing has been installed. Use special pre-formed channel (wire mold), which contains the wire and mounts directly on the wall surface (see Figure right). Wire mold is available in metal or plastic from most electrical suppliers, along with all the necessary fittings and elbows for your particular applications.

Surface-mounted wiring has been used for decades in commercial buildings, but only recently has it made its way into houses. Most clients have not wanted the wiring to be visible. Surface-mounted wiring is becoming more acceptable, however, particularly with the availability of more attractive wire mold.

A big advantage to surface-mounted wiring is the ease with which modifications can later be made. This may be an important consideration to some Clients.