RASTRA is recognized as the ultimate building solution for economical and environmentally-friendly construction. This stay-in-place system is made of a lightweight composite material called THASTYRON, produced with 85% recycled expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam) and 15% cement. RASTRA panels achieve strength from a combination of features specifically designed to maximize both shear and compressive strength.

The actual panel by itself is not structural. Wall strength is created when steel reinforcement and concrete are added to the interior of the panels. These interior channels form a grid or skeleton, of 6” diameter columns designed to maximize strength, yet use a minimum amount of concrete. By using different qualities of concrete and/or various amounts of reinforcement, in horizontal, vertical or even diagonal directions, the load capacity can be adapted to satisfy nearly any building requirement, including multi-story and seismic zone applications.

Standard Panel ~ used for walls - has semicircular grooves on both length sides interconnected by a number of tapered transverse channels. A standard panel is up to 10’ long, 15” or 30” high with a wall thickness of 8.5”, 10”, 12” & 14”. One 10” x 120” single panel weighs 158 lbs dry, still light enough to be handled without a crane. The 8.5” panel is intended for use in interior low load bearing applications only.

End Panel ~ used for wall ends, lintels, corners, window recesses and even ceilings - has half the width of the standard panel and has no transverse openings. For corners, cutouts are made in order to create channels for the concrete to connect two adjacent walls.