What is rastra?

RASTRA is the original Composite Insulating Concrete Form (ICF), first introduced in 1972 in Austria. Since then over 9 million units have been placed in service with installations throughout Europe, Middle East, Far East, North Africa and the Americas, in all types of climates from the Austrian Alps to the Saudi Arabian Desert, to the humid climate of Southeast Asia. Today, RASTRA is not only recognized as the original, but also as the best product of any ICF category.

Rastra

Approved by international codes and audited by accepted, independent organizations, RASTRA is the most extensively tested Composite Insulated Concrete Form available. While copycat composite ICF’s exist, these products did not undergo the rigorous testing, lack approvals and decades of experience in process and application.

RASTRA is a stay-in-place Insulating Concrete Form (ICF) that is structurally strong • energy-efficient • sound absorbent • non-combustible • resistant to high wind, mold & pests • and made from 85% recycled materials.

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 (Styropor® - EPS beads)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.

Rastra

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.

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