Developed in New Zealand in 2008, Nauhria Precast introduced their Monarc Brand of precast concrete wall panels. Highly aesthetic, Monarc provides all the benefits of traditional precast like fire resistance, acoustic insulation, structural mass and form. But Monarc’s benefits extend beyond that of traditional precast by providing enhanced properties in Colour, Texture and Detailing, options that give added functional advantages like abrasion resistance, graffiti deterrence & manageability, ease of cleaning & maintenance and term of life aesthetics, and of course not to forget that with Monarc concrete can be beautiful!
Manufactured at Nauhria’s South Auckland production factory, Monarc panels incorporate engineered blends of local, natural ingredients including cement, aggregates, sands and oxides to create beautiful concrete mixtures. Once cast, panels are then diamond refined through Monarc’s patented Diamond Honing, Diamond Brushing or Bush Hammering processes unveiling the natural beauty from within. Further diamond refinement with Monarc’s integrated cutting, milling and routing tools can transform a flat panel into a bespoke decorative work of art.
Monarc provides Architects and Designers with freedom in design and the ability to truly cast in stone elements of architectural design to last the ages.
For a comprehensive overview of Monarc, see the Monarc website www.monarc.co.nz
Alternatively, contact a Monarc Specialist for personal confidential support.
Precast Panels come in a variety of custom sizes and shapes.
For lifting, storage, Monarc processing and transport to site, Monarc panels are generally managed with the long edge down. Panels are then rotated onsite mid-air during the cranage and installation lift.
With Monarc’s unique ability to offer many different finishes, each tooling refinement process has a limited dimension, Panels must be designed or split to fall within these absolute maximum dimensions:
MAXIMUM MONARC PROCESSING DIMENSIONS:
Minimum Unit Thickness: 100mm Maximum Unit Thickness: 500mm
Maximum Unit Weight: 18 tonne
Maximum Standard Delivery Length of Unit: 12.0 meters
(Larger units may incur specialised transport costs. (See Transport Specs.)
Maximum Panel Processing Height (from panel long edge) :
Surface Texturing:
Diamond Honing 3650 mm
Diamond Brushing 3650 mm
Bush Hammering 3200 mm
Decorative Detailing:
Monarc Cutting 3200 mm
Monarc Milling 3200 mm | 15mm depth
Monarc Routing 3200 mm | 10mm depth
Further detailed information can be found on the Monarc Product Website: monarc.co.nz
Precast units require specialised trailers to tranpsort units to site which come in a variety of types and sizes, each with with varying Height and Length restrictions depending on the tranport route required
Motorway
Highroute - Non permit
Highroute + Permits required
Please note: Transportation of precast units outside of standard guidelines may require Permits, Pilot Vehicles and Time constraints with associated additional costs.
Porcupine Trailers:
Height - Motorway : 3.5m Height - Over Height Route - No Permit / Pilot : 4.05m Length of Panel Std Max : 11.5m +/-
Hydraulic Panel Trailers:
Height - Motorway : 3.9m Height - Over Height Route - No Permit / Pilot : 4.5 m Length of Panel Std Max : 10.5m
Step Deck with A-frame Trailers :
Height - Motorway : 3.1m Height - Over Height Route - No Permit / Pilot : 3.6 m Length of Panel Std Max : 10m
High Deck / Skully with A-frames Trailers :
Height - Motorway : 2.6m Height - Over Height Route - No Permit / Pilot : 3.2 m Length of Panel Std Max : 14m +/-
Maximum 21 tonne of balanced load weight
Nauhria allow for delivery to site based on typical standard conditions accommodating the greater Auckland area.
Depending on the delivery location greater distances or access difficulties, additional costs which may be incurred including accomodation, crossings or sea freight, High-routes, permits etc.
Nauhria are experienced in international precast supply. International deliveries are subject to port and freight weight and dimension limitations, customs and costs - P.O.A.
Nauhria use only genuine Reid Lifting anchors and equipment unless specifically advised otherwise from the Project Engineer. These are supplied by ITW/Reids and comply with ASTM:E23-1996.
Only approved lifting clutches and equipment should be used and should be regularly inspected and certified by the supplier of the anchors as being suitable for their use.
Reid Lifting equipment and anchors are engineered tested and approved to integrate seamlessly together. Any substitute or alternative equipment must not be used!
Failure to use correct equipment should be considered extremely dangerous and will instantly void all Product Warranties and Guarantees.
Nauhria Precast prepare the shop drawings of each precast unit
Nauhria coordinate with Ramset Reids who determine and advised the correct lifting design to be used.
Nauhria include the advised lifting code onto the shop drawings and depict the location for each component to be cast in.
All Lifting Certificates are provided by Ramset Reids.
The Contractor is responsible for obtaining all necessary approvals from crane operators/riggers, placing contractors, etc.. and to confirm their satisfaction with the lifting anchors and design shown to be cast into the precast units for the safe lifting, handling and placing of the precast units - without overloading any part of the element or lifting component.
No precast manufacturing shall commence until contractor approval is signed, accepted and returned.
Lifting codes and the cast in lifting connectors are determined by multiple factors including, Unit weight, Shape and Orientation. Lifting should follow the exact instructions provided to ensure the effective and safe handling and installation of the precast units without endangering or causing harm to anybody. Safety of people being of paramount importance at all times.
Precast Unit Weight Calculation / Crane Lift Weight:
As precast elements vary in reinforcing steel Weights can vary accordingly with steel mass weighing greater than concrete.
Typical Concrete should be calculated at 2.4 tonne (2400kg) per m3 of Concrete Heavily reinforced concrete we recommend allowing 2.7 tonne (2700kg) per m3 of Concrete.
Remember to check Distance from crane as Lifting weight capacity of cranes reduces as distance from the crane increases. This also vary's for each crane. Check with your crane contractor.
Concrete Strength at Time of Lifting:
Typically Nauhria precast elements have had accelerated curing from heated casting beds and achieve acceptable lifting strengths within 24 hours following casting. The contractor must confirm with the manufacturer prior to delivery where critical elements or lifting requires concrete strengths exceeding 20 MPa at the time of handling on site.
Safe Lifting Guide and Certification
All Lifting certification is provided by Ramset Reids
It is critical that rigging codes are followed precisely when lifting precast.
For the protection of people and property, Please ensure all people are clear of fall zones either side , beneath and around the vacinity of the product being lifted.
Ensure stay ropes are attached to prevent unit swing and crashing into buildings, Racks and other structures.
Prevent and protect from craneage counter weights from swinging and crashing into the precast unit.
Precast concrete should be designed by professional engineers and architects in accordance with NZ Standards.
Conforming with the standards will ensure that NZ buildings will perform to keep people safe when faced with New Zealand's unique Climate and Seismic environment.
NZ Standard requirements to refer when designing precast should include:
The following information is provided on the Concrete NZ website: Further information can be viewed at concretenz.org.nz/page/noise
... Noise transmission through wall and floor systems is important because the better the system is at reducing noise transmission the more comfortable the living environment.
The New Zealand Building Code Clause G6 Airborne and Impact Sound specifies minimum requirements for noise transmission reduction for walls and floors that are common between two occupancies (intertenancy). The code specifies a Sound Transmission Class (STC) of not less than 55 for walls & floors. It also specifies an Impact Insulation Class (IIC) for floors of not less than 55. STC rating relates to airborne noise transmission whereas IIC rating relates to impact noise transmission.
Although noise transmission requirements of the building code do not apply to stand alone homes, the living environment within these homes can be significantly improved by using concrete wall and floor systems which inherently have good noise transmission reduction properties.
Typical STC Values for Concrete Walls The following are typical STC values that have been obtained from testing conducted by the Prestressed Concrete Association in the USA for normal weight concrete.
Wall System STC Rating 100 mm concrete wall STC - 44 150 mm concrete wall STC - 55 200 mm concretewall STC - 58
Floor System STC Rating 150 mm precast or insitu concrete with carpet on underlay STC - 52 200 mm precast or insitu concrete with carpet on underlay STC - 56
Openings Even small openings can significantly reduce effectiveness. It is important to ensure there are no gaps that sound can pass through. Small gaps around services and unfilled joints must be adequately filled
Indirect Noise Transmission Connection details and sound transmission properties of floors and ceilings are also important. The effectiveness of a wall in reducing sound transmission may be reduced if the sound can travel through the ceiling into the next room.
New Zealand Standard 3114: Published in 1987 sets out finish codes for concrete in NZ. The descriptive text and images from the standard are depicted below of the level of finish specified.
It is important to note that whilst the standard remains current it has not been for some time and should be considered the base line for finishes.
Nauhria's expertise have developed advanced precast casting techniques and processes to deliver a higher standard of Precast finish to that depicted as the standard F5/F6 baseline.
At Nauhria we believe that managing expectations is critical in ascertaining the true level of acceptance between project stake holders including, the client, the contractor, project architect and engineer and also with Nauhria. This is effectively achieved through the manufacture and review of sample panels by all parties signing off on an initial actual unit and establishing an agreed benchmark of acceptable finish and quality to move forward from for the project.
Ideally rather than providing a small imperfection free sample, these samples should be of a reasonable size so that naturally occurring variables may become apparent over a larger area.
MF - Mould Face (formed) | NF - Near face (unformed)
NOTE: Nauhria's standard panel finish is an F5 / F6 surface finish to the MF and a U3 Power floated and trowelled surface finish to the NF.
Description: Surfaces where roughness is not objectionable. No surface treatment is required other than filing tie holes and repair of defective concrete. Colour variations and certain physical irregularities are permitted.
Typical use: Concealed surfaces which are to be covered as in foundations, or in walls to be strapped and lined. Upstream faces of dams that will normally be under water.
Description: Surfaces which provide a key for plaster and other thick surface coverings.
Typical use: All types or interior or exterior surfaces
Description: All permanently exposed surfaces smooth or textured that are not prominent or subject to close or frequent scrutiny.
Typical use: Surfaces of buildings or civil engineering structures that will not be seen, or observed only from a distance.
Description: All smooth or textured surfaces of structures where appearance and accurate alignment is of moderate importance as they will be subject to frequent observation.
Typical use: Walls, Panels, Columns, Beams etc... in areas of secondary importance such as basements, workshops.
Description: All smooth or textured surfaces of structures where appearance and accurate alignment is important as they will be exposed to frequent close scrutiny.
Typical use: Walls, Panels, Columns, Beams, Bridge fascia, Piers, soffits, parapets, and railings etc... in areas of greater importance such as office areas, Foyers, Public areas but where the concrete does not form a feature of the space.
Description: All smooth or textured surfaces of structures where appearance and accurate alignment and eveness of surface is of greatest importance important as they will be exposed to frequent close scrutiny.
Typical use: Architectural or feature panels and high velocity water channels where it is essential to prevent the destructive effect of water action.
Unformed Surface Finishes (NF - Near Face Surface)
When it comes to Architectural Concrete, No one knows it better than Nauhria...
Natural Concrete
Natural Concrete is typically coloured Portland Grey , the resulting formulation of Grey cement, sands and aggregates being mixed together.
White Concrete can also be made substituting the Grey cement for White cement where Carbon has been reduced from the cement.
Oxide Colours
Enhancing concrete colours to achieve pre-coloured concrete requires the addition of coloured Oxide powder to the concrete formulation.
Oxides come in a range of standard base tones including: Black, Brown, Terracotta - Red, White - titanium dioxide, Green, Yellow and Blue.
Most oxide distributors like Peter Fell Ltd offer formulated preblend colours to provide a unique colour offering more in keeping with modern decor trends and the subtle accentations of space.
To see a full range of oxide standard colours we recommend viewing the Peter Fell website.
Oxide Dosing
Achieving a consistency of colour managed by dosing common percentages of oxide by the cement content of the concrete.
Typically most oxides are dosed at 5% EG. if there is 400 kg of cement per /m3 5% would require 20kg of oxide powder to be added per m3.
Offset Shades of colours can be achieved by lessening or increasing the oxide dosage to a maximum saturation level of what is typically considered to be achieved at 10%
Colour variations
Whilst Nauhria take all practical precautions to manage colour consistency as close as is practically possible It is important to be aware that environmental factors outside of their control can also effect the colour of concrete whether colour enhanced or natural. This includes Humidity, Sun, Wind, Raw ingredient moisture content and naturally occurring contaminants like dust and other source debris.
Coatings can also cause a significant variation in colour tone ranging from Acrylic Silane siloxane based coatings that will render a natural dry colour to Solvent based penetrating coatings that will provide a deep dark and lustrous wet look appearance. combinations of contrasting coatings are commonly used for Dynamic decorative effects providing perfect colour harmony and an offset of colour tone.
The Base ingredients of the concrete formula can also effect the concrete colour with cleaner sands aggregates and white cement resulting in more dynamic vibrant colour enhancements.
Costs
As base oxides are made from naturally occuring - colour fast materials, So do the costs associated with their abundance impact the cost accordingly. In New zealand our most cost effective colour is Black, made from carbon and Iron ferrox. While colours like White -Titanium Dioxide and Greens and Blue - Cobalt typically at the higher price range of colours.
Colour Permanence
Dosed and blended in with the cement, Oxides are entrained throughout the concrete matrix for the life of the concrete.
Oxides - being made of powdered colour fast solid matter rather than pigmented dyes cannot fade over time however salts within the concrete can be brought up to the concrete surface wet dry action on the panel of which water evaporates leaving the white salt on the surface atop the oxide giving the appearance of a gracefully aged faded colour. This is known as efflorescence and is a common phenomenon found in concrete and concrete blocks. It can also be easily removed and washed away by professional cleaners with chemical treatment.
Prevention of efflorescence is best achieved by preventing the transfer of moisture into and out from the concrete through water proofing or repelling coatings and admixtures
As Colours are locked in for the life of the concrete it is important to consider also changes to the use of the building over long periods of time, Changes in Decor, Changes in tenancies, or just evolution of personal preferences. Keeping with neutral tones will help to compliment and change of decor, colour or aesthetics, brands or furnishings which more easily changed. Colours like black, White, Greys and earthen tones tend to be best for complimentary longevity of colour.
Concrete Stains
Modern concrete treatments also include colour fast concrete stains that are specialist applied to the surface of the concrete. Concrete stains offer an excellent life of aprox 20 years before requiring any degree of recoating. Colours can also be matched to blend concrete imperfections or to make good concrete repairs and remedials.
Exposed Concrete colours
During some Concrete exposure techniques like Monarc's Diamond Honing, Bush Hammering or Diamond brushing, Natural aggregate colours become visible revealling the beauty of the polished surface itself. this revealling can make visible variable aggregate properties include veins of quartz and other minerals, fossils, and simple variatons of natural colour occuring with chemical compositions of the aggregate.
Play of Light
Natural Light is made up of all colours bouncing off surface to reflect certain frequencies of light and to absorb others, To our eye the reflecting light frequencies are interpreted to what we refer as colour. Keep in mind the light frequencies bouncing first off other items like green from trees, The blue of the sky or the high vis vest your wearing when you view a sample, commonly impacting on the true colour we see.
As light changes colours so does the appearance of Darkness and Shadow - Through the movement of the Earth around the sun and the changing angles of light through the day, variabilities of colour and tone is commonly experienced.
Nauhria recommend using the Masterspec systems for preparing the latest up-to-date standards and specifications for precast concrete.
Masterspec section 3130 for General Precast
Masterspec Product section 3130M for specifiying Monarc Precast Concrete.
TIP: Remember to clearly identify in selections for all Precast finish variants to be sued in the project relating these back to drawing product finish codes.
Nauhria Precast's Terms & Conditions are provided with all quotations and establish an agreed level of expectations for all parties to agree upon.
The document also provides trade specific consideration and interpretation to generic clauses contained in subcontract agreements for the purpose of providing clarity and avoidance of doubt as to their interpretation.
In the event a subcontract shall become in effect they are to be included as subcontract documents for the address of any clauses not contained nor provided for in the Subcontract documents.
Whilst Nauhria plan and coordinate deliveries in advance with our specialised logistics suppliers, Please keep in mind that traffic density and incidents can result in unexpected delays outside of our control.
If you are inquiring about a delivery, please provide the project and panel details and we will track the current status of the delivery and report back to you as soon as possible.
Delivery Cancellations:
If due to delivery day circumstances you need to cancel your delivery please contact us immediately so we can take whatever actions may be available to mitigate incurred costs in loading and freight.
Delivery cancellations should be advised a minimum of 48 hours (2-working days) prior to the prearranged time & date.
Panel Storage:
Nauhria have one of the largest fully gantry'd vertical storage capacities available for precast panels, This supports the high quantity of precast panels manufactured and must rotate from production to delivery as fluidly as possible.
Please note... that unexpected delivery delays could cause congestion and disrupt other planned storage and deliveries, Additional storage costs may be incurred or we would be happy to discuss options with you in regards to onsite storage if available.
Nauhria Precast units require special precast transporters to deliver units to site.
Precast Transporters vary slightly but can typically accommodate the following limits:
Upto 12m unit length
Maximum 4.0m Load height
Maximum 21 tonne of balanced load weight
Dimensions outside of these parameters will require Specialised transport arrangements and machinery with associated costs.
Delivery is typically calculated to accommodate the greater Auckland areas, Depending on Delivery location greater distances could incur additional costs which may include accomodation, crossings or sea freight, High-routes, permits etc.
Nauhria are experienced in international precast supply.
International deliveries are subject to port and freight weight and dimension limitations, customs and costs - P.O.A.
Nauhria Precast Deliveries are pre-booked and coordinated through precast logistics specialists.
Geographical coverage predominantly ranges from the Central North Island to Northland.
Due to Nauhria's unique capabilities in High end architectural concrete, deliveries have extended to reach afar as New Zealand's South Island and Nuie with specialised overland and Sea-freight arrangements.