BEC: Austin Committee Meeting

Join BEC: Austin for their monthly meeting featuring a presentation and lunch.

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Prefabricated Exterior Wall Assemblies: Herding Cats in Hard Hats

Prefabrication of exterior wall assemblies has been explored since the 1920s and 1930s, so the concept of their use is nothing new to the built environment. However, consideration of the effects on the air, water, and thermal boundaries of buildings are the concerns of the construction industry for the 21st century. No matter if the wall assembly is constructed in the field or in a shop, it must have continuity in their air, water, and thermal barriers. Prefabricated exterior wall assemblies are designed and constructed to meet these requirements. In this presentation, our goal will be to introduce two perspectives on the use of prefabricated exterior wall assemblies. One is the General Contractor’s experience with prefabricated exterior wall assemblies and the delegated design process. The other is the experience of the building enclosure consultant reviewing the design and observing the fabrication and erection of these wall systems. Case studies will be reviewed with respect to code and/or industry association inspection requirements, design and construction reviews, and lessons learned in the coordination of these assemblies with other trades.

Learning Objectives

1. Describe the history and different types of prefabricated exterior wall panels.
2. Contracting and coordinating the delegated design process with the applicable trade partners. Turn-Key, Means & Methods, and discuss who owns the details.
3. Applicable codes and standards. Explore how to test and inspect these assemblies.
4. Demonstrate the process of designing and construction of the prefabricated exterior wall assembly and how it incorporates the air, thermal and water barriers within it.

1 LU/HSW (Pending)

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Speakers
Kayla Maines and Howard Colton with Terracon, and Trevor Brown with JE Dunn.

BEC: Austin is an interdisciplinary organization that promotes the exchange of information on building enclosures and related science specific to the climate of Central Texas.

Interdisciplinary: architects, engineers, contractors, building owners, consultants, facility managers, code officials, educators, manufacturers, and those with a stake in building enclosure performance

Exchange of information: discussion, training, education, outreach, and awareness

Building enclosures and related science: energy-efficiency, moisture control, indoor air quality, longevity, and durability

BEC: Austin typically meets the first Wednesday of each month from 12-1pm. To receive reminders, please sign up for the BEC mailing list here.
2026 BEC: Austin Committee
Chair: Michael Salinas, AIA
Chair Elect: John Byrd, AIA
AIA Austin staff liaison: Julia Brown