IBT Construction Technology: A modular, earthquake‑resistant panel system for rapid, energy-efficient buildings

Summary

IBT technology stands out as a cutting‑edge approach in modern construction, aimed at accelerating building production on a global scale while aligning with time and economic considerations. Its use has spread across continents, signaling its relevance for diverse markets and climates and its potential to reshape how we approach mass housing and complex projects. (page 6)

The core idea is to fuse the structural and insulation requirements of reinforced concrete with established building practices, creating a method that leverages the strengths of both approaches. This integrated concept seeks to optimize speed, performance, and cost without sacrificing durability or safety. (page 6)

At the heart of IBT is a modular, lightweight panel system made from expanded polystyrene (EPS) sandwiched between two galvanized welded‑wire mesh sheets. This composition yields a flexible, easy‑to‑handle building unit that forms the basis for rapid assembly and efficient on‑site work. (page 6)

Viewed as an earthquake‑resistant and insulating construction method, IBT can support a wide range of building forms—from single stories to multi‑story structures up to 20 levels—while accommodating varied architectural designs. The system’s adaptability makes it suitable for both simple and complex projects. (page 6)

Following installation, each panel is completed by applying concrete through a process that ensures the panel reaches its final strength and stiffness. This finishing step integrates the panel into a continuous structural envelope, enabling robust performance under load. (page 6)

The IBT approach enables a broad spectrum of constructive elements to be produced from the same modular concept: load‑bearing walls, partition walls, external cladding, roof and floor panels, and stair components. This versatility supports both structural needs and interior/exterior design requirements. (page 6)

Panel types are defined to cover various functions: single panels act as load‑bearing elements up to four storeys with plastered surfaces on both sides; they also serve as partitions or curtain walls in larger buildings. Double panels create an air cavity by joining two panels, enabling specific thermal responses, while roof and floor panels span larger areas; specialized stair panels provide safe, integrated access. (page 6)

Double panels unite two basic panels with horizontal connectors to form an air gap, with the concrete casting thickness tailored to structural requirements. This configuration enhances thermal performance while maintaining structural integrity. (page 6)

The staircase component uses a foam polystyrene core reinforced with steel mesh, finished on site with concrete. It is designed to form stairs with a span up to about six meters, combining lightness, ease of installation, and structural resilience. (page 9)

One of the key advantages of IBT is its ease of handling on construction sites. The panels are notably light, allowing one or two workers to move and place them without heavy lifting equipment. This simplifies logistics, speeds up installation, and reduces the need for skilled labor at early stages, while still benefiting from higher productivity if skilled workers are employed. (page 9)

Connections between panels are achieved using a pneumatic fastening method or traditional binding wire, after which the hollow interior is filled with concrete to complete the panel’s structural function. This approach creates a continuous, solid, and well‑integrated building envelope. (page 9)

The typical construction sequence begins with establishing foundational elements, followed by laying floor panels and creating necessary conduits and chases for utilities. The process continues with utility routing, wall assembly, and ongoing integration of electrical and service components, all designed to optimize workflow and minimize on‑site delays. (page 9‑10)

Once the concrete is poured into the hollow spaces, gravity provides consolidation without internal shrinkage, ensuring consistent performance. The next steps involve forming service channels, preparing the surfaces for plastering, and completing the external and internal finishes in a coordinated sequence. (page 9‑10)

Before plastering, panels are finished with a shotcrete coating, and their corrugated surfaces promote superior adhesion of subsequent plaster and finishes. This pre‑treatment improves long‑term durability and surface quality, reducing the need for extensive surface preparation. (page 9‑10)

Advantages of the IBT system extend beyond speed and ease of construction. The structural quality is high, and the method offers markedly improved seismic performance: a building erected with IBT tends to deform far less than conventional constructions under similar seismic loads, with estimates suggesting a deformation reduction by a factor of around twenty. This outstanding seismic behavior is a central selling point for the technology. (page 14)

In addition to earthquake resilience, IBT provides benefits in multiple performance domains: sound insulation, thermal insulation, fire resistance, and overall robustness against impacts and environmental loads. The combination of these attributes enhances occupant comfort, energy efficiency, and safety. (page 14)

Taken together, the IBT construction system delivers a compelling package of structural integrity, rapid on‑site performance, and enhanced building performance across climate and use cases. Its modular approach, compatible finishes, and demonstrated seismic advantages position IBT as a significant option for contemporary, resilient, and energy‑efficient construction. (page 14)

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