Stone veneer-faced precast concrete panels have been used successfully to clad buildings in North America for the past 40 years. Their popularity is due to the aesthetics, strength, durability, substantial benefits and low maintenance cost of such panels. However, their successful implementation requires careful planning, proper stone selection, and skillful workmanship in producing the panels. This article provides information on stone properties, design considerations, anchorage of stone facing, panel water tightness, veneer jointing, handling, storage and shipping of panels and repair of panels, if needed. A wide variety of building applications of stone veneer-faced precast panels are given. Throughout the article, it is emphasized that for optimum results, close coordination is needed between the architect, precaster and stone supplier.
