Precast concrete is one of those materials that has permeated all aspects of our lives. Precast concrete is used for a variety of purposes due to its durability, ease of maintenance, long life, versatility, and strength. It is used in a variety of applications, including walls, fences, and gates. Your commute-superhighways, the foundation of your home, your plumbing, indoors and outdoors, and in every way imaginable, making it the most versatile.
Here are 5 little-known facts about precast concrete, a common building material.
1. Concrete is extremely resistant to both water and fire.
Concrete is almost completely fireproof. It does not require any additional fire protection due to its built-in property. When it comes into contact with a flame, it does not emit toxic fumes. Concrete is an effective fire barrier due to its slow rate of thermal conductivity or heat transfer. That is why buildings and other structures made of concrete can survive a fire when everything else is on fire.
Because of the use of membranes and special concrete mixtures, concrete is waterproof. Because of this, concrete is ideal for constructing underground structures such as lower levels, basements, and parking structures. Concretes are thus said to be extremely long-lasting and durable.
2. Concrete has a tremendous compressive strength.
Compressive strength is the amount of force required to break a material, measured in pounds per square inch (psi). Concrete’s compressive strength ranges from 3000 to 7000 psi, but strengths of up to 20,000 psi are possible. Because of properties such as low shrinkage, low permeability, a high modulus of elasticity, and high strength, concrete can withstand heavy loads.
3. Concrete is the most appropriate material for road construction
Concretes are ideal for road construction because they are long-lasting, environmentally friendly, and require little maintenance. Concretes can be tailored to specific uses and conditions, making them the most effective road/highway construction material. The initial cost of construction may be slightly higher, but because of lower maintenance costs, these are the better option in the long run.
4. For underwater structures, the only building material used is reinforced concrete.
Because of their anti-corrosive properties, precast concretes can be used in the construction of bridges, dams, and other structures where the foundation part of the structure is underwater. When concrete is placed underwater, it causes it to detach.
- This is viable for structures that need to split space closely.
- The surface is smooth and ready to be painted or covered in wall paper.
- For more comfort, insulated panels may be used.
- The system has enough strength and stiffness to resist lateral loads when the joints are functioning properly.
5. Concrete is a popular choice for luxury countertops, sinks, fireplaces, and floors
Because concrete can withstand water, it is a popular material for garden décor and outdoor furniture. Concrete is another option. However, concrete can also be used to beautify the interior of a home. Because of its incredible versatility and durability, concrete is an ideal building material for custom countertops, sinks, and fireplaces.
Concrete floors, on the other hand, can be a surprisingly inexpensive way to give any indoor living space a sleek, contemporary look that is low-maintenance and will withstand a lifetime of wear and tear.