The Top Facts on Precast Concrete You Should Know Today

There may be a vast number of materials you can use for your building or construction project, and in fact, you can take your pick from the many materials available. But there is one material that has been singularly used as the primary material for many projects, producing structures that are second to none: precast concrete. Precast concrete is renowned for its durability and strength, but along with this comes its ease of maintenance, its versatility, and its lifespan as well. You can utilise it for different purposes, too – for walls and roofs and more. But what are the other facts you should know about precast concrete today? Let's have a look.

1. Resistance to fire and water

Precast concrete, or concrete in itself, is known for its resistance to fire and water. Its intrinsic properties do not require any additional protection from fire, and if it comes into contact with fire and the flames produced by it, it will not release any deadly fumes. In addition, concrete has a slow heat transfer and thermal conductivity rate, making it an effective shield against the spread of fire. Another fact about concrete you should know is that it is water-resistant, and this is due to the use of special mixtures and membranes in its production. It is one reason why concrete is ideal for underground buildings and structures such as parking garages and basements.

2. Immense strength

Precast concrete is already recognised for its immense strength, but there’s another kind of strength for which it is known: compressive strength. This is the force required to break specific materials, and it is measured in PSI or pounds per square inch. Concrete’s compressive strength is from 3000 – 7000 PSI, but it can achieve up to 20000 PSI in force as well. With this, it is easy for concrete to resist the heaviest loads. Its other properties (such as low permeability and shrinkage and high elasticity) all contribute to the compressive strength for which it is known. A precast concrete retaining wall is entirely suitable precisely because of these properties. It has also proven effective at containing soil and other materials, becoming an effective barrier for various uses.

3. A highly-suitable material for roads

As you may well know, concrete is an excellent and highly-suitable material for roads, thanks to its characteristics and properties – a long lifespan and environmental-friendliness. It is also a material that doesn’t need much maintenance. You can even have it customised to a specific condition or use and make it even more effective as a material for motorways and roads. So even though the initial expenses of building it may be higher, the material's low maintenance costs make up for it in the long term.

Precast concrete has proven its merit in many different ways, and a lot of property owners have even used it as a material for quality basins, fireplaces, countertops, and flooring. Its ability to resist water has made it an obvious choice for many, and its smooth finish can further add aesthetic appeal to any property. The material is also extensively utilised for building dams and bridges, and structures with an underwater foundation, as it is resistant to corrosion and comes with a low rate of deterioration.