In 2011 the population of the world passed 7 billion, and it is estimated that the population will increase to 10 billion people by 2050. Our challenge in coming years is to supply food, water, clothes, homes and job to old and new societies. Having in mind that our resources on Earth are limited and human beings did not utilise the resources properly during the past century, it is essential that future developments of requisite infrastructures are innovative, environmentally friendly and resource efficient. The challenge with an infrastructure profile is to find innovative technical solutions in order to reduce the environmental impact of existing and future infrastructure.
Precast concrete is a construction product produced by casting concrete in a reusable moldor “form” which is then cured in a controlled environment, transported to the construction site and lifted into place (“tilt up“). In contrast, standard concrete is poured into site-specific forms and cured on site. Precast stone is distinguished from precast concrete using a fine aggregate in the mixture, so the final product approaches the appearance of naturally occurring rock or stone. More recently expanded polystyrene is being used as the cores to precast wall panels. This is lightweight and has better thermal insulation.
1. STRUCTURALLY SECURE AND EFFICIENT
Traditional concrete building construction just can’t stand up to the precast concrete advantages and strength, especially when looking at large projects.
Precast concrete is specifically designed and constructed to have a significantly high span-to-depth ratio that allows it to bear loads better, reducing the need for additional columns and supports within the internal structure of the building. Its lighter weight can also reduce the size of needed structural material and overall foundational depth.
2. PREFABRICATED AND PREINSTALLED
Tilt-up concrete construction requires pouring and molding onsite limits what you can use it for when it comes to internal structures and foundations, as well as when your job requires significant utility access. For example, an airport has a vast array of technology that must always be operable, but it can’t have wires or other overhangs that move across its yard. This means everything possible runs through the foundation and base of the buildings.
Precast concrete allows construction teams to preinstall utility access, fixtures and other elements. Some of the more common inclusions are plumbing and communication lines, though the NPCA notes that preinstalled elements can even include windows.
3. WEATHER AND LARGE-SCALE PRECAST CONCRETE
Precast concrete is able to withstand flood damage, wind-blown debris, rain penetration and the methods we use to protect buildings and roads from these dangers. Studies have found that it can withstand many freeze-thaw cycles even better than other construction and building materials, so it won’t decay or crumble as it expands and contracts.