Precast concrete

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Contents 1 Material analysis 1.1 Traditional uses 1.2 Emerging uses / trends 1.3 Finish and aesthetic qualities 1.4 Surface forms / shapes 2 Material properties 2.1 Primary structural use 2.2 Dimensional and opening restriction 2.3 Manufacturing process and assembly 2.4 Accoustical Rating 3 Environment and Life Safety 3.1 Environmental impact 3.2 Flammability rating 4 References 4.1 Student contributions 5 See also 5.1 Similar materials 6 External links 6.1 Leading manufacturers

Material analysis

CSI Number: 034000

Traditional uses

• Sanitary, stormwater and water products such as catch basins and trench drains.
• Building, housing and landscaping such as floor and roof slabs, modular paving products, ornamental products, walls, foundation systems and furniture.
• Transportation products such as median barriers and tunnels segments.
• Communications, utility and industrial products such as transformerpads, manholes and fuel tanks.

Emerging uses / trends

• Exposed as existing primary structural material, or aesthetic architectural applications by incorporating color and texture.

Finish and aesthetic qualities

• Colors vary in shades including gray, brown, green, pink, yellow, multicolored, etc. dependent on the aggregate and other additives used.
• Surface textures classified as fine, medium, and coarse depending on the mix of materials and the finishing.

Surface forms / shapes

• Manufacturers produce standard shapes and dimensions for commonly used forms, e.g. maholes.
• Custom forms can be manufactured.

Material properties

Primary structural use

• Compression

Dimensional and opening restriction

• Dependent on forms required.
• Custom molds can be prepared.

Manufacturing process and assembly

• A mixture of Portland cement, aggregate and water. Concrete solidifies and hardens after mixing and placement in mold through the hydration process. The water reacts with the cement, bonding the other components together and creating a stone-like material.
• It is manufactured in a controlled environment making for a stable and consistent reproduction of desired form.

Accoustical Rating

• Is often used for soundproofing and acoustical control from exterior noise but is not an effective absorptive material within interior of concrete structure.

Environment and Life Safety

Environmental impact

• Cement is a nontoxic, environmentally safe material and is composed of natural materials. It aids in conveying water without contributing to poor water quality.
• It is well suited to exposure to all types of weather conditions.
• In regions experiencing regular freeze-thaw cycles, the concrete mix can be designed to properly withstand damage.
• It is a low maintenance, resilient and durable material. Concrete exposed to sea water can have corrosive effects.
• Recycling of concrete is possible.

Flammability rating

• Cement is a non-combustible material

References

Student contributions

• Blair Dubak, Spring 2008

See also

Similar materials

• Poured concrete
• Concrete block

External links

Leading manufacturers

• Architectural Precast Website
• Concrete Precast Systems Website
• Coreslab Structures Website
• High Concrete Structures Website