Many Central Florida consumers have questions about precast fencing, Hardscapes, and retaining walls. There has been significant research done on the durability, how they are made, and the many benefits of precast concrete. Pre-cast.org answers many questions concerning this material.
Florida Wall Concepts is a proud to be a leader in the industry. We offer competitive prices on beautiful fencing and have helped hundreds of HOAs, home and business owners find affordable fencing solutions.
Is precast concrete a green building material?
Precast concrete contributes to green building practices in significant ways. The low water-cement ratios possible with precast concrete -0.36 to 0.38- mean it can be extremely durable. Because precast concrete is factory-made, there is little waste created in the plant (most plants employ exact-batching technologies) and it reduces construction waste and debris on site, reducing construction IAQ concerns.
Is precast concrete different from other types of concrete?
Precast concrete is different because it is made in a factory by highly experienced personnel who apply stringent quality-control measures. In the factory environment, precasters are able to achieve consistency in temperature and moisture and low watercement ratios that are not possible in field-fabricated concrete. Precast concrete can easily attain strengths of 5000 psi to 7000 psi or more, with densities that minimize permeability.
What is the difference between concrete and cement?
While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, concrete and cement are not the same. Concrete is a building material, a composite of aggregates including sand and gravel, plus cement, water, and other materials. Cement is a key ingredient of concrete, typically making up 10% to 12% of the volume.
What does cement do to concrete?
Cement does what its name implies-it cements the aggregates and other ingredients together. A fine powder that is usually gray or white in color, cement is hydraulic, meaning it chemically reacts with water. As the concrete components are mixed, cement helps turn the mixture into a flowable, formable emulsion, finally binding the components, as the concrete cures, into the rock-like substance used for everything from simple sidewalks to sophisticated skyscrapers.