Tag: concrete forming

Explore the Amazing Benefits of Decorative Precast Concrete Walls | AFTEC

Posted on by AFTEC

When it comes to decorative walls and fences, you have many options. From wood to acrylic and natural stone, each of these traditional wall materials can add to a property’s aesthetic. But how well do these materials compare to concrete? 

With that being said, not all concrete walls are created equal. Concrete is a durable material that can withstand even the toughest climates, but not all concrete walls can be customized with beautiful textures, colors, and designs. That’s what makes AFTEC’s StoneTree® decorative precast concrete walls stand out from the rest. Keep reading to learn all the amazing advantages you can enjoy from our decorative concrete walls and fences. Check it out.

How Can Decorative Precast Concrete Walls Benefit Your Project?

Creative Design Options

Traditional materials like wood and masonry offer some creative design options, but these can get incredibly costly as you layer on the customizations. What’s more, wood and masonry materials aren’t very cheap, to begin with. On the other hand, AFTEC can customize your precast concrete walls with a range of versatile design customizations while still working within a cost-effective budget. These design options may include ornamental iron configurations, double-sided textures, and more! If you can think of it, we can probably do it. 

Beautiful Texture Options

Texturization adds a lot of depth and style to concrete walls. All of our StoneTree® concrete walls can be customized with decorative textures that replicate natural stone, brick, stucco, block, and other architectural designs. Better yet, we can apply the texture to both sides of the concrete wall system, enhancing the appearance of both sides of a property line. This is the perfect way to add elegance to a property at a fraction of the cost of other wall and fence materials.   

Attractive Colors

AFTEC concrete walls can be customized with various stains to enhance the texture, adding a look of distinction to a residential, commercial, or even industrial property. The stains are formulated to look natural in appearance, but really make the walls stand out.

Maximum Durability

Unlike wood and acrylic walls that can wear down over time, decorative precast concrete walls are designed to withstand the test of time through even the toughest of conditions. AFTEC walls can guarantee a longer lifespan — and more bang for your buck — because they are more resistant to insects, weather, environmental changes, temperature fluctuations, and ground shifts.

Easy to Maintain

Precast concrete walls are easy to maintain, requiring virtually no maintenance. Project managers, this is a major selling point for your clients who are on the fence (pun intended) about which wall or fence material to go with. What’s better than a beautifully manufactured and installed decorative wall that requires relatively no maintenance, that also continues to provide protection, security, and elegance to a property for decades to come?

It's time for a precast concrete wall. Contact AFTEC today for a quote!

Discover the AFTEC Advantage Today!

AFTEC decorative concrete walls and fences deliver maximum durability, longevity, and protection, while adding an elegant aesthetic to any property. If you are ready to explore your options, please reach out to the AFTEC team to get started. We offer a wide range of textures, colors, and architectural designs that will add beauty and value to your residential, commercial, or industrial property. Get started today!

How Concrete Privacy Walls Can Transform Residential Exterior Spaces, Part 1 | AFTEC

Posted on by AFTEC

How Concrete Privacy Walls Can Transform Residential Exterior Spaces, Part 1

Project managers, are you looking for concrete wall and fence options for your upcoming residential build or renovation? AFTEC is a global leader in designing and manufacturing precast concrete fence and wall solutions for any residential project. One of our most popular options is our privacy walls for residential properties. Here are some of the many ways a concrete privacy wall can enhance transform the exterior space of your residential project.

Enjoy These Advantages of AFTEC Concrete Privacy Walls

Two Beautiful Concrete Wall Options

AFTEC offers two options for privacy walls: softscape and hardscape. Softscape privacy walls are designed to blend into the surrounding landscape and instantly obscure the line-of-site from onlookers. However, this option requires ongoing maintenance. Hardscape privacy walls are easy to maintain, strictly adhere to fencing codes, and offer elegance to any residential property. Both options can be customized to your specifications with regard to height and the addition of decorative elements. 

Specialized Sound Barrier Qualities

AFTEC precast concrete walls feature sound barrier qualities that can reflect sounds and noises at a ground level. This is beneficial for any homeowner looking to spend a lot of time in their outdoor space without the worry of loud neighbors or passing traffic.

 

Decorative Design Options

At AFTEC, we design and engineer our concrete wall systems to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. That’s why we offer an array of decorative features for our concrete privacy walls such as different texture options applied to both sides and architectural elements to heighten the wall’s appearance.

Invest In AFTEC Precast Concrete Privacy Fences 

If you are looking for the best way to enhance security, privacy, comfort, and beauty for your residential construction project, AFTEC precast concrete fence and wall systems are an optimal solution. Not only will the homeowners enjoy the comfort and serenity that an elegant, sound-reducing, secure concrete privacy wall offers, but you, the project manager, can enjoy easy installations and affordable material costs. Contact AFTEC to get started today!

Enhance the Aesthetics of Your Concrete Wall With Stone Texture

Posted on by AFTEC

When it comes to concrete fence and wall systems for residential, commercial, industrial, and public works projects, you want to find the best solution that combines protection, durability, and beauty all-in-one. While some wall and fence materials such as wood or stone may look attractive, they fall short when it comes to the superior security and longevity that AFTEC precast concrete fence systems provide.

One of the aspects that sets AFTEC apart is that we can customize our precast walls and fences with beautiful textures that resemble natural stone, but which also offer a range of benefits that natural stone does not. Let’s compare concrete walls and fences with stone texture versus natural stone fences.

Benefits of Stone Texture vs. Natural Stone

Natural Stone

Natural stone is beautiful and adds a lot of character to a property when used in walls and fences. Natural stone may be a better option for smaller DIY residential projects for these three benefits:

  • Made from natural materials
  • Attractive
  • Traditional style
  • Can create stone retaining walls without mortar

Natural stone, when being considered for larger projects, falls short of concrete walls and fences because stone masonry is:

  • More expensive
  • More labor intensive
  • Harder to maintain
  • Not as effective for large walls and fences
  • Deteriorated faster

Concrete Fence with Stone Texture

Concrete, on the other hand, offers numerous benefits for larger residential, commercial, and industrial projects. These advantages include:

  • Affordability
  • Less labor intensive
  • Attractive versatility
  • Durability and longevity
  • Little-to-no maintenance
  • Withstand extreme weather and environmental conditions

While it does not have the natural stone appeal on its own, AFTEC can customize any concrete wall or fence with a texture resembling natural stone, delivering the aesthetic of stone combined with the strength and durability of concrete. Better yet, the texture is applied to both sides of the wall system, offering beauty and elegance in all directions.    

Experience the AFTEC Advantage

If you are ready to invest in a concrete fence system outfitted with stone texture, reach out to AFTEC, the world’s leading precast concrete fence and wall manufacturer. We would be happy to help you find the perfect texture for your project.

Resort Project Managers: Here’s Why You Should Use Precast Concrete Fence Systems

Posted on by AFTEC

Managing a hotel resort development project is quite an undertaking. One that takes a lot of planning to ensure all the safety, architectural, and landscape features come together flawlessly so that future guests feel comfortable and secure during their stay. When it comes to deciding on which type of fence or wall system to use for your resort project, there are a lot of options. Some fence and wall materials provide security and exclusivity, but significantly lack when it comes to the aesthetics. That’s where we come in.

Benefits of Precast Concrete Fence and Wall Systems for Resorts

Whether your resort project is a renovation or a new construction project, finding a secure, long-lasting, and cost-effective fence or wall system for the resort is essential during the design and development plan. While you have many materials and fencing systems to choose from, choosing a precast concrete fence for your project is a decision you can feel confident in, and here’s why.

#1. Excellent Security and Protection

When it comes to resorts, safety is a top concern. Not only can developers and project managers make a resort look and feel secure, but you can actually make a resort property safe and secure with high-quality, long-lasting enclosures. Concrete walls and fences offer superior security when compared to other materials due in part to their strength and height. In fact, AFTEC concrete walls can be customized in heights of three-feet reaching up to 16-feet, providing instant security for resort guests and employees.

What’s more, concrete wall systems can be easily outfitted with a range of security systems, such as cameras, alarms, gates, and so much more, helping to keep potential trespassers and vandals out while keeping those inside the resort walls safer. Learn more about AFTEC concrete security walls that offer optimal security and a long-lasting perimeter around the resort property.    

#2. Long-Lasting and Low-Maintenance

Concrete fence systems are designed to last. They are also easy to maintain and require low maintenance. Concrete walls can stand up to the threat of deterioration better than traditional wall materials. Additionally, a concrete fence resists weathering actions, high winds, inclement weather, rot, rusting, UV rays, pests and rodents, abrasion, and even chemicals. Plus, concrete actually hardens over time, making it more dense and stronger with time.     

#3. Aesthetic Versatility

Concrete fences offer something that, say, chain link fences don’t: aesthetics. Textured concrete walls offer attractive and stunning textures that can enhance the beauty and elegance of your resort project. You can customize your concrete fence with a textured design of your choosing. From concrete block to brick, stone, or stucco, each texture features exceptional realism and resembles various types of masonry materials, but with all the benefits that only precast concrete fence solutions offer. The best part? Textures are featured on both sides of the concrete fence for stunning beauty from all directions.

In addition to an extensive selection of texture options, AFTEC walls are colored on-site to complement the color, style, and landscape features of your resort development project. Precast concrete walls can also feature beautiful columns that are finished with a custom complimentary stone texture to further elevate the aesthetic of your concrete fence.

#4. Clear Property Boundary

Concrete walls for resorts offers a clear boundary marker. This is especially beneficial for hotel resorts located in major tourist destinations that feature hundreds of resorts that are built in close proximity to one another. A concrete fence is a clear indicator that can alert hotel guests — and guests staying at other resorts — of where the resort property ends and begins.  

#5. Many Options to Choose From

Choosing commercial precast concrete walls and fences for your resort project is a smart move simply for the variety of options you will have. Depending on the type of resort, style, its location, and more, you can choose from sound barrier fences, security walls, boundary and perimeter walls, and combination walls to meet your needs.

#6. Noise Barriers

If your resort development is near a busy highway or roadway, an industrial area, or a railway, you will want to choose a sound barrier fence for optimal protection against noise pollution. Unlike wood, vinyl, and brick walls, a precast concrete noise barrier wall can protect future guests and employees from noises that can interrupt their stay, reduce their comfort, and induce stress. AFTEC noise barrier walls absorb and reflect noise pollution and create a more comfortable environment ideal for any resort. Want to learn more about AFTEC SoundTec™ noise barrier technology? Read our recent article, What You Need to Know About Precast Concrete Wall Noise Barriers, to enhance your knowledge.

#7. Efficient Installation

AFTEC’s concrete fence systems offer speedy, yet safe installations. Unlike other wall materials, the column and panel are integrated into one unit and cast vertically. Once the thick steel I-beam footings are constructed, the concrete panels are installed into column voids by stacking them on each other. Thanks to AFTEC’s proprietary rigid footing support system, there is no need for shoring, bracing, or grouting the system to prevent falling. As a result, installation takes half the time of traditional fence systems, allowing for safe and efficient installations, reduced labor costs, and instant security and safety.

#8. Long-Term Value

Choosing a concrete fence or wall system for your resort project is a cost-effective investment for your project. Not only will you save on installation and labor costs, but you will also be providing the resort owner with a long-term value that far exceeds any other wall or fence material.

Chain link fences break and rust, wood fences need constant maintenance, and brick wall materials are susceptible to deterioration and damage that concrete walls are not. By making a smart choice for your wall or fence system during the design and development phase, you will provide your client with years of value and add to the property value should they choose to sell. It’s a win-win for everyone!

#9. Affordable Solution

To put it simply, concrete fence and wall systems are incredibly affordable. When you combine all the benefits we have mentioned, you, project manager, are keeping costs down for installation, labor, and even worker’s comp claims, thanks to the safe installation process. Additionally, AFTEC’s integrated forming systems means you can reduce the costs of materials and equipment to install a wall or fence. Even better, you can enjoy customizable texture options and color options without spending thousands or even tens of thousands more to include aesthetic features on your wall or fence.

#10. Available Nationwide

Whether you are building a luxury beach resort in Florida or a ski resort in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, AFTEC precast concrete fence and walls systems are available nationwide and engineered for any and all hotel resort applications. Our design-build team is ready to assist you with your project no matter where you are.

Choose The AFTEC Advantage For Your Next Project

If you’re a project manager in search of the perfect fence or wall material that offers security, longevity, is cost-effective, and features double-sided textures for the superior aesthetics, choose the global leader in precast concrete fence and wall systems. AFTEC provides prefab concrete walls to customers in the United States to meet their construction needs. Contact our team to get started and experience the AFTEC Advantage for your next project.

8 Surprising Advantages of Precast Concrete Walls

Posted on by Gale Stott

Considering precast concrete walls for your concrete construction project? It may be time to make a call to AFTEC and experience the advantage of working with a worldwide leader in precast concrete wall products. As a supervisor, project manager or planner, choosing between precast concrete wall manufacturers can be tough. They all offer seemingly similar products, but you have a deadline to meet. At AFTEC, we completely understand the pressure.

In this article, we’re going to share the eight advantages of choosing precast concrete wall products from AFTEC. What you’ll learn is how the AFTEC experience is unlike any other company you’ve ever worked with, and why you should go with precast concrete products, no matter who you choose to work with.

8 Precast Concrete Wall Product Advantages:

For most, precast concrete may be a mystery in how it works. Precast concrete is poured into molds and then cured in a controlled climate. Once cured, the wall panels are rigorously tested to ensure quality and strength. Then, those panels are shipped out to the construction site, ready for installation. Here are eight other advantages:

#1. Save Time

A deadline is always on the horizon for concrete construction projects. Working past a deadline means losing money. The faster a project can be completed with high quality work, the more money that can be made. Precast concrete wall products allow you to save time in labor intensive activities and installation. Concrete panels arrive when you need them, and they can be installed with minimal labor involvement and maximum lift/crane operation. For most projects, all you have to do is dig holes, and the precast concrete wall company does the rest for you.

#2. Quick Turnarounds

When you need a quick turnaround, precast concrete wall products are paramount in achieving deadline goals. Get your order in as soon as possible, and the panels can be delivered to your site within 48 hours of you needing them. A great advantage to this is that you can keep your tight schedule (or even get ahead of schedule) during your wall installation process.

#3. Ready When You Are

Your precast concrete wall is ready when you are. You’re never waiting on the wall to get started on the concrete construction project. You can schedule when to have your concrete wall panels delivered so that you stay on or ahead of schedule.

#4. Weather Independent

Precast concrete wall products are engineered, designed, and formed in a controlled environment. No longer do you need to wait for the “perfect day” to pour your concrete. You can have your panels ready to go whenever you are.

#5. Excavation Expedition

On construction projects where there is lots of machinery and foot traffic, safety is a major concern. This means that the excavation of the area where the concrete wall will be erected can be a safety hazard. Precast concrete walls reduce the time that the area must be excavated. This decreases the chances of safety hazards for your crews.

#6. Custom Engineering and Design

When it comes to your precast concrete wall project, you will need unique specifications. Precast concrete wall panels can be engineered and designed to fit your needs exactly. While you can do this with on-site poured concrete, precast concrete products save you time, decrease installation time, and improve safety for your crew. It’s a major benefit for the entire project to choose precast over on-site pour.

#7. Last Minute Changes

Up until your concrete is poured into molds, you can adjust specifications of what you need. Engineers are available to satisfy any of your needs and make sure you get the wall that you want and need. A great way to avoid last minute changes is to work early and often with the precast concrete company to determine specifications.

#8. Correct When Delivered

It’s rare that a precast concrete wall product is incorrect upon delivery. The communication between client, company, and engineer is consistent, which means that when the truck arrives with your panels, you’re ready to go. What’s more, the various confirmation and quality assurance checks makes it nearly impossible to deliver incorrect concrete wall panels.

AFTEC: Your Worldwide Leader in Precast Concrete Wall Products and Systems

It’s a tough responsibility managing large scale concrete construction projects. That’s why AFTEC makes your life easier when you choose them for your precast concrete wall needs. Contact AFTEC today to get a quote for your concrete construction needs.

Precast Concrete Walls vs. On-Site Poured Concrete Walls

Posted on by Gale Stott

When it comes time to choose whether you ought to utilize a precast concrete wall product or an on-site cast wall pour, you want to know all the advantages and disadvantages of both. You want to make the best decision possible for your project, but how are you supposed to do that with so many options?

Both precast and on-site concrete wall options are great choices; however, you will find that, depending on your project needs, you may want to reconsider your initial choice between the two.

In this article, AFTEC will explain the advantages and disadvantages of both precast and on-site concrete products so that you can make an informed decision. If you’re ready to discuss precast concrete walls for your residential, commercial, industrial, or public works project, it’s time you contact AFTEC for a quote.

What Does Your Project Need?

It can be tough to determine what you actually need for a concrete wall product. Every wall project needs strength, reliability, durability, and longevity, which a majority of concrete products offer. However, the crux of the decision comes down to cost, efficiency of installation, and quality of the concrete. You will find the advantages and disadvantages of precast and on-site poured concrete products below.

On-Site Concrete Poured Walls

If you choose to go with an on-site concrete wall pour, you are going to benefit from learning about a few advantages, as well as a few disadvantages. However, the choice to go with an on-site pour is a good one.

Disadvantages

On-site concrete wall pouring has a few concerns you want to be aware of before choosing it. The main disadvantage is that on-site pour tends to lead to compromised quality. The climate, concrete mixture, and skill of the pour technicians all play a role in the quality of the wall. Without a controlled climate, you are risking quality for a potentially lower price tag.

The second disadvantage is that on-site concrete wall pours typically don’t include reinforced steel rebar. In some cases, it is included, but this slows the process greatly. During a cold-weather pour, this process can result in “cold seams” which typically cause cracks in the wall, lowering the durability and structural integrity.

The third disadvantage is that on-site concrete poured walls require more time to complete. You must schedule for the cast to be placed. Inclement weather can delay the project days or even weeks at a time. Heat or cold can disrupt the curing process of the concrete, which relates back to disadvantage number two.

If you want a quality, reliable concrete wall via an on-site pour, you will need to have near perfect weather, a skilled crew, and a high-quality pour process.

Advantages

On-site concrete poured walls do have plenty of advantages to consider. The major one is that on average, on-site poured concrete walls have a higher density than precast concrete walls. While the density may be higher, you do need to consider the disadvantages of climate and weather to get the high-density result.

The second advantage is that poured concrete walls do not typically have joints, which increases the structural integrity and fire- and water-resistance.

The final advantage is that due to the higher density of poured concrete walls, they have higher compressive strength. While a wall may not need to support large amounts of compression, it’s still a great benefit to consider.

Precast Concrete Walls

Precast is a great wall product. The advantages heavily outweigh the minor disadvantages, but you still want to consider all your options before deciding.

Disadvantages

Little to no maintenance is required to maintain most any type of concrete wall. However, precast concrete walls that require a sealant may need it to be reapplied every five to 20 years. Keep in mind that this isn’t every precast concrete wall. It’s best to talk to a precast concrete wall company to determine this need.

The second disadvantage is that precast concrete walls are placed in sections with vertical columns holding the panels in place. For some, this may seem like a disadvantage, but with the advancement of technology and the vertical installation, a precast concrete wall is reliable, durable, and will last for decades.

Advantages

When it comes to precast concrete walls, the main advantage is quality assurance. Precast concrete walls are engineered, designed, and built in a controlled climate. They undergo a rigorous quality control process, unlike any other precast concrete product.

The second advantage is that precast concrete wall products require less labor to install. The concrete panels are delivered to the job site and placed by crane. This requires less labor, cuts costs, and reduces installation time substantially.

The third advantage is that precast concrete walls offer flexibility in engineering and design. Not only can you engineer and design a wall to fit your exact project needs, but you can also decorate it with textures, colors, and shapes to enhance aesthetics.

Professional Advice: Go With Precast Concrete Walls

We’ll preface our professional recommendation with this: your wall project ought to determine which type of concrete product you choose to purchase. However, in most cases, a residential, commercial, industrial, or public works concrete wall project benefits ten-fold by choosing a precast product. Not only does it save time, but the cost of completing the job quicker is a great positive return on investment.

You ultimately must make the choice, but at AFTEC, we’re 100 percent confident in serving you and your precast concrete wall needs.

AFTEC: Your Worldwide Leader in Precast Concrete Walls

Whether you choose to go with an on-site concrete poured wall or a precast concrete wall, it’s important you know what you’re dealing with. At AFTEC, we believe in precast concrete walls to be the ultimate solution to any major residential, commercial, industrial, or public works project.

For years, we’ve served the entire nation with precast concrete wall products, as well as helping manufacturers offer our licensed precast concrete wall systems around the world. Want to get a quote for a precast concrete wall? Contact AFTEC today for a quote!

10 Surprising Concrete Facts You’ve Never Encountered Before

Posted on by Gale Stott

As a precast concrete wall manufacturer, AFTEC is all about concrete. We engineer it, design it, sell it, and manufacture the systems for it. When it comes to concrete construction, we get excited to help project managers, supervisors, and owners complete their projects. What’s more, we enjoy seeing how a “simple” concrete wall can do so much.

In this article, AFTEC is going to share 10 surprising concrete facts that we’re positive you’ve never read before. Our goal is to enlighten you on the utility and function of concrete that most either take for granted or don’t realize at all.

It’s hard to imagine modern life without concrete. The buildings we occupy and work from all utilize concrete in some way. From kitchen counter tops to skyscraper foundations, concrete is used everywhere — and for good reason. What’s more, a form of concrete was used in antiquity to build walls, too. Some of these walls have lasted upwards of 2,000 years before deteriorating. The strength and durability of properly engineered, designed, and manufactured concrete walls can last you for decades.

10 Surprising Concrete Facts

Now that you understand the importance of concrete throughout history, let’s take a look at some surprising facts you may have not read before:

#1. Reinforced Concrete is Fireproof and Waterproof

As one of the most widely used building materials today, reinforced concrete is fireproof. Due to its slow rate of thermal conductivity, concrete does not transfer heat very well, which means concrete is an effective shield against fire. Imagine a large building going up in flames. Most of what’s left over is the concrete structure and foundation.

What’s more, concrete is highly water resistant. With certain types of concrete mixes and the use of membranes, one can make concrete virtually waterproof. With this in mind, concrete quickly gets placed at the top of the list for being one of the best building materials around the world.

#2. Concrete is the Best Building Material for Highway Construction

When it comes to building roads, highways, and thruways, concrete is super effective. It’s a strong, durable, and some would say “flexible” material that can be shaped and formed to fit almost any need. Nearly 30 percent of all highways in the united states are built with concrete. Although the initial cost of concrete is higher than most other materials like asphalt, it lasts longer than asphalt and requires a lot less maintenance over time.

 

 

What’s more, concrete mixes can be customized to fit the needs of the project, which makes it an attractive option when building roads, highways, thruways, and more.

#3. In 1909, the First Mile of Concrete Highway was Built

In Detroit, Michigan, the first mile of concrete highway was built. This is considered the first stretch of highway built with concrete in the United States. Woodward Avenue is now part of northwest Detroit. The mile-long road cost under $14,000 and was built by the Wayne County Road Commision. Can you guess who was a part of this commission? Henry Ford, the founder of Ford Motor Company. Up until this stretch of highway was built, roads were made of dirt, brick, cobblestone, or a mix of stone and tar.

#4. Concrete in Antiquity

For thousands of years, concrete has been used for a variety of building applications. From roads to skyscrapers. What’s interesting, Romans utilized a mixture of concrete that allowed for their buildings to still be standing after thousands of years. What’s interesting is that Vitruvius, a Roman civil engineer, wrote about the different types of “pozzolana” as black, white, grey, and red. These were the types of concrete paste used in concrete mixes to bind the materials together. While the Greeks are attributed with discovering this useful mix, the Romans are the ones who utilized it at scale.

#5. Concrete Listening Ears

During WWII, the British Army developed, designed, and deployed what are called listening ears. These parabolic acoustic mirrors were used to detect incoming aircraft, as a solution before radar was invented by Sir Robert Watson-Watt. These listening ears are what gave the British Army an early notice of incoming aircraft so that they could do their best to prepare and react.

#6. Cement and Concrete Are Not The Same

When you take a look at the actual mixture of concrete, you will find that 60-65 percent is aggregates like sand, crushed stone, and gravel, 15-20 percent is water, and about 10-15 percent is cement. The cement and water harden, which binds the other materials, creating what we know today as concrete. The idea that there are “cement” sidewalks is a falsehood that’s been perpetuated for years. In reality, cement is simply a small percentage of the overall mixture that binds materials.

#7. Concrete Is Used Indoor

When you think of concrete as a material, you probably imagine buildings, roads, and dams. Concrete is used primarily in structural applications. While this is all true, concrete can also be used for interior remodeling applications. Those who want a modern, sleek look to their counter tops, sinks, fireplaces, and more, they can utilize concrete. What’s more, concrete can be customized with texture, so that you aren’t left with a gritty surface — unless that’s what you desire.

#8. Reinforced Concrete Is Used Underwater

As mentioned above, concrete mixtures can be virtually waterproof. Cement as an aggregate in concrete allows for concrete to do amazing things like not deteriorate underwater. This leads to applications like piers, tunnels, sewer works, and more. How do you utilize concrete underwater to outperform steel and wood? A pozzolanic concrete mix, similar to how the Romans mixed their cement. This mixture is highly water resistant (waterproof).

 

 

#9. Concrete Wields Impressive Compression Strength

When compared to other materials, concrete has an impressive compression strength. For example, wood has a PSI strength of about 1,000 on average. Concrete mixtures range between 2,500 and 7,000 in PSI strength. That’s more than two to seven times stronger than your average wood strength. In some cases, concrete compression strength can get as strong as 20,000 PSI.

#10. Concrete Is Most Popular Material in the World

It may come as a surprise to discover that concrete is the most widely used material in the world. It’s simple material mix is available nearly everywhere. Nearly 20 billion tons is used annually around the globe.

Do you need a quote for a precast concrete wall project? Interested in becoming a AFTEC precast concrete wall systems manufacturer? Contact AFTEC today to start the conversation.