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Are you managing a project that requires precast concrete walls? Concrete forming can be a complicated process. How do you hire someone you can trust, and get the results you need? It can be done quite easily, but you need to know what you’re looking for.

In this article, AFTEC is going to share a basic overview of how precast concrete walls are made so that you can better interview and find a concrete construction manufacturer to fit your needs. In the meantime, feel free to contact AFTEC for your precast wall products or your precast concrete wall forming systems.

What Are Precast Concrete Walls

Precast concrete is a product that’s cast in a mold or form, which is then cured in a controlled environment. In comparison, standard concrete is poured at the job site. Precast is poured and cured in a facility so that quality and outcome are controlled much more closely.

Once the concrete is cured, the panels are then shipped to the job site for installation. There is a difference between AFTEC and other manufacturers. Traditionally, wall panels are installed horizontally. At AFTEC, we’ve developed a vertical installation system that decreases installation time and increases efficiency. What’s more, when you install vertically, you can better secure the wall to caisson footings anchored in the ground, creating a stronger, more durable wall.

What Are Precast Concrete Walls

Precast concrete walls are simply concrete panels secured together in a wall formation. The panels are precast, cured, and shipped to the job site unlike other concrete products that are poured and cured on-site.

The beauty of precast concrete products like AFTEC walls is the ability to control quality and deliver a superior solution over anything else. What’s more, concrete walls have been shown to last up to 2,000 years, as seen throughout antiquity, and we’ve done nothing but improve the technology.

How Are Precast Concrete Walls Made

Now that we have the basics out of the way, let’s take a look at the precast concrete wall “making” process. The first step involves an engineer. The engineer sets the requirements for precast concrete wall to meet for its eventual erection. These requirements are what guide the drawings and design. Every precast concrete wall is engineered to specific requirements to ensure durability and safety of the product. Once the requirements are finalized, the project is then drawn (submittals), which eventually returns to the engineer for approval.

Once drawings are approved, the project then, typically, goes to the facility floor to be cast. The plans include a bill of materials, which outlines all the components and building materials that go into the product.

The floor manufacturers then take the drawings and begin casting the concrete walls. This process starts with prepping the rebar cage and the form. Once these are ready for concrete, the manufacturer mixes and pours the concrete into the form. Immediately after the concrete is poured in the form, it’s cured. This can include a variety of strategies to capture the heat generated from the hydration process.

The Single Biggest Benefit of Precast Concrete Wall Products

Ultimately, the factory forming, pouring, and curing of concrete wall products improves the durability and strength of the concrete. The product is able to properly cure and allows for full design strength to be reached.

The Inspection Process

Once the concrete is cured, the forms are stripped away from the product, and it’s inspected. The inspection process involves making sure the product matches the drawing requirements. They also inspect for potential defects. Inspection is completed, and the product is then marked for shipment to the indicated job site.

AFTEC: Worldwide Leader in Precast Concrete Wall Products and Systems

Do you believe precast concrete wall products are right for your project? It can be tough to determine if precast walls will fit your needs. That’s why at AFTEC, we recommend you give us a call.

We’re here to help you determine if precast concrete walls would be a great option for your project. Budget, requirements, and timelines all play a role in the success of your project. Let’s see if AFTEC’s product is able to fit within all of those parameters.

When it comes to precast concrete walls, you may need them to enclose a subdivision of homes, protect a warehouse, or improve security for an industrial power grid. What you probably don’t know is that walls have been used for millennia to keep people out (and keep people in). A wall is a simple solution to a complex problem. To show how complex the problems motivating walls in our world can be, AFTEC will show some of the most famous border walls from around the world and the reasons for those walls.

7 Famous Border Walls and the Conflicts That Motivated Their Building

To emphasize the importance of walls throughout history, we’ve gathered the seven most famous walls to review, as well as the conflicts that motivated their building. From an ancient Sumerian bulwark to the wall in Berlin, you’ll learn a bit of history and the importance of walls.

#1. The Berlin Wall

The world’s most recent and famous wall was erected in 1961. The Soviet-aligned East German government separated Germany with concrete partitions. The aim was to use this barrier to keep out enemies of the state and other fascists. In fact, the wall was used to keep East Germans from defecting to West Germany. The maze of 12-foot walls kept people out, as well as kept people in.

#2. The Constantinople Walls

As a defense tactic, the walls of Constantinople protected a flourishing civilization for more than a millennia. Upwards of 14 miles of barricades surrounding the Byzantine metropolis. Of these walls, the Theodosian walls were the most famous. They protected the civilization from military units and enemies advancing on the metropolis from the mainland. This wall included a moat, 27-foot outer wall, and a 40-foot internal wall that was 15-feet thick. What toppled the massive walls of Constantinople was the use of cannons by the Turks, effectively sieging cities and capturing Constantinople.

#3. The Great Wall of China

This wall is made of stone, wood, and earth. It meanders from the Gobi Desert to the North Korean Border for thousands of miles. In the 3rd BC, construction began beneath Emperor Qin Shi Huang. However, the more famous sections of the wall were erected between the 14th and 17th centuries as a defense for the Ming Dynasty to fend off the steppe nomads of the north. These popular portions stand more than 25-feet tall and were built using materials like brick, mortar, slaked lime, and sticky rice.

#4. Hadrian’s Wall

The Roman emperor Hadrian ordered that a stone wall be built to protect the region from “barbarians” to the north. A 73-mile rampart resulted, and it ran from west Solway Firth to the River Tyne. At its peak, the wall rose to 15-feet and was about 10-feet wide. Gates, guard towers, and barracks dotted the wall. 1,600-plus years of looting and deterioration has reduced the wall, but it still stands as a monument of history.

#5. Wall of Gorgan

It’s distinctive red colored bricks and serpentine shape through modern-day Iran prompted the Great Wall of Gorgan to be nicknamed “Red Snake.” Initially, it was thought that this wall was erected as a part of Alexander the Great’s reign, but later studies suggest that the wall was built by the Sasanian Persians around the 5th century AD. Once completed, it was boasted as the longest wall at about 121 miles, hosting more than 30 forts and 30,000-plus troops. A network of canals acted as a defensive moat and a water supply to the troops. Not much more is known about the wall, but it’s also said that the Persians used it to defend against advances from the Hephthalite Huns and other significant enemies in the north.

#6. The Walls of Athens

You may have seen movies about Athens. It’s a canon in antiquity as a source for inspiration and power. Athens was one of the most powerful cities in Greek history, but it had a significant weakness. The city was a little over four miles from the sea. To fix this problem, the Athenians built the Long Walls of Athens to connect the city to the sea. Once completed, these walls created a siege-proof channel so that Athens could resupply with little to no conflict from enemies or otherwise. The key to the wall was Athen’s vast navy, which protected the sea side of the walls. During the Peloponnesian War resulted in the Spartans defeating the Athens navy and dismantling the walls.

#7. The Sumerian’s Amorite Wall

As one of the world’s earliest recorded civilizations to build a wall, the Sumerians did so to keep out the Amorites during the 21st century BC. The “Amorite Wall” is believed to have stretched for more than 100 miles between the Euphrates and Tigris rivers in modern day Iraq. the ancient Sumerian rulers Shu-Sin and Shulgi’s successor eventually conceded defeat to the Amorites and the neighboring Elamites when they discovered that they could simply walk around the wall. Portions of the wall still stand today.

AFTEC: Worldwide Leader in Precast Concrete Wall Systems

Whether you need a wall for a subdivision or an industrial power complex, AFTEC is here to help. We offer precast concrete wall systems that are more efficient, easier to erect, and durable to last for decades. What’s more, we offer a variety of aesthetic options that can meet your needs. Are you ready to discuss your wall project and mark your place in history with your wall? Get a quote from AFTEC today!

Owners and architects usually have to choose two out of three options when deciding on a precast concrete wall system to use for their project. Those options? Installation speed, aesthetics, and cost. A wall project comes down to these three things, but why not have all three? AFTEC offers the ultimate solution in precast concrete wall systems.

In this article, AFTEC will share why our product is the best choice for your project. Precast concrete walls make all three of the options available, so you get only the best in the industry. Don’t believe us? Look around at the residential, commercial, and industrial industries. Each one has a need and use for precast concrete walls.

Precast Concrete Wall Benefits

When it comes to the benefits of precast concrete walls, most owners or architects are limited in their options. AFTEC offers many options in look and function. Whether you’re surrounding a residential area or installing a commercial highway wall, we can help.

#1. Aesthetically Versatile

Precast concrete walls by AFTEC offer a variety of looks and styles. For most, the block, brick, stone, and stucco aesthetics work great for their projects. What’s more, you can apply these styles to both sides of the wall system, not just one like most the industry allows.

#2. Superior Durability and Strength

As your concrete wall ages, it actually becomes more durable. The concrete hardens and offers a denser product. The caisson footings for your precast concrete wall also provide an added layer of support. Precast concrete walls will last for years to come.

#3. Excellent Protection

If you have a facility or unit that needs protection, a precast concrete wall is a great start to enclosing the area. Vehicles and projectiles will be deterred from the area, as well as forced to enter through designated areas. What’s more, you can install electronic security features to enhance the wall even more. Finally, precast concrete walls have been impact-tested for hurricanes and tornadoes.

#4. Ease of Installation

Want to have a speedy installation process compared to other wall materials? AFTEC’s precast concrete wall system is super efficient and offers a decreased installation time. This helps you save money by completing the project sooner, as well as make more by completing more jobs in less time.

#5. Consistent High-Quality

Precast concrete walls are produced in a controlled environment and then shipped to the job site. This means that the high quality of the concrete is consistent. Other materials tend to be affected by temperature, curing conditions, craftsmanship, and material quality. The consistent nature of precast concrete walls makes it the best option for your project, not being affected by these conditional factors.

AFTEC: Worldwide Leader in Precast Concrete Wall Systems

Unlike other materials, AFTEC precast concrete walls are strong, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. You do not have to choose two of the three benefits with concrete walls. You can enjoy them all. What’s more, AFTEC will take care of all your industrial, commercial, or residential precast concrete wall needs. Contact us today for a quote.

You’re building a subdivision, and you’re deciding if you ought to build a surrounding wall. It’s a small decision that can have a big impact on the community at large. Walls have been used for centuries to keep people out and/or keep them in. Now, walls are used for a variety of reasons, but it’s mostly to reduce noise pollution, increase perceived value, and make people feel safe.

Why Use Precast Concrete Walls for Your Subdivision

Managing an entire subdivision project is no easy feat. It’s a process that requires a huge time commitment and delivers a variety of challenges daily. When it comes down to building a wall to make the neighborhood more exclusive, it’s a tough choice. However, the use of precast concrete walls is a net positive to your project.

Benefits of Residential Precast Concrete Walls

You want the residents of the community of your building to feel safe, even before they move into their new homes. How do you achieve this? You build a precast concrete wall. Here are some benefits to the subdivision of your building when you add a wall around the neighborhood.

#1. Security

Not only will those who live inside the neighborhood feel safer, but they will actually be safer. Deterring criminals and other nefarious activity is a net positive for the community you’re building. What’s more, a wall is the first step toward adding other security features like gates, cameras, and more to ensure the safety of those in the neighborhood.

#2. Peace of Mind

When people feel safe, they interact more with one another. If you can help your potential home buyers feel safe even before they move in, they will be more likely to purchase in your neighborhood over any other. Peace of mind is priceless to homeowners these days. With the news constantly telling them how awful things are, your community could be the breath of fresh air they need to make a home purchase.

#3. Exclusivity

People pay more for exclusivity to something. Consider the brands around the world that sell a limited amount of their products for astronomical prices. You can create this feeling of exclusivity by installing a precast concrete wall around your neighborhood. The status of living in a specific neighborhood will fuel a rise in home prices, which makes you a better return on your investment.

#4. Community

When people feel more safe, they interact with one another more often. This creates a feeling of community. A tight-knit community is more likely to live longer in their homes around one another, which increases the chance of community longevity. This creates stability as the return on your investment pays off.

AFTEC: Your Worldwide Leader in Precast Concrete Walls and Systems

If you’re a project manager in search of a concrete wall to enclose your subdivision, you’ve discovered the right company for the job. Across the United States, AFTEC provides precast concrete wall products to customers to meet their construction project needs. Globally, AFTEC sells precast concrete wall systems that improve productivity and efficiency when installing precast concrete walls. No matter your needs, we have the solution. Contact us today to get a quote.

At AFTEC, we strive to deliver the absolute best in precast concrete wall products, including systems and services. Whether you’re a manufacturer looking to add precast concrete wall systems to your product line or you’re in need of a wall for your subdivision, warehouse, or industrial complex, we can help.

In the concrete industry, there are dozens of products you can choose from for medium to large-scale projects. Alongside AFTEC’s precast concrete walls, you may need some of the following precast concrete products to complete your construction project. While this is not an exhaustive list, these are the most common we’ve found while working worldwide with contractors, project managers, CEOs, governments, and city councils.

6 Common Precast Concrete Products

When it comes to precast concrete products, three things come to mind. Cost-effective, durable, and efficient. Your construction project needs all three to be a success for you, your superiors, and the customer. In an effort to help you find precast concrete products that will serve your projects, here are the six most common:

#1. Agricultural Products

When it comes to withstanding weather and climate, precast concrete products are the most durable option. As you’ll see in another one of our blog posts 7 Famous Border Walls From Around the World, concrete walls last a long time. In some cases, walls have lasted for more than a millennia. Precast products like bunkers, silos, feed bunks, grids, fencing, slats, troughs, and more all can be precast.

#2. Site and Building Amenities

Whether you own and operate a parking garage, office building, warehouse, or industrial energy complex, you can utilize a wide variety of small to large precast concrete products. For example, fireplace mantels, cladding, trim, walls, foundations, beams, floors, and more. In some cases, structural components can also be precast, which saves you time and adds immense durability to the product. Consider a multi-story car park. Much of the structure can be precast so that productivity and efficiency are at peak performance in regards to erecting the structure.

#3. Retaining Walls

For most, retaining walls are considered small landscaping features for homes across the country. While these smaller retaining walls can be erected by a local contractor, larger retaining walls for highways, commercial buildings, and industrial energy can be extensive. What’s more, sea walls are another potential precast concrete product.

#4. Stormwater and Sanitary

One major use of precast concrete is infrastructure, specifically sanitary and stormwater applications. These two applications are typically designed and installed underground, which makes precast concrete a super efficient and productive way to accomplish the construction project goal. Some precast concrete products for these applications include manholes, catch basins, and stormwater detention vaults.

#5. Utility

Structures in utility are vital in protecting the use of energy around the world. Whether it’s a utility accessory, building, or exterior wall, precast concrete helps utilities keep energy sources safe and running properly. Products like utility vaults, trenches, buildings, poles, walls, and more all play a role in the integrity of energy.

#6. Transportation

Roads cover much of the cityscapes around the world. What’s more, the sound from vehicles traversing these roads can become noise pollution. What’s more, the integrity of these roads around overpasses, bridges, tunnels, and more all require concrete as structural support. Precast concrete products help support these structures, as well as reduce noise pollution.

Precast Concrete Wall Applications

In all of the areas mentioned above, precast concrete walls have been and can be used to achieve an objective. What’s fascinating is that a majority of precast concrete wall industry is utilized by government initiated projects to initiate infrastructural development. Other applications include schools, highways, office buildings, warehouses, industrial complexes, and more. The durability, longevity, and aesthetic opportunities offered by precast concrete walls are wide. Whether you’re in need of residential, commercial, or industrial precast concrete wall products, AFTEC is here to help.

AFTEC: Your Worldwide Leader in Precast Concrete Wall Systems

Whether you need a precast concrete wall erected or you’re looking to offer precast concrete wall systems to your customers, AFTEC is here to help. Across the United States, AFTEC offers precast concrete wall products to our customers. Around the globe, we offer various precast concrete wall systems like StoneTree® and SoundTec® forming systems. Contact us today to get a quote for your project.