Just How Strong Is Precast Concrete?

The short answer is, strong. But why is precast stronger than other forms of concrete?

The answer lies in the curing process. Because precast is manufactured on-site at the factory, all of the challenges that could beset the process are strictly controlled. The biggest of these is temperature. Precast concrete structures have a lot to live up to; they must endure all manner of environmental conditions. Ideally, such products should last 50 to 100 years or more. Curing the concrete in a controlled environment is key to its longevity. Along with ensuring precise molding and fabrication, curing concrete in house all but guarantees that it will remain as strong as possible for as long as possible once it’s put into place.

All of this leads to concrete that can stand the test of time. And when you consider that concrete is really put to that test in the form of bridges, parking garages, and other infrastructures both above and below ground, strength is really the material’s most important characteristic.

Precast concrete benefits from the use of technology, and when we design concrete with low permeability (fluid can’t pass through and erode the structure), we’re making it stronger. Adding chemicals that lead to low permeability is yet another way to improve strength. In the industry, we refer to that power as “compressive strength,” a quality that can be measured. To find out how, check out next week’s blog. How A Concrete Compression Strength Test Works