What to Look Forward to in Precast Concrete Technology
As we begin the new year, we’re excited about the new trends that are developing in precast concrete technology. With an emphasis on cleaner processes, longer-lasting products, and environmentally-friendly ingredients, concrete is keeping up with the changing times and we’re very proud of what can be accomplished. At Permacast Precast Concrete Fencing & Walls, we’re looking forward to including these new and innovative technologies in our facilities and our concrete mixes. Check out what’s coming soon in precast concrete technology.
Concrete Made with By-Products
The newest concrete blends will include industry by-products like fly ash and blast furnace slag. Instead of releasing these into the land, they can now be included in concrete blends, resulting in less natural limestone consumption and fewer CO2 emissions. In some areas, tax credits are even being offered for using this type of concrete blend.
Concrete Made to Perform
Imagine a highly flowable concrete mix that requires no vibration and is already proportioned to eliminate segregation and voids. Self-Consolidating Concrete (SCC) is that reality and, as a subset of High-Performance Concrete (HPC), is revolutionizing the concrete industry. Excellent performance begins here and will change the way you think about concrete. Made with appropriate materials and properly mixed, transported and cured, HPC is transforming the concrete scene.
Concrete Made to Last
Along with reinforced concrete comes the problem of corrosion, particularly on connective hardware exposed to salt and other weathering elements. With corrosion inhibitors mixed in the admixtures, corrosion activity is significantly reduced while maintaining the integrity of the material. Furthermore, the permeability of concrete can be eliminated with crystalline waterproofing agents that seal capillaries. Together, corrosion inhibitors and crystalline waterproofing agents can prolong the life of your concrete more than double that of normal concrete.
Concrete Made to Purify
Imagine a concrete that is designed to not only stay pristine over time but will actually purify the air around it over time. Cement mixed with titanium oxide then exposed to ultraviolet light can actually decompose pollutants, creating better air quality all around. Concrete remains bright and white, washing clean with just water or rain as bacteria are actually prevented from breeding in and on the concrete.
Concrete Made to Travel
When water is allowed to pass through the concrete slab, the surface can dry more quickly, providing a safer surface for vehicles and pedestrians. Pervious concrete does just this, using large aggregates with little to no fine aggregates. Since the precision needed for pervious concrete mixes is now possible, we can expect to see more of this concrete in parking areas, residential streets and pedestrian areas.
The future is calling and precast concrete technology is answering the call. With so many innovative and forward-thinking processes and treatments becoming available, be prepared to see some exciting changes in the months and years to come in the concrete industry. As we move into a new year and new decade, Permacast Precast Concrete Fencing & Walls will be there every step of the way. Talk to us about your questions, ideas and next projects. Let us help you bring your next project up to date with the latest technology and most on-trend innovations in concrete technology.