Architects are a bit like artists. They have to consider the practical side of designing a building, but they also get to play with form, textures, and light.
Some of the recent architectural marvels look physically impossible. Architects are always looking to push the boundaries of what is possible. In the pursuit of the impossible, architects have come to prefer precast concrete.
Architects prefer precast concrete because it’s versatile, very strong, and resilient against the forces of nature.
Precast Concrete is Versatile
One of the biggest struggles as an architect is creating designs that are physically possible. They might have a vision in their head, but the material properties and pesky physics can get in the way of that vision becoming a reality.
There are few materials as versatile as precast concrete. With it, you can create hard angles or gentle curves. Any shape that is physically possible can be easily made with precast concrete molds.
Precast concrete is also strong yet lightweight. With it, the architect can create most of the designs that are in their head.
Using the molds, precast concrete can be made to look like other materials. Stone and wood are both easily mimicked by precast concrete. You can even get intricate designs set into the precast concrete – at a fraction of the cost of carving those same designs into wood or stone.
Even the color and texture can be altered. Pigment and aggregates can be added to the concrete before pouring to create beautiful, long-lasting color and texture.
The Strength Allows Architects to Reach New Heights
Precast concrete is one of the strongest materials we have. Regular concrete is pretty strong all on its own. Because precast concrete is made in an ideal environment, we create the strongest possible concrete product.
If extra strength is needed, it is easy to add strength through rebar without adding extra bulk.
Your standard steel and glass skyscrapers actually have a major problem with vibrations. To get around this, the tallest buildings need to be built with concrete and glass. In fact, the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, is made of concrete and glass.
This is because the concrete does great with compression – being squished. Concrete has a harder time dealing with tension – being pulled apart. But precast concrete’s compressive strength really shines – making it the perfect material for a tall building.
High Resiliency Means the Building Will Last Longer
When architects design buildings, they think about the legacy they are creating. Ideally, this new building would last for many years.
Precast concrete is highly resilient. It can stand strong against some of the biggest natural disasters – fires, floods, pests like termites, and earthquakes. It also easily withstands the natural wear and tear over time.
With precast concrete, architects know that they are creating a building that will outlast them. Not only that, but the building will continue looking great. Unlike other building materials, precast concrete needs little maintenance to keep looking good.
American Precast Concrete Inc.
If you are looking for the perfect material for your architectural fencing needs, contact American Precast Concrete Inc. today! Our professionals are glad to help you decide how much you will need, what products will be best for you, and what a timeline for your project will be!