6 Key Uses for Precast Concrete Blocks

Concrete remains in high demand in the construction industry for its durability, strength, and versatility. It has long been an important construction material. And precast concrete blocks are sought-after for just these qualities, as well as benefits in speed of installation and innovative design. Precast concrete is used for structures that must withstand the elements, as well as pressure from all kinds of situations; for example, the sea, traffic, or moisture levels.

In particular, precast concrete is popular for the following applications:

1. Retaining Walls

One of the main uses of precast concrete is in retaining walls. Effective retaining wall design allows these structures to be constructed rapidly and safely. Different types of retaining wall systems include precast modular blocks, cantilever walls, segmental retaining walls, and mechanically stabilized earth face panels. Depending on the design of the wall, different precast concrete options are chosen.

2. Parking Structures

When designing parking structures, economy is high on the list of required factors, as well as durability and ease of installation. Precast concrete is often used for car parks. There are many different uses for precast concrete made from concrete wall forms or other forms, within a parking structure, from the barriers at the gates to the stairwells. Precast concrete is also used to separate ground-level car parks from roads and pedestrians, marking the limits of the car park as well as providing a barrier to traffic in order to collect payment from vehicles entering the facility.

3. Foundations

Precast concrete is a good choice for foundations in residential and commercial buildings. Precast concrete provides a way of keeping moisture out of the structure as well as delivering an energy-efficient option. In many buildings, precast concrete is used solely for the foundations.

4. Sound Walls

Soundproofing is made easier when sound walls are put up to act as a barrier between a road and buildings. Precast concrete is the natural choice to act as a sound barrier and it can be adapted to different formats in order to provide the optimum level of sound protection.

5. Bridges

Precast concrete is regularly used in many aspects of bridge design. Different precast concrete block units form the shape of arches and are used as beams and girders. Precast concrete gives the bridge strength and stability as well as allowing for a range of design compatibility solutions according to the surroundings.

6. Storage Units

Precast concrete is also used for storage units, keeping contents dry, secure, and free from contamination. Salt stores and recycling units all tend to use precast concrete. This material is useful for storage units as it can also be adapted to suit different designs and provides a high degree of flexibility in order to adapt and maintain a storage unit over time.

Whatever purpose precast concrete is used for, engineers and designers appreciate its many benefits. And one key advantage is the speed with which precast blocks can be installed, which makes any project more streamlined and easier to manage.