Precast concrete. Why?
Fast Installation and Construction
Precast reinforced concrete structures are installed fast – construction time is almost two times shorter than in the case of building using structures, made from traditional materials; developers can carry out construction works in cold weather (even at -10oC temperature). Construction site costs are lower, and employees on the site are paid less (they work fewer hours). Residents move to the house more quickly, consequently, benefits from investment into construction are reaped faster.
Protection against Moisture
The system ensures “dry“ construction. Precast concrete elements are cast in closed premises at the factory from high quality concrete that does not absorb moisture when building. A roof is installed immediately after erecting the bearing structures; therefore, temporary plastic covers are not necessary. Installation works may be carried out and moisture-sensitive materials (wood, gypsum) used without any risk of having house structures damaged with mould, or creating environment harmful to health.
Architectural Possibilities
Each structure is built taking into account architects‘ ideas and builders‘ requirements. If hollow-core slabs are used, which can span holes up to 12 m length, the building being constructed will feature wide undivided inside spaces to meet specific needs or to plan the interior flexibly, while later these spaces can be re-divided without significant expense. In addition, service life of such buildings is longer. As clinker, Reckli®, graphic concrete, visual concrete or coloured concrete can be chosen for facade finish, a variety of architectural solutions can be observed in precast concrete sector, and buildings have beautiful and exclusive appearance.
Low Energy Input
Precast concrete walls with insulation from stone wool, neopor or polyurethane foam board feature perfect heat insulation. Reliable assemblies of block joining are used and modern materials for joint sealing as well, which allows avoiding cold bridging and heat energy economizing. Thermal resistance of three-layer walls reaches 8.5 m2K/W, whereas minimal allowable value in residential construction is 5m2K/W. Low energy input causes lower heating bills.
Sound Insulation
Huge mass of precast concrete products absorb sound better than other type building materials or structures, which are lighter. External three-layer walls protect against low frequency transport noise, internal partitions suppress sound propagating in the air and sound caused by shocks, while internal precast concrete walls are designed in a manner, allowing compliance with sound requirements for international walls. Prefabricated stairs ensure sound insulation between adjacent flats. Precast concrete walls ensure acoustic class no lower than class C. Betonika UAB can manufacture precast concrete elements of acoustic class A and B as well.
Reaction to Fire
Reaction to fire (from 60 to 180 min) is considerably longer to compare with other structures, because concrete retains heat, still it does not melt. There are no substances in concrete that would maintain combustion; therefore, under conditions of increasing temperatures or increase in fire loading, the fire does not spread. This property not only ensures safety and stability of the building in the case of fire, but also reduces insurance premiums.
Comfortable Microclimate
Concrete is a perfect heat exchanger, which is able to absorb great quantities of heat, and later emit it in the form of infrared rays. Therefore, in the premises, a constant temperature is retained throughout a day. Precast concrete composition remains stable over time. Precast concrete does not require treatment using chemical substances; therefore it does not emit any harmful substances.