Role of Concrete in Building Our Infrastructure

Concrete is perhaps the best invention since the invention of mud as a construction material. Apart from being low maintenance, it looks great too. When mixed with other components, concrete is highly versatile. It can be used in domestic construction, or for decorative purposes like concrete flower planters. Concrete plays a major role in building our infrastructure. Concrete offers designers, engineers, and builders design flexibility, versatility, and cost-effectiveness.

Role of Concrete in Building Our Infrastructure

Design Flexibility

Designers favor concrete because it is extremely flexible. Workers are able to mold it into any shape and mix it to various degrees of strength. When used in tandem with other construction materials like reinforcing bars, designers can shape and bend the concrete. Most importantly, the nature of concrete allows it to be used as a solution for overcoming design problems. Concrete has a fresh and clean finish which is both timeless and modern. Furthermore, it is suitable for painting and attaching other finishing components to it.

The load-bearing properties of concrete reduce the need for (and thereby the cost of) additional building materials to support raised floors. This is because the properties of concrete are conducive to longer and wider floor spans. What’s more, with fewer supporting columns required, floor space plans can be more creative and efficient. Another wonderful property of concrete is that it is virtually soundproof. This makes it excellent for high-density urban areas.

Versatility

Engineers and developers embrace concrete for a number of reasons. Concrete is the cornerstone of infrastructure construction. In addition to being environmentally friendly and low impact, it offers true structural integrity when used correctly. Different jobs require different strengths and consistencies. Adding sand and stone chips in various quantities can improve the strength of concrete. Another advantage of concrete for engineers is its density and mass. In high wind and seismic environments, engineers prefer concrete for building taller structures due to its lateral stiffness and resistance to horizontal movement.

Cost-effectiveness

There are a number of reasons why concrete is cost-effective, besides being cheaper than other materials. Unlike steel and wood, concrete is typically never in short supply. Therefore, there are rarely delays in construction as a result of concrete. The finish on concrete reduces the need to add other finishes to it and it doesn’t need to be coated.

Precast concrete panels can reduce labor costs on site. All workers need is a crane to lift them into place. Another benefit of precast panels is that they are made in a standardized mold. Therefore, precast panels fit together without too much alteration or work on-site. Furthermore, precast concrete panels are fairly airtight and weather-resistant. This helps by reducing the time and cost of overlaying sealants.

Concrete endures for decades and even centuries because it is so durable. This makes it even cheaper as it is low maintenance. Maintenance crews are able to fix any minor defects or weaknesses quickly, easily, and cheaply. There is seldom a need for early replacement or reconstruction. A further value proposition is its ability to mimic other materials like stone, which is becoming increasingly more rare and expensive. Another big advantage of concrete is that construction can start before plans are finalized or changed because concrete is easy to alter. Getting an early start means saving time, and time is money for developers.

Green concrete

Concrete is energy efficient. Concrete has the advantage of thermal mass, therefore, it renders a good energy performance. At night, concrete will release the internal heat that it absorbs during the day back into buildings. However, in warmer periods, it works in reverse. This helps make concrete a low-cost, efficient, and sustainable source of energy.

Additional Information: ‘Green’ concrete could be game-changer for construction industry

TR Concrete Construction – Concrete Companies in Omaha, NE

This industry takes a lot of heavy machinery and tough labor, but it also requires as much or more planning, critical thinking, and fine touch to get a quality finished product. It is a very rewarding career and keeps you constantly on your toes being that 2 days are never the same. It is a profession that has been around for a long time and is ever-evolving and still remains a very vital staple in today’s economy.

As a reputable business with over 25 years of concrete construction experience, TR Construction has expertise with projects large and small to include:

• commercial snow removal
• commercial building concrete
• footings
• paving
• remove, and replacement of concrete
• industrial projects
• special projects for clients

TR Construction can deliver Concrete Excellence on your next project. Contact us today by filling out the form or give us a call at (402) 238-2599.