concrete

Advantages and disadvantages of concrete construction

Most of the business buildings such as malls and individual stores are built with concrete construction. In some places, residential houses have exterior walls of concrete, designed to improve safety and provide a higher resistance to strong winds and storm levels. Although there are benefits of using concrete in construction, there are some considerations and limitations.

Benefits

Concrete provides protection against storms and superior criminal activity. A high percentage of new banks use concrete, reinforced with steel in the construction process, including the interior concrete walls. Additionally, concrete building offers a high level of fire resistance and reduces unwanted noise.

Types

There are two basic methods used in concrete construction. The first is the erection of pre-cast concrete walls that come from a manufacturer with a predetermined window and door and already installed pipes for mechanical applications. Many franchises use this type of building for their stores. The second method requires the formation of individual walls and pouring concrete in place. If a residence requires concrete walls, the second method is employed, often using a foam insulation in the walls.

Function

Concrete walls provide low-maintenance, permanent construction. In commercial applications, concrete is superior to wood frames when the structure must be completed quickly. A wall that takes two weeks to complete with a wooden frame can be poured in a couple of hours with concrete and cured in two days. Where street noise is a problem, the concrete provides an acoustic absorber for those inside the building.

Considerations

Before pouring the concrete walls, all mechanical aspects should be taken into consideration during the training process. Doors, windows, electrical outlets, plumbing and pipelines are required to be inspected before the walls are poured. Spend a little extra time developing the building design as remodeling a concrete structure is cost prohibitive.

Caveat

A concrete construction is not recommended for places where the ground sinks, unless a floating foundation is part of the design. Because even a slight movement can result in cracks and fissures, concrete buildings in this soil type require a special foundation or the use of posts installed deep in the bedrock, beneath the structure.