No one can deny the enhanced security you can achieve with a retaining wall, and for many property owners, precast concrete has long been a foremost choice. Concrete is cast into reusable forms or moulds then cured in an adequately controlled environment, resulting in walls or panels of the utmost durability and strength. But what do you need to know about precast concrete and the real reasons why it’s a viable choice for a retaining wall, even with the proliferation of other materials? Here are the facts – and the real reasons why it’s an optimum choice.
- Fast construction
Unlike traditional methods of building where concrete is poured on-site, precast concrete is poured and cast in a tightly-controlled facility with the ideal temperature. The resulting panels or walls are then brought or transported to your site. Once the manufacturer delivers them to your site, the assembly process is quick and easy, without any requirement for skilled labour. Essentially, all you need to do is lift the panels and place them into the allotted spot, and once you have done this, you can place concrete covers or caps on the walls’ support posts to cover the wall openings. You can even have the walls made to order – if you order a king post retaining wall, for instance, you can opt for different standard widths and heights.
- A durable material with a long lifespan
As you may already know, a retaining wall needs to support an immense amount of weight. As time goes by, the retaining wall may bulge and warp, primarily if it comprises other materials such as bricks or blocks. However, precast concrete retaining walls can last for decades since they don’t come with any potential weak spots or points. Moreover, since they are made from prestressed concrete panels and reinforced with fibre, they can readily resist damage due to the continuous bearing of weight.
- A budget-friendly alternative
The moulds that shape precast concrete panels are reusable, which contributes to their cost-effectiveness. Manufacturers can make use of the moulds for as many as 40 times or more, and with this, they can reduce the cost of manufacturing and pass on their savings to the customer. Alongside this, precast concrete walls are durable and do not come with extensive maintenance requirements, giving you even more value for your money, which translates into future savings as well.
- A smooth and seamless finish
Precast concrete walls can come with various finishes, so if you have a particular aesthetic objective, it is easy to achieve this. In addition, these panels are admired for their smoothness and seamlessness, making them ideal for various purposes and applications. Furthermore, the panels are easy to clean precisely because they are smooth, and there is no chance of any pest infestation or water accumulation.
- Accuracy and the reduction of waste on-site
Since precast concrete walls are made in a controlled facility, you can achieve the accuracy and precision that no concrete poured on-site can achieve. It will be done according to your exact specifications, with an emphasis on quality as well. Additionally, you do not have to contend with waste on-site since you will receive the walls fully prepared for lifting onto their proper place.
