The long service life and durability of concrete construction materials contributes to sustainability and reliable infrastructure in local communities, benefiting people and our planet.
This Earth Day, County Prestress & Precast' is reaffirming our commitment to manufacture sustainably-made and long-performing concrete construction products.
Reinforced Concrete Pipe:
Concrete pipe is proven to last, reducing energy needs from manufacturing and saving municipalities vital budget dollars: “Concrete pipe is the most durable pipe material currently in use. One can expect concrete pipe to last 1½ to 2 times longer than alternate materials such as HDPE, PVC, and polypropylene. Precast concrete pipe is also non-flammable, will not rust, tear, buckle, or deflect.”
The structural integrity and long service life of concrete pipe attributes to making sustainable projects possible. “With depths reaching up to 45 feet, and portions of the project requiring tunneling under wetlands to maintain the area, Ruekert & Mielke, civil engineers for the project, selected precast concrete pipe as the clear material of choice.”
Prestress Concrete Girders:
Prestressed Concrete Girders are the leading choice for bridge construction across the country and its easy to understand why. Compared to other materials and bridge superstructures, studies show prestressed I-beam girders have the longest service life and require less maintenance.
Prestress Concrete Girders were used to span over the top of the James W Wilkie Regional Park, allowing for one continuous and connected area of wetland benefiting wildlife.
Hollowcore Plank:
“Hollowcore was an easy choice for this application because of its high fire ratings, sound reduction, and its ability to span long stretches without the need for additional support columns... County Prestress & Precast's hollowcore is manufactured to meet fire ratings up to three hours. Additionally, concrete does not burn, eliminating lethal fumes and smoke. Residents and building owners appreciate the sense of security and permanence offered by the solidly built structure.”
The project’s architect looked to hollowcore plank because of its proven fire resistance and performance. County Prestress & Precast's hollowcore systems meet fire ratings for up to three hours. Made of high-strength, steel-reinforced concrete, hollowcore is built to withstand severe temperature from fire - it does not burn or give off toxic fumes.”
Concrete Masonry:
Concrete masonry products inherently provide numerous environmental benefits including their long life-cycle, energy efficiency, and use of locally sourced materials.
“Concrete masonry helped meet sustainability goals set by the city. Masonry was used to build a cavity wall with thermal breaking, improving R-values. In addition, the masonry units were manufactured locally, which provided additional points for achieving the building’s LEED Gold standard rating.”
