Reinforced concrete structures are widely used in construction — in the construction of buildings and infrastructures. Despite the fact that the precast concrete technology is not new, it is constantly being improved and refined, although the basis remains the same: a combination of reinforcement and concrete. The development of the best types of cement led to an increase in the strength of concrete and, as a result, reinforced concrete.
Reinforced concrete competes with other building technologies: steel frame and traditional brickwork. It is an important material in construction and is often preferred over steel structures, mainly due to its unique properties, adaptability, fire and corrosion resistance, and low maintenance costs..
Application of various reinforced concrete structures
Reinforced concrete is ideal for floor and roof construction, as well as columns and beams in residential and commercial buildings. Relatively recently, it has become fashionable in the industry to build bridge spans from reinforced concrete, since they are aesthetically and economically superior to greasy bridges..
Typically, concrete products are used as retaining structures, including on bridges or as retaining walls for embankments, etc..
Reinforced concrete is also ideal for water protection structures, both ground and air reservoirs and hydraulic structures, as well as gravity and arch dams. The material is widely used for the construction of large domes for water tanks, sports stadiums and halls.
Objects where reinforced concrete products are most often used:
Reinforced concrete slabs are often used to cover floors in large premises;
Reinforced concrete slabs are indispensable in aircraft hangars, as well as for the construction of road surfaces, including highways and runways;
Various reinforced concrete structures are used in most industrial facilities and parking lots;
Reinforced concrete columns are often used on different floors of high-rise buildings (residential and office complexes);
In coastal areas, reinforced concrete products are used in the construction of docks, lighthouses, warehouses near the water;
Reinforced concrete piles are used for the construction of foundations of various types of structures;
Etc.
Reinforced concrete can be safely called a revolutionary building material that suits both the simplest and the most complex structures. In the future, with the improvement of technology, the material will become more widespread, and new applications will be found for it..
This is still not ideal material.
At the beginning of the 20th century, engineers thought that precast concrete structures would stand for more than 1000 years, but in reality, their service life is about 50-100 years (sometimes less). Building codes usually require a building to «live» for several decades, but this does not mean that deterioration in structures will not begin within 10 years after construction.
