Reinforced Concrete, Prefabricated to Your Specifications

Reinforced concrete is one of the most common materials in construction today. Reputable engineers implement reinforced concrete for a vast range of projects, including homes, businesses and civic infrastructure. McClure works with multiple types of reinforced concrete, including precast and prestressed concrete.

What Is Reinforced Concrete?

Reinforced concrete is a composite construction material. Before the concrete is poured, steel reinforcement is placed inside the form. The steel bars are carefully shaped to insure the concrete’s structural integrity, and may be tied together for further reinforcement.

Reinforced concrete offers high levels of both tensile strength and compressive strength. Because the steel reinforcements can be shaped according to the concrete form, reinforced concrete is a popular choice for unconventional shapes. Reinforced concrete is also frequently used for highways, able to withstand constant heavy use.

Depending on your next construction project, you may want to consider precast or prestressed concrete. These are specific forms of reinforced concrete, with each offering unique advantages.

Precast Reinforced Concrete

Precast concrete is an excellent choice when onsite casting is difficult or cost-prohibitive. With a reusable form, concrete is cast ahead of time before being transported to the construction site. Doing so can ensure a higher quality finished product, as engineers can more closely monitor the mixture throughout the process.

Precast reinforced concrete can suit a wide variety of applications. It’s best when a project requires a high volume of identical panels, such interior and exterior walls, tunnels, and modular paving.

Prestressed Reinforced Concrete

Prestressed concrete requires an additional step in the manufacturing process but results in an even stronger composite material. The steel cable is pulled from end to end at a force generally around 75% of the material’s total tensile strength. When the cables are released, they provide the concrete mix with additional flexural strength. This can be done both before and after the concrete has been poured.

This compressive stress allows for greater spans between load-bearing columns and walls. Prestressed reinforced concrete is particularly useful for large spaces such as highway overpasses, school gymnasiums, and parking garages. Prestressed concrete buildings are a popular choice for agriculture as well, useful when housing livestock, storing grain and more.

Benefits of Prestressed Concrete

Centralized Production: Modern facilities can quickly fabricate quality prestressed concrete for your next project. Consider using a controlled environment for consistent results without the stress of weather delays common with site cast concrete.

Outstanding Quality: Prestressed concrete should be strong, versatile and long-lasting. The prestressed concrete you use should offer the highest levels of both tensile and compressive strength, with finished casts tested to withstand the most severe weather and site conditions.

Both Pre-Tensioning and Post-Tensioning: Prestressed concrete can receive additional compressive strength with precise pre and post-tensioning according to your exact specifications. Get the best results from Pre-Tensioning by performing it in a controlled environment like a prefabrication facility.