Resiliency includes both durability and sustainability, as well as a structure’s ability to be restored to its original function with reduced effort after an extreme event has occurred. Precast concrete is a construction material that meets this standard.
While overall resilience is important in any region of the country, Florida is specifically impacted by storms with greater frequency. From 2000 to the present, Florida has been hit in one manner or another by 79 tropical or subtropical cyclones. These storms have resulted in over $123 billion in damage and resulted in 300+ deaths. Florida saw some of its worst storms to date during 2020. The increasing storm frequency has shined a light on building codes and building materials. Precast building products are particularly well suited to the needs of Florida.
How can precast help?
Structure Durability
Long service life
Limited maintenance is a primary goal of most building owners when deciding on the materials for a structure. Precast can be designed for a 100-year service life and require limited maintenance over the life cycle of the structure.
Barrier wall system
Precast can be used as an air barrier and vapor retarder to prevent moisture and air from getting through walls, windows, and roofs and wreaking havoc on a structure. Precast systems prevent structural damage, mold/bacteria growth, and energy loss in humid climates.
Multi-Hazard Protection
Storm resistance
As mentioned previously, Florida has seen its fair share of storms in recent years and the prediction for future years looks similar for intensity and quantity of storms. Precast structures can withstand hurricane-force winds and flying debris and protect occupants through storms. It is also one of the best materials for getting facilities back up and running after storms because it resists mold and water damage and has inherent fire resistance.
PCI has conducted several impact tests on precast concrete panels which you can view above.
Blast resistance
Precast concrete has been blast tested to confirm it can withstand blast forces. Institutional and governmental buildings specifically benefit from the blast resistance of precast. PCI teamed up with the Air Force Research Laboratory to examine the blast resistance of insulated precast concrete sandwich panels and the video above shows this testing in action.
Life Safety and Health
Passive fire resistance
Precast has inherent fire resistance making it one of the best materials for building residential and commercial structures. Precast will not burn and does not emit toxic fumes which can affect those in or around the burning structure. Structures made from precast have passive fire resistance meaning it is not dependent on other systems such as sprinklers to work. Precast is also able to withstand fires for an extended period of time because it is non-combustible and has a slow rate of heat transfer. This provides a greater opportunity for occupants to safely exit and for first responders to extinguish the fire.
Meets FEMA P-361
Precast can and has been used in FEMA certified structures throughout the country and meets FEMA P-361 criteria for safe rooms. Storm shelters and safe rooms built from precast protect occupants from winds up to 250 mph and flying debris during extreme weather events.
Overall, precast is a construction material that is able to create resilient structures that can withstand many of today’s challenges. Using materials and construction methods that are durable and sustainable such as precast will help structures stand for decades to come.
