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| Precast Concrete Section |
What is Precast Concrete?
Precast concrete consists of concrete ( a mixture of cement, aggregates, admixtures, and water) is produced by casting into a specific shape in reusable molds or by using highly advanced machinery and then cured in a controlled environment at a location other than that of its service position. These components are then transported to the construction site and lifted into place.
The sections are reinforced with either conventional reinforcing bars, steel strands with high tensile strength, or a combination of both.
The steel strands are pre-tensioned in the mold before the concrete is poured. After concreting concrete is cured in a controlled environment. When the concrete attains its specific strength, the strands are cut (detensioned).
As the strands, having bonded to the concrete, try to regain their original untensioned length they bond to the concrete and apply a compressive force. This “precompression” increases the load-carrying capacity to the components.