Concrete reasons: most common building material a better choice.

DUE TO ITS ECONOMICAL cost, concrete is the most commonly used construction material in the world. In fact, commercial builders have long used concrete wall systems for fast, cost-effective erection of buildings. Precast concrete components will not corrode or rust and require little maintenance

Most of these advantages are due to the natural characteristics of concrete, which is exceptionally strong. While its inherent durability is irrefutable, builders are increasingly choosing precast concrete for an entirely different reason: the significant life safety advantage it provides over conventional masonry, steel, wood frame or block designs.

Doesn't burn. A balanced approach to fire safety and protection relies on three key elements: fire detection, fire suppression and fire containment. The first two elements involve the use of active fire-protection systems such as smoke detectors, fire alarms and automatic sprinkler systems. While fire detection and fire suppression are both critically important, they rely on mechanical devices, which can and do periodically fail. As such, a reliable fire-safety strategy also incorporates the third protection element--fire containment--which includes fire barriers, firewalls and exterior walls built of noncombustible fire resistant materials. Materials like precast concrete do not burn, nor do they contribute to the production of lethal smoke and gasses. More importantly, its effectiveness is not diminished by mechanical malfunction, neglect or sabotage.

An all-precast concrete structure--including precast columns, beams, hollowcore planks and panels--provides an exceptionally safe and secure envelope. In a recent test conducted by Omega Point Laboratories, a gypsum and steel stud wall assembly was exposed to fire for two hours followed by a hose-stream test. The wall disintegrated in less than one half of the 2 1/2 minute requirement. Conversely, the mass of concrete building elements and their behavior under high temperatures allow them to continue to support loads long after steel structures exposed to the same heat will have failed.

Resists severe weather.

It's no secret that the structural performances of building materials are far from equal. Follow the path of a tornado through a community of stick-construction homes, farms and a trailer park, and you see firsthand that some structures fare better than others. While some destruction and loss may be unavoidable, the use of durable building materials can help mitigate the damage.

A precast design can effectively resist hurricanes and tornadoes as well as heavy snow loads. In addition, these components won't ignite during a lightning storm nor will they allow fire to spread if nearby buildings or grasses should catch fire.

Decisions made during a building's design and construction stages will affect cost and performance for decades to come. Building owners and designers now recognize that improving life safety can lower operating expenses and enhance tenant peace-of-mind. The economic and life safety benefits of precast concrete also make a property more desirable, resulting in better tenant retention, higher net-operating income and increased property value.