Flex is frequently mentioned by precast manufacturers lately. This term, which catches the attention of users in presentations of buildings, can also be expressed with terms like flexton, flexprecast, flext, fibrofilex, and others.
While producers use different words like these to describe the building to users, it can confuse users. Although they all lead to the same point, they may aim to create a different perception of the process. In this way, they may convey it as a superior process compared to others. Let’s take a closer look at this term used for precast structures and see if there is any difference.
What is Flex Precast?
Firstly, let’s address the question of what “flex” means to understand the meaning of the word. We know the word “flexibility” means flexibility. The origin of the word gives us the meaning of “flexible” or bendable.
So, we can say that it is a process for making concrete and other materials used in construction flexible. If we ask why this is necessary for buildings, flexibility is important to prevent materials in the structure from cracking or breaking in cases like impacts or tremors. However, although used to describe precast, flexton building material is not precast.
What Building Materials Does Flexton Include?
Flexton uses fiberglass-reinforced polyester resin (CTP), unlike precast materials. With this material, a natural stone appearance is achieved. Sheets with a thickness of 1-2 mm are obtained from these materials.
It contains differences both in terms of materials and construction compared to precast. It contains materials with low fire resistance. Moreover, it is not possible to use flexton as precast exterior cladding. This is because it is completely designed to provide flexibility.
Flex Concrete Production
Flex concrete, or flexton production, refers to a different technique, which is actually glass fiber-reinforced concrete. It serves a different function than precast production. First of all, its materials are different. It cannot be added to precast and does not provide additional flexibility or durability to precast. Flexton is more preferred in interior design.
Where Does the Flex Feature of Precast Concrete Come From?
Glass fiber-reinforced concretes are much more flexible than normal concretes. The flexibility of concretes comes from both this glass fiber-reinforced concrete and different chemical concrete materials. Mold characteristics also ensure that the obtained concrete is more bendable. Therefore, the flex feature is also used in describing precast.
However, even though this is the case, not every flexible structure may be precast or flexton. Not every flexton material can be used in precast exterior cladding sections. Exterior claddings are created taking into account various factors, such as wind, noise, temperature, and rain. Therefore, a flexible material like flexton may not be suitable for exteriors.
The alkali-resistant glass fiber-reinforced concrete used in precast raises the bending strength of concrete compared to others. The features of precast, such as TS EN 12467+A2 fiber cement boards, other material properties, and product curing, along with quality control methods, ensure that it is always stronger, more flexible, and elegant compared to other standard concrete structures.
