Although precast structures, whose name we are hearing more and more frequently, do not impose a significant burden, they offer many advantages in various ways.
Its resistance to vibration and impact, the ability to achieve the desired design, and its lower cost have made it the most important choice for both construction companies and users. Another advantage is its A1 fireproof feature, obtained through its material content. Building materials used in homes can show a preventable performance in fires. This is possible with precast.
What Does A1 Fireproof Mean?
When we look at fireproof building materials, we can see that the most important materials are silica and white cement. Washed silica sand and white cement are also found in precast panels, along with alkali-resistant glass fiber, water, and various chemicals. Each of these supports different areas of the structure.
The material, which shows high resistance to impacts and vibrations due to its fiber property, protects the structure in natural disasters such as earthquakes and winds. Precast containing white cement and silica sand for potential fires can prevent and inhibit the spread of fire.
A1 Fireproof Materials in Precast Content
Precast cladding can be preferred in every area of buildings. Precast concrete is used in the foundation of the building, and various applications of precast soffit processes are used in exterior cladding.
Each of these applications is created with precast panels. Although supported by various chemical materials, there are materials with A1 fireproof properties such as silica sand and white cement in all areas. Silica sand, which has high density and hardness, also has high thermal resistance. White cement shows similar properties. Besides its aesthetic appearance, it also allows the structure to breathe.
Precast materials show great resistance to high pressure, making fires preventable. It restricts the damage that may occur to a large extent in a limited area and prevents it from spreading to other parts of the structure. With this feature, we already see this building material in most public buildings today. In many European countries, this material has been made mandatory in new buildings.
How Many Minutes of A1 Fire Resistance?
Depending on the usage rate of materials in precast, different answers can be given to the question “how many minutes of A1 fire resistance can be achieved?” It has been determined that fire resistance starts from half an hour and lasts for 1 hour, 90 minutes, and 120 minutes depending on the thickness of the concrete or precast cladding.
Advantages of Insulated Precast Panels
We can highlight precast not only for protecting people from external factors due to seasonal conditions but also for its insulation properties. It prevents the impact of hot air waves on living spaces in summer, resulting in a cooler environment. It shows high durability against wind, rain, and cold weather in winter.
The advantage of precast panels is not limited to these. Its heat resistance also contributes to preventing disasters such as fires. Additionally, if other materials it contains also possess this feature and if steel frames, steel anchors, and letter channels in the mounting systems also have fireproof properties, the structure becomes much more durable. By being used in many areas such as schools, government buildings, collective housing, and private residences, it provides much longer-lasting living spaces thanks to its low budget and high advantages.
