INDUSTRY NEWS
PRECAST WALLING IS THE SAFEST OPTION Precast walling is facing fierce opposition from new steel fencing systems that create a tough barrier, as well as providing occupants with almost unhindered views.
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While these fencing systems provide buyers with far greater choices, they are not suitable for every application and, in most instances, simply cannot provide the same level of security that is offered by a solid concrete barrier. Melinda Esterhuizen, operations and marketing director of Echo, a preeminent supplier of hollow-core precast concrete walling, says that while some suppliers market the fencing as being as effective as concrete walling, it actually is not. No comparison “Where security is a priority, fencing simply can’t be compared with a 50MPa 150mm (thick) prestressed precast concrete wall. It provides both a visual and physical barrier that prevents wouldbe intruders from scoping the premises, as well as being able to withstand extreme punishment. “ I t ’s i m p o r t a n t t h a t p e o p l e understand the dif f erence. Steel
separate pedestrians and traffic from
plants, marshy areas, etc, where fences
railways and highways.
would probably eventually corrode.
fences are largely used in residential
“Due to their smooth surface, the
Precast walling systems in all shapes
or light industrial systems for low- to
walls can’t be climbed and the high-
and forms of fer versatile solutions
medium-security applications – unless
s tr eng th r ein f o r c e d c o n cr e t e w ill
that can last a lifetime. By its nature,
they’re supported by supplementary
withstand hammer blows and even
concrete is robust and strong, which
measures such as guards or control
vehicles being driven into it at speed.
adds an element of security that cannot
room-linked cameras. Our hollow-core
Since they’re up to 6m high, specialised
b e m a t c h e d . E c h o’s high - s e c ur i t y
concrete walls are used in high-security
equipment would be needed to either
prestressed hollow-core walling system
applications and provide barriers to
climb or penetrate the walls – and that
pr ovides rapid deployment and can
protect anything from military bases,
would take time and involve a considerable
secure even the highest-risk areas,
airports, telecoms, petrochemical and
amount of noise and effort.
which is a tougher act than any fence
gold refineries to providing barriers to
“Considering that one precast panel
can follow.
can be 5-6m long, 1,2m high and weigh about three tons, it can’t be manhandled
(Above and left): Precast walling systems.
and anyone wanting to smash their way through it would have to contend with two rows of 5mm triple-indented prestressed wire that can’t simply be bent or cut,” says Esterhuizen. Maintenance-free She adds that a pr ecast wall is a lifetime investment and does not require maintenance once erected, provided it is properly installed and founded. This is an important consideration wherever conditions conductive of corrosion exist,
Benefits of precast walling systems: - Rapid installation. - Wall heights are up to 6m. - Super-strong. - Effective barrier traffic and sound - Restricts visibility. - Lifetime investment. - Suitable for industrial and some residential estate applications.
such as coastal areas, certain industrial
PRECAST | ISSUE ONE | 2020
