It is important to establish at this stage that not all structural designs should be concrete structures but then, the advantages of the concrete structural system cannot be overemphasized. In most cases, there is no analysis of these advantages during the system selection process. As a result, the many inherent values are not properly enumerated. The purpose of this article is to analyze and enumerate the huge advantages inherent in Concrete Structures.
Reduction in Energy Use
According to an MIT report, the use of the thermal mass of cast-in-place concrete can save up to 9% of the total annual energy costs. When energy use is reduced, there is definitely going to be a reduction in the costs of building and when there is a reduction in the use of energy, there is bound to be a reduction in the life cycle impact and life-cycle cost of the structure. This implies that a concrete structure will exhibit a better life cycle analysis when compared to steel.
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Sound Transfer and Vibration Reduction
The concrete structure is a highly rigid frame, which reduces vibration and bounces when compared with steel structures. It is a better option for laboratories and environments with sensitive equipment. Also, it increases the user’s comfort. It is important to know that there is a reduction of about 67% for the transfer of vibration and sound from steel to concrete.
Reduction in Operational and initial Costs
Concrete structures do not need vertical as much as steel structures to achieve the same floor height, which adds up to savings in building skin, materials, and duration of related MEP activities. In addition to these, some other areas where costs can be reduced are as follow:
- The reduction in MEP operational cost and equipment such as thermal mass
- There is no longer any need for fireproofing
- There are energy savings due to thermal mass and volume reductions
- You no longer need Patch fireproofing and MEP installations
- Because of the increase in flexibility, you will have a reduction of the renovation cost
- The inclusion of the frame construction team early in the conceptual and schematic stage leads to the execution of a more efficient structural system.
Increase in Flexibility
Changes are easy to accommodate with cast-in-place concrete structural systems. It is also very easy to accommodate irregular shapes, MEP and building modifications, and mild reinforcement.
Improved Cash Flow and Schedule Reduction
It is easy to start construction immediately with concrete, as there is no need to wait for fabrication. In addition to this, there are no incurring huge costs from changes that occurred between breaking ground and placing the mill order.
Infection Control and Improvement in Indoors Environmental Quality
With the concrete structure, there is no need for corrosion protection or fireproofing, which eradicates opportunities for allergens and contaminants to be stuck and discharged over time, reacting to humidity and airflow, and eroding into the air leading to infection, reduced productivity, and feeling of unwell.
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