Tag Archive for: advice

Different Proportions to Consider for Concrete Mix

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As your construction project progresses smoothly, it’s quite important to consider the right concrete mix proportion. But, as the slurry gets prepared with the addition of cement, sand, and water, the ratio totally depends on the construction project. However, based on prior experience, the building codes offer standard ratios for onsite construction. If you are worried about quality, then you should opt for premix concrete in Brisbane from Reocrete. But, if you are not sure about the ratio, then you should read ahead to learn more about the proportions.

Materials used for preparing concrete

Among the basic materials, concrete always has cement as one of its constituents. While shale, limestone, and other ingredients are burnt to form clinker, the grinder grinds lump to obtain a fine powder. You may come across blended cement at some sites however, this is ideally used for masonry work, ideally for plastering. Apart from cement, aggregate and sand are also major constituents. The ingredients not only enhance structural integrity but also increase compressive strength.

Different types of proportions

  1. Nominal Mix ratios: Many years ago, the ratio of the constituents for concrete was actually based on the amount of cement and aggregate. Since this was considered a fixed ratio, such types of ratios were known as nominal. Ideally, the nominal ratio is 1:1.5:3 for M20 grade concrete and 1:2:4 for M15 concrete. To learn more about concrete prices in Brisbane contact Reocrete today!
  2. Standard Mix ratios: As the contractor may vary the nominal ratio, the overall constitution may differ to some extent. Even though the ratio may enhance strength, the cement may not be suitable for the onsite construction work. Hence, in order to maintain minimum compressive strength, concrete is based on a standard ratio. While you purchase concrete, you may come across different grades like N20, N50, N32, and N25. But, for grades more than 50, the contractor may require special class concrete for the work. Regardless of the concrete mix, every grade is different with respect to its compressive strength.
  3. Designed Mix Ratio: When dealing with a Designed Mix Ratio, an experienced professional determines the precise proportion of the constituents. Moreover, concrete suppliers in Brisbane may follow a rational approach to figure out the proportion with the unique characteristics of the materials. It’s completely normal to use standard or nominal mixes for short-duration jobs. The ratios, in this case, don’t matter when there isn’t any need to carry out control testing.

Finally, for increasing the strength of hardened concrete, it’s important to maintain the water to cement ratio; fine aggregate can be added only when the person is preparing a sticky mix.

Contact steel suppliers in Brisbane at Reocrete, if you have any questions or need any assistance deciding on the right concrete for your construction project!

How to Determine the Tensile Strength of Concrete

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When a contractor plans to execute a construction project, it’s important to firstly determine the overall strength of the concrete. Due to various effects and the applied load, the structures built from concrete are prone to tensile cracking. But, on the other hand, it’s advisable to use steel reinforcing mesh Brisbane when the contractor needs to reinforce concrete slabs. So, let’s get into two different kinds of tests and the procedure of measuring the tensile strength of concrete.

1. Split-Cylinder Test

A split-cylinder test is known as a standard test, which enables the contractor to find out the tensile strength indirectly. As the expert starts off with the test, a concrete specimen dipped in water is placed between the loading surfaces of the testing machine. While the load is applied uniformly along the diameter, the testing machine is set to a range between 0.7 to 1.4 MPa/min.

It’s important to note that a plywood strip has to be placed on the lowermost plate. Moreover, the expert shouldn’t forget to place another strip above the specimen. Later, the pressure needs to be applied relentlessly until the concrete specimen starts cracking along the diameter. At this instance, the expert has to record the reading which is nothing but the breaking load. He then has to use a formula for calculating the tensile strength of the specimen. Typically, the tensile strength may lie between 1/8 and 1/12 of the compressive strength. If you’re using mini concrete Brisbane, then you should be mindful of the time for which the specimen is exposed to water.

2. Flexure Test

The flexure test is yet another test that can help you determine the tensile strength of concrete. Before proceeding with the following steps, first pour fresh concrete into the moulds to create samples. Rather than coming up with just one sample, create three specimens for the test. Keep the hardened concrete in the water at a temperature between 24 and 30 degrees Celsius for two days.

After the specimen undergoes curing, it has to be placed carefully between the loading points. After some time, a load equivalent to 2% to 6% of the ultimate load has to be applied steadily. Mesh reinforcement Brisbane is essential for concrete slabs at the construction site.

Towards the end, as soon as you calculate the loading rate, find out the modulus of rupture. This figure is nothing but the extent at which the concrete cracks when it is subjected to continuous load or pressure. Post test, set the testing machine to a configuration for cylinder testing. Also ensure you discard the specimen and clean the testing machine thoroughly.

Once you have decided on what type of concrete you need, you can find suitable tools online. If you are concerned about completing the construction project, you should contact firms dealing in concrete delivery Brisbane  such as Reocrete Brisbane.

Steps to Consider when Reinforcing Concrete Slabs with Wire Mesh

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Whenever there’s a need to make concrete slabs, it’s necessary to use a welded wire mesh. While this wire mesh is an alternative to reinforced steel rods, it prevents cracking of concrete in the future. According to concrete suppliers Brisbane, it’s better to reinforce wire mesh so that it settles at an appropriate height once it has been poured. So, if you are unaware of how to reinforce concrete slabs, then read ahead to learn more about the steps.

Step 1

As soon as you start, you have to carefully place the slab runners for supporting the wire mesh. The slab runners play a better role in elevated concrete pours. With every runner being 4 feet long, you should take care of placing the runners. Ideally, you have to maintain a distance of 3 ½ feet between two consecutive runners.

Step 2

Now, you have to place the first sheet of mesh just above the slab runners. In case it’s a slab on grade, then you can place the mesh on the ground. You should start off from the corner so that you can maintain sufficient clearance. Do keep in mind that the metal should not be in contact with the edge of the poured concrete. This would certainly help because it actually prevents the chances of the exterior getting affected due to rust. If quality is the prime concern, then you can try out premix concrete Brisbane.

Step 3

Now, you need to place the next sheet right above the first sheet of wire mesh. At this instance, you have to place the wire mesh one and a half squares away, letting every sheet to overlap the other 1 ½ squares; it’s essential to apply some pressure on the second sheet and force it down. You should make sure that the second sheet is perfectly resting on the slab runners. In order to be accurate with the overlapping technique, you might have to adjust the second sheet a bit later.

Step 4

Soon after placing the wire mesh, you have to tie the sheets all at once. With the help of Linesman pliers, you have to tie the corners and tie the centre of the overlapping sheets as well. Way ahead, you need to be sure that the ties have brought two sheets closer. As you proceed with placing the wire mesh, continue tying it till the slab has been covered completely. If you wish to save money, then you could get in touch with suppliers and check out concrete prices Brisbane.

Step 5

Subsequently, you have to lift up the entire mesh at a suitable height from the slab. In case you have placed the slab runners on the ground, then you don’t have to follow this step. Moreover, you have to place 2×2 concrete bricks just beneath the wire mesh. As you work towards supporting the mesh, you should place the bricks at least at a distance of 4 feet.

Finally, before reinforcing the concrete slab, you should check whether the mesh is designed for construction projects. You should also check for the dimensions and size depending on the area that needs to be reinforced. If you don’t know what to purchase, then feel free to research online. This would give you a fair idea about the size along with the price. While you procure supreme quality steel reinforcing mesh Brisbane from the market, just be sure that the material is galvanised.

Steel vs. Concrete: Which Comes Out on Top

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You need to make vital decisions in construction projects. One of the most important decisions that you need to make is to select the most useful resources.  You must assess the benefits of steel and concrete and understand which one will prove beneficial in a project. Steel bar Brisbane provides top-quality steel for your projects. A huge majority of steel produced today is obtained from recycled materials. The recycling process helps in reducing costs compared to other materials. Meanwhile, the major benefit of concrete is that its cost remains consistent whereas the price of steel may end up fluctuating, but overall it it is less costly than reinforced concrete.

Let us compare the two:

Strength:

When it comes to structural steel, it has emerged to be highly powerful, ductile, and robust. These qualities have made it one of the most popular materials in commercial and industrial construction projects. You can get steel reinforcing mesh Brisbane at an economical price point. Meanwhile, concrete is a composite material that may include sand, gravel, and water; it offers high compressive strength but falls in tensile strength. Concrete needs to be reinforced with steel rebar in a bid to enhance the structure’s tensile capacity and elasticity.

Resistance from fire:

Steel has emerged to be an integrally non-combustible material however, when it is heated at high temperatures, its power may decline. Therefore, it must be covered with fire-resistant materials to enhance its safety. On the other hand, Concrete has emerged to be highly fire-resistant as a result of its unique composition. When concrete is used for building construction projects, many other components used in the project may not be fire-resistant. Therefore, experts must take all precautions to eliminate complications of various kinds within the entire structure.

Sustainability:

It is worth noting that structural steel is entirely recyclable and a major portion of structural steel is established from recycled steel. Amid its strong lifespan, steel can be used and adapted several times and, you will not compromise with structural integrity. Structural steel causes the least environmental impact while manufacturing, fabricating, and treating. Elements in concrete are natural to the environment. You can crush concrete and use it in future mixtures and this kind of recycling will bring down the presence of concrete in landfills. Buy top quality mesh reinforcement Brisbane from reliable suppliers at cost-effective prices.

Versatility:

Steel has emerged to be a highly flexible material. You can get it fabricated in a vast array of designs for various applications. The strength-to-weight ratio of steel tends to be really high when compared with other economical building materials. It also provides varied artistic alternatives. Concrete may be moulded into various shapes, but, it suffers from some shortcomings pertaining to the floor to floor construction heights, long and open spans.

Conclusion:

You must weigh your options carefully when you begin a construction project. You must obtain top quality concrete from leading suppliers at concrete delivery Brisbane. Steel may corrode when it comes in contact with water and, if left without adequate care, you may compromise with the safety and security of the structure. Reinforced concrete offers high resistance against water and will not corrode.

Three Major Benefits of a Reinforced Concrete Slab that you Cannot Overlook

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Concrete has got excellent compressive strength. Leading experts at concrete suppliers Brisbane say that concrete slabs must be reinforced with either rebar or re-mesh. It is worth noting that concrete’s tensile strength is not that high compared to its compressive strength. It is extremely tough to crush concrete. However, it is not difficult to pull it apart. Concrete slabs offer stunning thermal comfort and long a life to any structure. Flooring that includes bars and mesh will go a long way in boosting bonding with concrete. The concrete reinforcing mesh can also bring down concrete cracking due to shrinkage.

Here are some of the major benefits of a concrete slab:

1. High compressive strength:

The presence of sand and crushed rock in concrete offers compressive power. The availability of sand and rock in concrete prove useful in supporting a huge amount of weight. It is worth noting that harder the rock and higher the rock in the mix ratio, the more powerful the compressive strength of concrete is. The usual mix ratio is four to one i.e. four portions of crushed rock and two portions of sand and one portion of cement. You may adjust the ratio to provide a higher compressive power. You can obtain high-quality concrete and other components from leading steel suppliers Brisbane.

2. Tensile strength:

Reinforced concrete slabs have become significant because it is not the compressive integrity of a slab that may fail first. It is the tensile resistance that may give way. The slabs tend to break and crack due to the poor tensile resistance of concrete. The availability of rocks and sand in concrete provides strong compressive power. All the tensile power of concrete is generated from cement. The tensile strength can be described as material’s adherence strength. However, just like glue, cement can be pulled apart; bending and torsion play the role of testing the tensile power of concrete. You must carefully obtain top quality reinforcing mesh Brisbane from renowned suppliers.

3. Durability:

A concrete slab offers a high life span with effective reinforcement. It implies that concrete must be compacted so that no gap or porous areas are left within the slab. It can also help in bringing down the risk of concrete rupturing. You can also help in enhancing the concrete slab life with effective foundation preparation and by adding an adequate amount of water. Be careful about the quantity of water as an excess amount may cause cracking and weakening of the entire slab. Take good care of the concrete installation and follow the timelines so that it achieves desired strength before any load is placed.

Conclusion:

Reinforced concrete offers several benefits. You should purchase premix concrete Brisbane from leading suppliers who promise quality. Top-quality concrete can set, harden, and secure its power at regular room temperature. The reason behind this is that cement has emerged as a low temperature bonded inorganic material.

What Concrete Should Be Used for Different Construction Projects

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Are you planning to construct your new dream house? Or perhaps you want to renovate your existing home? Be it a small scale project or large-scale, choosing the right concrete material is the key to any successful project. People in the past used mortar and steel from steel suppliers Brisbane, but nowadays concrete has become the primary construction element. It is almost everywhere; roads, buildings, bridges, driveways, pools and much more.

What Concrete is Best for My Project?

This post will help you understand which concrete to select for which type of construction project.

1. Concrete Pools

Three following types of concrete can be used for constructing a pool – Shotcrete, Gunite or Cast-in-place. Shotcrete and Gunite concrete can be moulded into any shape with the use of a specialised spray, while cast-in-place concrete is a little harder to mould into a desired shape.

2. Driveways/Pathways

While using concrete for driveways and patios is obviously very common, the primary factors to consider are regarding thickness, the concrete mix, thickness of the sub-base and slope of the concrete.

3. Domestic Homes

Concrete can be used as more than infrastructure to build modern and sleek homes. Polished floors, bathrooms, concrete benchtops are some of the areas where concrete can be used to create a breathtaking structure.

Types of concrete

There are broadly the following 9 types of concrete:

1) Plain Concrete:

This type of concrete is the simplest and doesn’t require any kind of reinforcement. Usually, this concrete is ideal for use in buildings, footpaths, pavements, and those areas which don’t require high strength. Concrete prices in Brisbane vary according to the application.

2) Rapid Strength Concrete:

It acquires strength just after a few hours of its preparation which ensures quick construction of buildings and roads.

3) High-performance Concrete:

As the name suggests, high-performance concrete displays a high level of performance possessing rapid strength gain, easy placement, high permeability, high durability, and life-term mechanical properties.

4) Roller Compacted Concrete:

This type of concrete in Brisbane is placed and then road rollers are used to compact it. It provides higher density and requires less cement.

5) Reinforced Concrete:

Reinforcement basically means mixing steel rods, bars, or mesh into the concrete to improve the overall strength. Reinforced concrete finds application in the construction of columns, bridges, ceilings and any other structures like these which require a high level of strength.

6) Ready-mix Concrete:

It is ready to use obviously, but one should take care of the time required for its transportation. If there is an unexpected delay, then the concrete may harden making it pretty much useless.

7) Stamped Concrete:

Generally, interior floors and patios use stamped concrete in order to give that aesthetic look and feel. This type of concrete is used to create many realistic patterns like natural stones, granites, and tiles.

8) Vacuum Concrete:

This type of concrete contains a high proportion of water and its preparation involves suction of any excess water using a pump. This concrete achieves strength in just ten days.

9) Glass Concrete:

This is a type of modern concrete that uses recycled glass as aggregate. It is used to give an aesthetic feel to any structure for which it is used.

Reocrete is one of the best concrete suppliers in Brisbane who deliver the right grade and consistency of concrete to your worksite. The above points might confuse you slightly, but that’s okay, for any additional information, just chat with the experts at Reocrete!

How to Minimise Plastic Shrinkage Cracking

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Plastic shrinkage cracking occurs as a result of how fast the concrete surface dries in comparison to the rest of the concrete. According to concrete suppliers in Brisbane, plastic shrinkage tends to form when the concrete is still plastic. Plastic shrinkage may take place any time throughout the year whether the weather is cold, hot, windy, or low humid. It is worth noting that plastic shrinkage cracks take place in an arbitrary manner or they will be parallel to each other. Most often these cracks are straight and their length may vary between 2 m to 25mm. They will hardly occur around the edges of a slab. The cracks create a weakness in the concrete and possess the capacity of further widening as a result of subsequent thermal movement.

6 Important Tips to Minimise Plastic Shrinkage Cracking

Described below are some important tips to minimise plastic shrinkage cracking in concrete:

1. You should erect temporary windbreaks:

When the wind blows at a higher velocity, it may significantly impact the water evaporation rate from the concrete being placed. It will likely cause plastic shrinkage cracking of the concrete. In order to prevent this, you may opt for erecting temporary windbreaks. This will help in reducing wind speed at the surface of the concrete.

2. Sunshades:

When you are constructing concrete slabs, the option of providing sunshades over the concrete slabs will prove helpful. It will aid in controlling and bringing down the surface temperature of the slab.

3. Effective placement timing:

During extreme hot weather conditions, it is not ideal to erect the concrete during the afternoon. If you do so it may cause plastic shrinkage cracks as a result of water loss. Therefore, it is ideal to schedule concrete placement in the morning or evening time, this just allows you more control over the concrete temperature.

4. Opt for fog sprays:

During scalding hot weather conditions, the wind tends to be extremely hot and unbearable. You should opt for fog sprays to spray fog in the hot air on the concrete surface as it helps to reduce the evaporation rate from the concrete surface. You should spray fog towards the opposite direction the wind is blowing.

5. Try dampening subgrade:

When the construction of concrete pavement is underway during hot weather conditions, you should dampen the subgrade as it is responsible for water absorption from the concrete, however, it is important to note that subgrade should never be excessively damp.  Steel suppliers in Brisbane will help you minimise plastic shrinkage cracking.

6. Use evaporation retarder:

As we are aware that surfaces may dry earlier than anticipated when the evaporation rate is higher than the bleeding rate. You can consider spraying an evaporation retarder like aliphatic alcohol on the concrete surface. These types of products help in forming a fill on the surface that reduces the evaporation rate of water. It also provides time for all the bleed water to move towards the surface. In extremely hot weather conditions, you may have to consider re-application of evaporation retarder.

Conclusion:

The above ways will help you minimise plastic shrinkage cracking. You may get in touch with reinforcing mesh in Brisbane to tackle the situation effectively. Do not forget to avail adequate manpower, devices, and supplies to ensure that concrete can be placed and finished instantly.

What is Plastic Shrinkage Cracking?

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Plastic shrinkage cracking refers to the cracks formed when concrete has not yet set. It occurs when the concrete is in the form of plastic only. The main cause behind crack formation is the rapid drying process. Cracks can be seen the next day after the finishing operations. Plastic shrinkage cracks can form randomly or can be roughly parallel to each other. Concrete Brisbane gets weak due to these cracks and therefore expand.

What Causes Plastic Shrinkage Cracks?

The basic reason behind the occurrence of cracks is the higher rate of evaporation of moisture from the surface. When the evaporation rate exceeds the moisture supplied to the concrete, cracks are formed. The concrete surface dries out because of the lack of moisture on the surface and hence it cracks.

Water is lost in the following two ways:

  1. Drying from the top: During the placement process, moisture seems to evaporate from the top surface of the concrete, which is also known as bleeding.
  2. Drying from the base: Water can get absorbed in the ground below the concrete slab. This increases the risk of cracking and also the settlement of concrete and mesh reinforcement Brisbane.

There are various environmental factors that affect the rate of evaporation from the surface of concrete, such as wind speed, temperature, and humidity. A combination of all these factors leads to cracking even in cold weather conditions. Also, the concrete mixtures which have a reduced rate of bleeding are prone to plastic shrinkage cracking. Any factor that contributes to a delay in the setting process, leads to cracking.

How to Control Plastic Shrinkage Cracking?

Mentioned below are the tips that will help you in minimising plastic shrinkage cracking in your concrete:

  • Dampen the surface of concrete frequently.
  • During hot weather, mix water with crushed ice or use chilled water.
  • Use windbreaks to reduce the velocity of wind that is coming on the surface of the concrete.
  • Use product substitutes that reduce the rate of evaporation from the surface.
  • Start the curing regime immediately after finishing.
  • Use synthetic or steel fibers to prevent cracking.
  • Accelerate the setting time of concrete.
  • Use fog sprays in dry periods to discharge a fine mist into the air. Fog sprays reduce the rate of evaporation from the surface of mini concrete Brisbane and should be used until curing is applied to the concrete.
  • Cover the concrete with moisture-retaining coverings like polyethylene or building paper sheets.

Reocrete is the leading supplier of concrete and steel reinforcing mesh in Brisbane. We deliver the right grade and consistency of concrete to your worksite at the exact time and day you need. We understand how much of a difference just a 30-minute delay in the compaction of concrete can cause. So, we practice what we preach and deliver exactly what you need!

6 Different Types of Cracks in Concrete

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Concrete is easily one of the strongest and most reliable construction materials. From temperature changes and structural errors to tree roots and reinforcing mesh Brisbane, many things lead to cracks in concrete. Unlike the common perception, not all concrete cracks are the same. In fact, identifying the correct type can actually help you in properly correcting the cracks.

Let’s take a look at the six most common types of concrete cracks you might encounter:

1. Plastic Shrinkage Crack

Before the concrete hardens, it is considered plastic and contains a significant amount of water. Sometimes puddles of water, upon drying, leave behind voids within the slab. Such voids make the structure of the slab prone to cracks when subject to pressure. Unless prominently visible, plastic shrinkage cracks pose no threat to the structure of the slabs.

2. Expansion Crack

When subject to heat, concrete slabs tend to expand outwards. Lack of space to expand causes slabs to develop cracks. However, expansion cracks are mostly dealt with during the planning and concrete delivery Brisbane stage of the structure. Expansion joints are inserted between slabs that can absorb pressure from expansion and thus pre-empt and avoid cracks.

3. Heaving Crack

Another crack that occurs due to temperature are heaving cracks. Heaving cracks develop due to being exposed to extreme cold weather, which causes the slab to condense. When the temperature returns to normal, the slab also expands back to its normal shape. However, this change in shape often leads to the development of heaving cracks.

4. Settling Cracks

The structural weakness of the underlying ground can lead to settling cracks. For instance, when a large tree is removed, its roots decay and leave large voids behind which soften the ground. A weak ground gives poor support to the concrete slab above and the steel bar Brisbane surrounding it, causing settling cracks.

5. Cracks due to overloading

Premix concrete Brisbane comes with their own strength (measured in PSI or pounds per square inch), which indicates the maximum pressure they can take before being crushed. However, overloading of slabs occurs quite often in residential areas – this is not what actually causes the cracks. In cases where the underlying ground has become soft (like after heavy rain), it might enable a section of the slab to be pushed downwards. Heavy vehicle parking spots are most likely to see such cracks.

6. Premature Drying

When a concrete slab (or its top layer, to be specific) loses moisture quickly, it can lead to cracks. Crazing cracks appear when the top layer of the slab quickly loses moisture naturally, resembling a spider-web. Crusting cracks appear during the stamping process when the top layer is dried for embedding patterns. Both these types might look unappealing, but they are largely harmless for the structural strength of the slab.

As you saw, different causes lead to different types of concrete cracks. Understanding the specific types allows us to identify the root cause behind these cracks and take appropriate steps.

Do 3D Printed Houses Require Reinforced Concrete?

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3D printing is used everywhere from the fashion industry to the medical industry, and houses are not left behind. Revolutionary 3D printed tiny-homes are now a reality. Large scale 3D printing is now being used in bigger construction projects to build entire mini concrete Brisbane houses, buildings, and a lot more. 3D printing is certainly showing its benefits and amazing patterns on the walls of urban houses, it has become an asset for construction projects.

3D Printing for Construction

Surely the 3D printing technique has become an inspiration and a new tool for civil engineers. New technologies are being used nowadays, for example- a 3D printed concrete house can be printed directly in one go, or in different parts to assemble later. New materials are also being used in order to create such amazing construction projects. New technologies like robotic arms are being used which are capable to print entire structure very fast.

Use of Reinforced Concrete for 3D Printed Houses

In conventional reinforced cement concrete, the rebar used is of a diameter ranging between 6mm-35mm, which gets difficult to incorporate into the printing process. If any kind of reinforcement is to be used with 3D printing, then the rebar diameter should be kept very small to allow for manipulation later.

What is Ferrocement?

Ferrocement is a form of reinforced concrete that is made up of densely spaced layers of mesh reinforcement Brisbane or steel rods of very small diameter enclosed in a mortar to form thin sections. Ferrocement is being used widely in the construction industry due to its benefits like low skilled labor requirements, fabricated into any desired shape, long life, ease of construction, and less weight.

Benefits of 3D Printed Houses

  • 3D printing is not only used to print homes, but it can also be used in a wide variety of minor construction projects.
  • The precision of printers used in 3D printing helps in saving resources and energy. Also, immediate houses can be built in the of a disaster.
  • A 3D printed house costs less, however, the cost majorly depends on the complexity, size, and timing. A 215 square ft. house requires approximately 10 days to build.

You can get the best quality concrete from Reocrete concrete delivery in Brisbane. We use a success-proven process for planning, tracking, and managing the biggest construction projects. Reocrete believe in saving you, time and money. Contact us Today!