STRUCTURAL SOLUTIONS TO MODERN DEMANDS

摘要

Two products dominate construction - concrete and steel. Historically, these materials were perceived as in competition whereas in reality they are partners. All structural concrete is reinforced with steel, since concrete's strength is in compression and steel's is in tension. And, where fire resistance is required, steel is generally protected by concrete. Of the two, concrete can claim to be the more versatile in that it can be delivered to site in a plastic state - a unique quality that makes it desirable as a building material because it can be moulded to virtually any form or shape. Yet it is this same property of being able to be produced in a wide range of shapes, surface textures and colours that makes it desirable - and perhaps even more desirable in its precast form.