Be Hilltop Concrete Strong

Concrete is one of the most common products utilized on every construction site and is considered by many to be an incredibly strong and durable material. And rightfully so - Concrete structures can still be found today that were built by the Ancient Romans. As a precast concrete fence contractor and producer, manufacturing a quality precast concrete product is one of our greatest concerns at Hilltop Concrete so that we can ensure a quality product that is sure to withstand the test of time.

Concrete is made by combining cement, water, and aggregates in specific proportions. Ensuring that the proportions are correct will determine the integrity of the final concrete produced. Ultimately, concrete’s strength comes from the chemical reaction between the cement and the water utilized in the mixture. The cement and water mixture creates a paste that binds the aggregates used and, as time progresses and the mixture cures, the cement has more time to react which causes the concrete to become stronger.

So how is concrete strength measured? Concrete comes in several different types with varying levels of strength, compositions, and applications, and the compression strength of concrete is measured as pounds per square inch, PSI. The benchmark rating for concrete is generally 3,000 PSI and the higher the PSI, the stronger the concrete. This results in concrete that is more durable and has superior longevity. The PSI required for concrete depends on what is being poured because each concrete structure has a “normal” acceptable PSI range. For example, concrete footings and slabs generally require a range from 3,000 PSI to 4,000 PSI, concrete walls and columns range from 3,000 PSI to 5,000 PSI and pavements generally range from 4,000 PSI to 5,000 PSI. All of our precast concrete fence systems are manufactured using 5,000 PSI concrete to ensure superior strength and durability.

The compressive strength of concrete is tested by breaking cylindrical concrete specimens in a special machine designed to measure PSI. This testing is completed in accordance with ASTM (American Society for Testing & Materials) standard C39. Compressive strength is generally tested at the 7-day mark and the 28-day mark to determine the material PSI. The 7-day test results are used to determine early strength gains but the final PSI is based upon the 28-day test results in accordance with ACI (American Concrete Institute) standards.

At Hilltop Concrete, we are proud to say that we believe in the durability and quality of all of our products. Whether you are in the early stages of planning your project or ready to make a commitment, Hilltop Concrete is here to assist you with all of your precast concrete fencing needs. We work closely with every one of our clients, from developers to engineers to homeowners, to provide one-on-one personalized service throughout the entire process to ensure your project runs effortlessly and you have the peace of mind you deserve. Reach out to us today by email at hello@hilltopconcreteco.com or by phone at 903-630-5465 to discover what sets Hilltop Concrete apart from other concrete fence contractors.