Precast Concrete Construction – Process &
Advantages
Precast concrete construction has many advantages over cast-in-situ
concrete structures as well as steel, wood, & masonry structures. Precast
concrete construction provides faster and more efficient construction
process.
Precast concrete construction system has its own characteristics which
influence the layout, span length, construction depth, stability system, etc.
to a greater or less extend.
Theoretically, all joints between the precast concrete units can be made in
such a way that the completed precast structure has the same monolithic
concept as a cast-in-situ structures.
However, precast concrete construction is very labour intensive and costly. If
the full advantages of precast concrete are to be realized, the structure
should be conceived according to its specific design philosophy.
Long spans, appropriate stability concept, simple details, etc. Designers
should from the very outset of the project consider the possibilities,
restrictions & advantages of precast concrete, its detailing, manufacturer,
transport, erection & serviceability stages before completing a design in
precast concrete.
Following are the few Properties of Precast Concrete
Construction Process:
Enables faster programmed times – not affected by weather or labour
shortages.
Improves buildability – early enclosure of dry envelope enables follow-on
trades to start sooner.
Produces a high standard of workmanship in factory conditions – reduces
potential for accidents, addresses on-site skill shortage.
Has a high quality finish that can be left exposed – concrete’s thermal
properties can be exploited in low-energy buildings.
Primary Functions of Precast Concrete Construction
Keep water out
Prevent air leakage
Control light
Control radiation of heat
Control conduction of heat
Control sound
Secondary Functions:
Resist wind forces
Control water vapor
Adjust to movement
Thermal & moisture expansion/contraction
Structural movements
Resist fire
Weather gracefully
Easy to install
Architectural precast concrete provides architects with an exciting medium
when designing facades for a wide range of buildings, from healthcare
facilities to shopping malls, commercial office buildings to sports stadiums.
Precast concrete provides:
Complete thermal protection
Continuous air/vapour barrier
Effective rain screens
Superior lifespan
Reduced construction schedule and on-site labour
High quality control standards
Numerous finish options and colours
Elements in Precast Concrete Building Systems:
Following are the elements generally constructed in precast concrete
building construction:
Precast concrete frame
Precast concrete wall
Precast concrete floor
1. Precast Concrete Frame Construction
Precast concrete frames involve an entire structure being fabricated off-site.
In addition, structural components can be supplied for incorporation into a
structure on-site. Frames can simultaneously achieve both structural and
decorative design requirements – a wide variety of mixes, colours and
finishes can be accommodated. Architecturally-finished precast structures
can be left exposed to exploit concrete’s high thermal capacity in a building’s
“green” energy management system.
Construction Process
Precast concrete frames are cast in the same way as precast concrete
cladding, but as they are designed as structural elements have heavier
reinforcement than is required for non-structural cladding. Elegant
connections are required between columns and beams to transfer
considerable forces without adversely affecting the visual appearance of the
frame.
Benefits of using Precast Concrete Frames:
Precast concrete frames:
Enable faster programme times – not affected by weather or labour shortages.
Improve buildability – structure is fabricated off-site for rapid erection on-site
Produce a high standard of workmanship in factory conditions – reduces
potential for accidents, addresses on-site skill shortage.
Have a high quality finish that can be left exposed – concrete’s thermal
properties can be exploited in low-energy buildings.
2. Precast Concrete Wall Construction
Precast concrete walls are used for internal & external walls, lift shafts,
central cores etc. Precast wall system are mostly used in domestic
construction, both for individual housing & for apartments. The solution can
be considered as the industrialized form of cast in-situ walls or classical brick
or block masonry walls.
The precast walls can be load bearing or only partition walls. The surface of
the elements is smooth on both sides & ready for painting or wallpapering.
Precast walls offer the advantage of speed of construction, smooth surface
finishing, acoustic insulation & fire resistance.
3. Precast Concrete Floors
Types of precast concrete floors:
Hollow core floors
Ribbed floors
Concrete roof elements
Massive slab floors
The principle advantages of precast floors are speed of construction, absence
of scaffolding, large variety of types, large span capacity, & economy.
Precast floors can also be classified according to their manufacture into
totally & partially precast floors.
Totally precast concrete floors are composed of units, which are totally cast
at the plant. After erection, the units are connected to the structure & the
longitudinal joints are grouted.In some cases a cast in-situ structural topping
screed is added.
Partially precast concrete floors are composed of a precast part & a cast in-
situ part. Both parts are working together at the final stage to achieve the
composite structural capacity. The main totally precast floor & roof types are
described hereafter.
Advantages of Precast Concrete Process
Precast concrete process provides following advantages:
Structural efficiency
Flexibility in use
Optimum use of materials
Speed of construction
Quality consciousness
Adaptability
Protection of the environment
Advantages of Precast Concrete Construction
Precast concrete construction is less expensive than real brick.
Does not require an extensive footing like a real masonry wall. Can be reset
should it ever shift.
More durable than real masonry – no mortar joints to let water in.
Installs quickly and easily – most can be done in one day.
Maintenance free – No need to paint or periodically replace slats as you would
with wood fences.
Disadvantage of Precast Concrete Construction
System building is less flexible in its design concept than purpose-mode
structures
Most design briefs can be fulfilled without too much modification to the original
concept
Structural connection between the precast concrete units can present both
design & contractual problems
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