The Benefits of Precast Concrete

Precast concrete is simply concrete that is cast somewhere other than where it will be used. Most precast products are cast in a factory using a wet-cast method, but others are cast on-site, such as tilt-up panels.  Building personal residences like apartments requires specific solutions that you’ll get when you use precast concrete.

Using precast concrete makes a great product that much better. Here are a few of the advantages of using precast concrete for your building project as compared to other materials, as well as pour-in-place concrete:

• Strength

• Durability

• Adaptability

• Readiness 

• Sustainability

Let’s take an in-depth look at each.

Strength

For the strength factor alone, concrete is the most economical and reliable building material. Built to last decades, precast concrete retains its strength whether it’s above ground or below. Because it can be made in a facility well before it’s needed, precast concrete is allowed to strengthen for weeks.

Before any piece leaves for the field, it is strength-tested for its particular application. That is a huge advantage over pour-in-place concrete, which can’t be tested until it’s already in place. If pour-in-place concrete is given the time to harden before completing the installation, it should be fine. With precast, however, you’ll know for sure.

Durability

Not only is precast concrete strong, but it’s also very durable – which is not necessarily the same thing. For example, a large wooden beam is strong enough to hold up an entire home. But is it durable enough to stand up to fire, termites, or water damage?

With precast concrete, the answer is yes. Built-to-last, buried precast concrete infrastructure is designed to last up to 100 years, resisting damage from the elements, fires, animals, and natural disasters. No remodeling or replacement is needed.

Adaptability

Size, shape, and access points, no matter your project, precast concrete can be made to fit the bill. Do your wall panels need to be an irregular shape or outfitted with openings for electrical work? Send in the specifications and you’ll get exactly what you need when you need it, and ready to be installed. 

Readiness

As mentioned beforehand, precast concrete is ready to go when you are. While pour-in-place concrete can be just as strong or durable as precast, installation times are a major difference. Once the excavation is complete, precast wells and catch basins can be placed, ready for backfill, and the project can continue.

With poured concrete on site, there’s time spent building forms, time spent placing rebar, time spent mixing and pouring, and time spent waiting for it to strengthen. The whole process could take a week or two, during which time there’s a dangerous hole in the ground. Any problems during the pour could also affect timelines which is never a good thing.

Sustainability

Due to its strength, durability, and how it’s constructed, Precast concrete is also one of the more sustainable building materials on the market. Because of the controlled environment during precast concrete production, any wastewater or materials created can be saved and reused.

Precast concrete is a versatile material that can be used in many different ways to create structures for both personal and commercial use. If you are looking for an affordable, reliable solution for your construction project, precast concrete may be the perfect option for you.