Since pieces are produced off-site under roof conditions, precast concrete construction compresses construction schedules and minimizes site congestion. It also provides a safer working environment for employees.
When using precast concrete, contractors can install utility panels before the concrete arrives at the construction site. This allows the electricians, plumbers, and others to test their work before installing concrete.
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Longevity
Precast concrete is manufactured in reusable molds into which a mixture of sand and stone aggregate, cement, water, various admixtures, and steel reinforcement is poured. Then, the poured concrete is allowed to cure.
The result is a construction element that lasts longer than cast-in-place concrete. This longevity makes precast concrete a good option for hospitals, office buildings, and other long-term facilities.
Additionally, architectural precast concrete is non-combustible, resulting in a safer construction envelope. It also provides an R-value that reduces peak heating and cooling loads, lowering energy costs year-round.
Strength
Concrete is a strong and durable material that can stand up to heavy loads. This is why a precast concrete column supports beams in a building or structure.
Using these components helps engineers and construction crews reduce costs relating to materials, installation, and long-term upkeep. It also accelerates construction schedules, assisting the projects to be completed on time.
In addition to being strong and sturdy, concrete is fire-resistant. This means that the steel inside a beam will not be affected by fire, which can help protect buildings and structures from significant damage. This strength and durability is another reason shafts are usually thicker than columns. This increases the load distribution and provides a more reliable force for bending moments and shear forces.
Flexibility
Unlike other construction materials, precast concrete columns can be easily designed to fit your specific building project’s requirements. The versatility of these building components allows for a wide range of designs, including multi-unit housing, office buildings, shopping centers and markets, schools, colleges and universities, and hotels.
Precast concrete columns allow construction crews to pre-install utilities and other elements before the onsite pouring of in-situ concrete. This allows construction companies to meet deadlines and deliver projects on time while cutting costs.
In addition, the erection of precast concrete is a quiet process that can take place during all four seasons, eliminating the need for evening cement loads and construction noise restrictions common with in-situ construction. This saves onsite labor and ensures that your project is always on schedule.
Noise Reduction
Precast concrete columns can be erected up to 5 times faster than in situ concrete columns. This speeds up the overall construction process and helps to reduce construction costs.
Because of this, fewer people will be needed on the site, which also improves safety. This is because the risk of accidents is significantly lower.
Additionally, using precast concrete columns helps avoid onsite concrete casting and curing that may cause excessive noise. This makes it ideal for building projects where noise is an issue.
When seismic forces are at play, it’s important that the connections between columns and beams can withstand bending moments and shear. Energy-dissipating bolted connections can provide better seismic performance than traditional cast-in-place designs and accommodate shear, axial force, and bending moments.
Energy Efficiency
Precast concrete is denser and less of a thermal conductor, which can hold and disperse heat more effectively than other materials. Lowering peak heating and cooling loads can help you save on energy bills.
Because precast elements are constructed in a factory setting, they can be fabricated quickly and efficiently, reducing weather-related construction delays. This helps you stay on schedule and reduces the overall cost of your project.
Also, no raw materials need to be stocked at the job site, which limits the number of people who are working on the building and can lead to safer working conditions. Precast is a green construction material that can help you meet your sustainability goals. This includes using recycled steel and concrete and minimizing waste.
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