Precast concrete is constructed in a controlled factory environment, which can help minimize construction hazards associated with traditional onsite buildings. Concrete Contractors Colorado Springs helps reduce workers’ health and safety risks. It also allows projects to be completed on schedule.
Multi-unit housing, hospitals, and student dormitories are often built using precast concrete. That is because the material is very soundproof, which is ideal for these structures.
Precast concrete is a cost-effective solution for large projects requiring many repeatable concrete components. Its advantages over cast-in-place concrete include reduced construction time, higher quality control, and increased labor efficiency. The costs of building a structure with precast concrete can vary depending on the complexity of the structure and its requirements. It is important to do a cost-benefit analysis before selecting the best type of construction for a project.
A significant factor in the cost of precast concrete is the amount of material that goes into the manufacturing process. Complex structures require much more concrete, steel reinforcement, and embedded elements than simpler ones. In addition, these elements must be cast and cured in a controlled environment. Moreover, the production of a concrete slab requires substantial space.
Transportation is another factor that affects the cost of precast concrete. The concrete must be transported to the construction site from the plant. The precast concrete panels are usually heavy and must be transported on trailers or by cranes. The cost of transporting these precast concrete panels can significantly increase the overall cost of a project.
To reduce these transport costs, a building or structure designer should check the route from the precast concrete plant to the construction site. They should also limit wall heights (including truck and float deck height) to fit under bridges, overhead cables, or other height restrictions. Site access for trailers and cranes must also be considered at the design stage. Additionally, specialized erection contractors and lifting equipment are required to install precast concrete structures.
Handling precast concrete is difficult and requires specialized skills. That is especially true for load-bearing walls. A structural engineer must design these walls, which can significantly impact the project’s overall cost. In addition, the concrete needs to be reinforced and cured to ensure it is safe for handling.
Hiring a professional is a good way to cut the costs of handling and installing precast concrete. Professionals have the right knowledge, equipment, and experience to install these products safely and quickly. In addition, they can avoid costly mistakes that could damage the concrete and cause expensive repairs.
Precast concrete has a long lifespan that makes it a more durable choice for building projects than traditional poured concrete. It also uses less material, which helps reduce the project budget. That is important because it means more money can be spent on other materials like doors and windows. It is also more energy efficient. In addition, it is resistant to high winds and can be a safe shelter during storms. This type of structure is particularly useful in regions prone to tornados and hurricanes.
The durability of precast concrete is also enhanced by the fact that it is made in a factory under controlled conditions. That allows manufacturers to use recycled aggregate, which saves money and resources. It also allows them to add specialized reinforcement, increasing the concrete’s strength. These features make it a better option for commercial and industrial construction than poured concrete.
Another advantage of precast concrete is that it can be used to create foundations, even when other materials are used for the rest of the building. The foundation of a structure is essential for its stability and strength. Because of this, many architects and contractors prefer to use precast concrete for foundations. That is especially true for buildings with basements.
One of the main differences between precast concrete and cast-in-place concrete is that cast-in-place concrete is poured onsite. That can take weeks and requires a lot of labor. Additionally, the construction project may be stalled for months if the weather could be better. Precast concrete is much quicker to build because it can be manufactured in a factory under controlled conditions. It can also be fabricated to fit the exact needs of a project.
Precast concrete can also be reinforced with steel rods or cables to increase strength. It can be made to withstand higher loads than other types of concrete, and it is also stronger in earthquakes. That is an important factor for safety and security in structures where people work.
It protects precast concrete from sun and wind, and curing is important to increase its durability. It is also helpful to keep the concrete moist. For this reason, it is a good idea to spray the concrete with water regularly. It is also a good idea to apply a waterproof coating over the surface of the concrete.
A major goal of sustainability is to reduce the impact a building has on its surroundings, which requires careful selection of construction materials and methods. Precast concrete can help achieve these goals. The material is non-toxic, inedible to insects and vermin, and resistant to fires, flooding, and high winds. That helps prevent damage to the building and surrounding structures and lowers insurance rates and maintenance costs in the long run.
Precast concrete production is also more efficient than in-situ concrete construction, saving time and money. The production method is more mechanized than in-situ concrete, which increases productivity and reduces the need for skilled workers on site. Precast concrete is made in a controlled environment, which allows for better control of the concrete batching, dimensions, and inspections. The manufacturing process also avoids the need for onsite curing conditions, which can be difficult to manage and often compromise strength.
In addition, using precast concrete can reduce energy consumption and emissions on a project. Because manufacturing occurs at a commercial supplier’s plant, less fuel is used to transport the concrete elements. Most of the ingredients are produced locally, which further cuts down on carbon emissions. Moreover, many precast facilities are located right at the aggregate pits, reducing the number of hauling trips that would otherwise be required to deliver the material to the construction site.
This efficiency also cuts down on the amount of waste produced during construction. Precast concrete components are manufactured to precise specifications, which reduces scrap that must be thrown away on the job site. The manufacturer can also recycle water; specialized insulation is often added to precast components to make them more environmentally friendly.
The manufacturing process of precast concrete also produces fewer greenhouse gases than other construction materials. The reason is that cement has a low water-to-cement ratio, which reduces its environmental impact compared to other materials. In addition, using precast concrete in a building can increase energy efficiency, reducing heating and cooling costs.
Unlike concrete cast-in-place, precast concrete can be made to precise specifications and tested for strength at the factory. That reduces the need for onsite inspections, saving time and money. Precast concrete can also be fabricated using assembly line techniques, which drives down labor costs. This type of concrete is highly impact-resistant and can withstand damage caused by earthquakes or other disasters. It is also energy efficient, with high thermal mass that conserves energy and can be insulated to prevent condensation and mildew problems.
Precast concrete can save much time on the construction site by eliminating the need to set up cardboard forms, bend, position rebar, and wait for concrete to cure. That allows the construction to continue much more quickly. In addition, precast concrete is often less expensive than cast-in-place concrete because it requires fewer laborers.
Precast concrete companies need to stay up to date on OSHA regulations. For example, the new standard for silica has been in effect since April 22, 2018. It establishes an 8-hour time-weighted average permissible exposure limit of 50 micrograms per cubic meter and an action level of 25 micrograms per cubic meter. The new rule will require employers to perform exposure assessments, use regulated areas, offer respiratory protection, and maintain hazard communication information and medical surveillance records.
In addition to keeping up with OSHA requirements, NPCA members must also consider the safety of their employees and contractors. That includes assessing the hazards of different functions in the plant and on the job site. A safety manager will review these risks to reduce accidents and injuries. They will also evaluate the physical conditions of the plant, including tools, equipment, and buildings. The safety manager will also look at the people who work in the plant and their attitudes, capacities, and abilities. Finally, they will determine the risks of working with a specific material, such as concrete, and make recommendations accordingly. These recommendations will include proper training, equipment, and workplace practices.