Why Precast

Here are just a few reasons why precast concrete continues to grow in popularity among engineers, contractors and specifiers:

Strong and Growing Stronger
The strength of precast concrete gradually increases over time. Other materials can deteriorate, experience creep and stress relaxation, lose strength and deflect over time. The load-carrying capacity of precast concrete is derived from its own structural qualities and does not rely on the strength or quality of the surrounding backfill materials.

Easy Install
Although precast concrete is quite heavy, nearly all other competing materials require machinery for handling and installation as well. Speed of installation is more dependent on excavation than product handling and placement.

Lower Lifetime Costs
Precast’s superior strength means that installation is often easier, quicker and less costly. It also requires less ongoing maintenance and a reduced likelihood of future problems. That means a lower total cost over the life cycle of a project.

Get the Job Done Fast
Precast concrete products arrive at the job site ready to install, which can save weeks over cast-in-place construction. Precast reduces the need for skilled labor on site and decreases the footprint. There is no need to order raw materials such as reinforcing steel and concrete, and no time wasted setting up forms, placing reinforcement, pouring concrete and waiting for concrete to cure.

Staying Power
Studies have shown that precast concrete products can provide a service life in excess of 100 years. For severe service conditions, additional design options are available which can extend the life of the precast concrete product. This is extremely important when calculating life cycle costs for a project. Precast concrete also resists most substances. While no material is completely immune to attack from aggressive chemical agents, precast products can often be designed to resist corrosion in specific applications.

We’re Talking Quality Here
Because precast concrete products typically are produced in a controlled environment, they exhibit high quality and uniformity. Variables typically affecting quality on a job site – temperature, humidity, craftsmanship – are closely controlled in a plant environment.

Derived from precast.org