Pros and Cons of Precast Concrete

There are many different kinds of precast concrete products and many benefits of using these products for various structural purposes. Precast concrete can be used to create road barriers, building segments such as walls, and a wide range of shapes and sizes of blocks. Some things to be aware of when looking at using precast concrete for a job include:

BENEFITS OF PRECAST CONCRETE

There are many reasons to use precast concrete products for construction, landscaping, and roadwork projects. Some well-known benefits of using precast concrete are:

SAVING TIME

Because the parts being used come already created, no time is wasted forming, framing, pouring, or curing. The project can begin right away.

UNIFORMITY

Because the concrete components were put together in a factory using the same moulds over and over, it is fairly easy to maintain uniformity among the precast concrete components.

HIGH-QUALITY PRODUCTS

Precast Concrete products are monitored and quality checked before going to the jobsite. The curing process can be watched to ensure that no deformities occur. Because this form of concrete is cast in a controlled environment, these products can be more durable and long-lasting than other types of concrete.

SAVING MONEY

Using precast concrete can help to save money by reducing the time spent on a project and by being less expensive than many other construction materials.

PRECAST CONCRETE DIFFICULTIES

Although there are many great reasons to work with precast concrete, there are also some difficulties that can arise when working with this material. Some of the disadvantages of precast concrete include:

TRANSPORTATION

It can be complicated to move precast concrete to a jobsite. The weight of the concrete can do damage to many types of trucks, and it is important to keep it stable so that the concrete pieces are not compromised. Special transportation methods, such as picker trucks, are often required.

INSTALLATION

In most cases, mobile cranes are required to install large pieces of precast concrete. When planning a project that involves this material, it is important to plan ahead and account for crane rentals.

MODIFICATION

It is extremely difficult to modify a piece of precast concrete if it does not fit its placement. In many cases, if the precast concrete component is not a perfect fit, the proper materials must be ordered and brought in. Without careful planning, this can cost more money and take much more time.