Precast concrete refers to a type of construction product where the concrete is cast in a reusable mould. This is then cured in a special environment and transported to the construction site. Precast concrete has various applications depending on the kind of construction that is to be done.
The global precast concrete market size is estimated to reach USD 174.1 billion by 2025. If you’re also planning to use precast concrete for construction, here are six kinds of project ideas where they are widely used.
- Parking places
One of the most famous applications of precast concrete in parking lots. There are three main factors that are to be seen while constructing a parking lot, namely durability, economy, and installation procedures.
Parking lots have to be very strong and durable since a lot of cars and vehicles are to be parked there. This is why precast concrete is generally used. There are many types of precast products in parking lots like traffic barriers, columns, staircases, and mid-rise structures.
Another reason why precast concrete is used here is that most of the parking places are modular. So precast concrete is cost-efficient here.
- Building foundation
Another popular application of precast concrete can be seen in building foundations. It can also be used to create the building itself. Several residential houses, buildings, and flats have precast concrete used in them. This is because it provides a moisture-free environment that is also energy-efficient.
When workers use precast concrete, there is greater control over the quality of the materials. This is why water drainage, sewage pipes, and tunnels are all made of precast concrete.
- Bridges
Many architectural projects that involve building bridges also make use of precast concrete. For example, the Lower Hudson Valley used this material for its bridges.
In bridges, precast concrete is used to make the beams, arches, girders, and deck slabs among other essential components. Irrespective of the size and shape of the bridge, precast concrete helps engineers and architects to build a bridge that matches with the surroundings and looks good in almost any place.
Since these slabs are made in the workshops themselves, there is no added hassle of constructing these concrete piles in the area where the bridge is going to be built. This makes working much easier.
- Culverts
Culverts are basically modern-day underground infrastructures. They’re a great application of precast concrete. Box-shaped or three-sided culverts are generally constructed to aid in wastewater drainage or retain rainwater. They can also be used as small bridges to store materials. Precast concrete is used here so that the structure is durable and can withstand high pressure from water for years.
As mentioned earlier, precast concrete is also very cost-efficient, which makes them another reason for being chosen in culvert constructions. Moreover, these precast box culverts also reduce the time taken to build the structures, which increases work efficiency.
- Catch basins and manhole lids
Similar to culverts, catch basins and manhole covers are also a part of the underground construction projects.
Different local authorities have different regulations and guidelines for manufacturing these pieces but all of them can be made using precast concrete. It helps to create a product that can help to drain the rain or stormwater right into the underground infrastructure properly.
A good precast concrete manhole cover is also useful since it will prevent anyone to fall into the drain or drown themselves. Since precast concrete is very durable, even if people step on the lid, it won’t budge or break easily.
- Sound walls
There are numerous advantages of using precast concrete to construct sound or noise walls. In this case, the concrete slabs are made off-site, which ensures that the quality of the slabs is as flawless as possible. This also means a faster construction time and excellent finishing.
Moreover, precast concrete walls give engineers the chance to optimize the product and make it to their liking.
Over to you…
It’s not hard to understand why precast concrete is such a popular material in construction. Due to their strength, durability, and finishing, this product gives only the best out of any other construction material. Therefore, if you work in a construction company or wish to use concrete slabs for your project, you should definitely go for precast ones.
