Advantages of Precast

Precast concrete construction has a lot of advantages. Some of them are as follows:

Reduced Construction Time and Cost

Precast concrete construction will save valuable time and helps to reduce the risk of project delay and possible monetary losses. Precast design and production of elements can be started while the construction site is under surveyor earthworks. Production is also unaffected by weather conditions due to the controlled environment of the casting area. Also, the usage of large precast panels will reduce the time taken to complete the structural works. Therefore, other trades such as painting and electrical wiring can begin work sooner.

High quality and aesthetical value of products

Precast products are manufactured in a casting area where critical factors including temperature, mix design and stripping time can be closely checked and controlled; and this will ensure that the quality of precast products is better than cast-in-situ concrete. A huge sum of money will be saved by not having to do rectification works. Also due to factory-controlled prefabrication environment, many combinations of colors and textures can be applied easily to the architectural or structural pieces. A vast range of sizes and shapes of precast components can be produced, providing a great deal of flexibility and offer fresher looks to the structures.

Cleaner and safer construction sites

Usage of precast elements eliminates or greatly reduces conventional formworks and props. Precast construction also lessens the problem of site wastages and the related environmental problems. The prefabricated products also provide a safe working platform for workers to work on. Workers and materials are also greatly reduced at the construction sites. Using Just-in-Time principles, the precast elements are kept at the factory yard until the site is ready for installation.

Lower total construction costs

All of the above simplify the construction processes and increase productivity, quality, and safety. As a result, the total costs of construction are reduced. More often than not, most of the opponents of precast construction only use the costs of materials in comparing the in-situ and precast construction without realizing that there are hidden costs to the traditional methods. Also, a contributing factor to low usage is the fact that Malaysia has always been able to source cheap labors from neighboring countries. Therefore, the industry players are very reluctant to change to the new construction methods. As a result, the country is faced by problems of low quality, productivity and safety in the construction industry due to the high dependency of manual labor.

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Precast concrete elements produced in plants using modern techniques and machinery. Raw materials such as concrete, sand, and reinforcement bars are under a high level of quality control. Formworks used are of higher quality than those used at construction sites. This allows truer shapes and better finishes in precast components.

Precast components have higher density and better crack control, offering better protection from harsh weathers and sound insulation. High density is achieved by using a vibrating table or external vibrators placed on formworks. Precast concrete also provides better fire resistance for reinforcement bars.

Precast concrete components have high structural strength and rigidity, which are important to support heavy loads. This allows shallow construction depth and long span in structural components. Fewer supporting columns or walls result in larger floor space, which allows more flexibility in interior design.

Dense precast and prestressed concrete components are cast-in with smooth steel, concrete or fiberglass. This result in components with smooth surfaces which resist moisture penetration, fungus, and corrosion. Precast concrete components are more durable to acid attack, friction, corrosion, impact, abrasion, and other environmental effects. Precast concrete structures have longer service years and require minimal repairs and maintenance.