Precast Concrete Advantages and Disadvantages
17 Dec 2019 Mobile Cranes
With any method of construction, there are benefits and difficulties that can make the building process easier or more complicated. Precast concrete is no different and, at Eagle West Crane and Rigging, we are fully aware of the advantages and disadvantages of precast concrete. Whether you are building a small retaining wall, a highway barrier, or even an office building, it is worth knowing what to expect from precast concrete products.
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.
If you would like to learn more about the various precast concrete advantages and disadvantages, or if you are interested in any of our products, rentals, or services, please contact Eagle West Crane and Rigging at the location nearest you or fill out a contact form on our website and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
