THE BENEFITS OF PRECAST CONCRETE VS IN-SITU CONCRETE

It’s one of the first issues you’ll need to address during your next construction project: precast concrete or in-situ concrete. And while both have their pros and cons, one of them is probably more suited to your project than the other.

Some contractors prefer pouring concrete in-situ because it can be customised at the time in line with the specific requirements of the job. But what you gain in versatility, you lose in time, cost, and manpower. Once you’ve transported precast concrete to your construction site — which is the only real drawback — the benefits just keep coming.

More and more building contractors and homeowners are choosing precast concrete pits, risers, haunching slabs, lintels, pit lids, concrete pipe, headwalls and box culverts in order to save money. But as you’re about to find out, the advantages don’t end there.

The Pros of Choosing Precast Concrete

If you’re still undecided, there are several benefits associated with precast concrete, precast concrete products that you should consider carefully.

More Efficient Working

Once you’ve ordered your precast concrete products, you can get to work on excavating the land  in line with your plans. Your precast concrete products might be readily available from a precast product specialist, who can turn then around very quickly, alternatively you may require a custom-made solution such as pits, electrical pits, or box culverts which will mean that they will need to be custom manufactured.

Fewer Delays

Mixing and pouring concrete on-site isn’t an exact science — a number of things can go wrong especially in the forming up process Mistakes and accidents can cause delays, which usually increase the costs involved.

Purchasing precast concrete products from a supplier however, greatly reduces the chances of delays.

Consistency

There are so many variables on a construction site when concrete is being mixed and poured. The weather, mechanical breakdowns, and human error are just a few of them. And all of these variables have the potential to disrupt the consistency and quality of your concrete. Ordering precast concrete products guarantees consistency — even when very large quantities are involved.

Durability

Precast concrete products are durable and made to withstand the environmental factors and also other corrosive factors such as acids. They also require minimal maintenance and monitoring as they age.

Cost-Effective

The use of precast concrete products eliminates a lot of the costs involved in the construction process. You don’t have to use your own labour for forming up elements as they’re premade ready for application. When a construction budget is maximised and fixed, this level of certainty is essential.

Safer

Preparing a site and then pouring concrete is a process that’s beset with safety concerns. Not only that, it involves the storage of raw materials, which in and of itself poses a range of risks. But using precast concrete products dispenses with the need for props and formwork, as well as having to invest in specialist training for your team.

It’s Time to Switch to Precast Concrete

Efficient, cost-effective and sustainable, precast concrete products can deliver economies of scale when working on large scale projects. And that’s very important to the overall profitability of these types of construction projects. If you haven’t already made the switch from in-situ concrete, you’re missing out on all these amazing benefits — as well as a healthier bottom line.

Need more information?

Talk to Civilcast, we’re the civil precast experts.  Our team can provide you with advice to help you with your most challenging project.  What’s more they offer a large range of stocked products complimented by their custom-made solutions.

Talk to Civilcast today 1300 012 278.