It is not at all a wonder to say that the demand for precast is rising very high and especially considering its various benefits that structural precast panel offers. This is entirely from quick installation to fire resistance. None of us would deny the fact that if any service has its advantage, similarly they do have its disadvantages too. As there is a saying that every coin has two sides, and both sides have their own stories.
Definition of Precast Concrete Panel Detailing
Precast Concrete is a construction product that is been produced by casting concrete which is in a reusable mold or “form”. These panels are then cured in an effective and controlled environment, which is then transported to the construction site, and tilt-up as per the demand and need of the project. Structural members that play an important role in the service are constructed with the help of using precast concrete. The members here are the concrete frame, concrete wall, and concrete floors, etc
Today this blog will be emphasizing the strength and weaknesses of Precast Concrete Wall Panel Detailing Services.
Strength/ Advantages of Precast Panel Detailing
Saving Construction Time: It is that the work that is undertaken in precast construction saves a lot of time, energy, and risk of getting the project delay. The process of precast concrete casting can conveniently be carried on with the easy ways of casting it with other works as well that are commencing on the site. This in a way thus will be saving time and methods of its working too.
Thermal Insulation: All the elements that are of a well-engineered structural precast panel work together. The core need and work here is to have as well as provide the highest level of insulation in the building construction. To increase the foam in the concrete piece it is often seen that the manufacturers use and take a combination of concrete and EPS foam. It, therefore, increases the insulation capabilities. This therefore will assist in increasing the insulation capabilities as well. A building that is constructed with the undertaking of structural precast panels will approximately reduce energy usage almost by 30%.
Sustainable Materials: This is a fact and a simple thumb rule, which states that any of the building material that is being made with structural precast panels will always consume less energy. Here the core concept and the idea is to have longer sustainability of product life and this should always be at the heart of its service. One of the known fact that we bring into the limelight is the use of concrete dates back to Roman times. It is that its durability and the work are still considered and displayed all across Europe. That raw, ancient building for thousands of years has remained digitally unchanged and the building materials are still the same. Many of the raw materials used in precast concrete are sourced locally which includes cement as well.
Quality Assurance: When it comes to working for precast concrete, its key factors will always regulate the quality of the construction. This process and details are including curing, temperature, mix design, formwork, etc. So, with this, the performance of quality construction can be improved to a great extent.
Long-term flexibility: It is that the structural precast allows working for a simple as well as the perfect modular building envelope. Moreover, it is that as the business requirements keep on changes and with its needs also evolve. there should always be flexibility in these panels that has the flexibility to be expanded and modified. With the use of structural precast concrete panels, you can always have an option wherein you can add, or remover the pedestrian doors, walls, and along with that can always incorporate daylighting options.
With this entire process, it is that even 75% of the wall can also be removed. Since it is a type of modular design, it is that the total entire repurposing of the building is possible. Also, it can go entirely with the imagination of the owner but this entire process is having very limited options. It is like the churches can become car showrooms, warehouses can become micro-breweries… and what not. It is entirely based on the concept and thinking of the owner.
Fast Installation: There is a saying by the director of engineering George Miks, that "With precast panels, you can establish a larger completed footprint in a shorter amount of time." It is that if you are planning for creating a masonry wall, what will be sent is the blocks that at the later stage needs to be assembled and constructed at the site, whereas when it is the structural precast panel that has arrived at the job site, the pieces that are received are ready to use and install. If things go as per the planning, it is a fact that the experienced crew members can install approx 20-30 panels in a day which means a 12-foot panel.
Load Bearing Capability: Precast concrete panels are comprising of high-strength concrete and prestressed steel strand. It is comparitively and relatively a routine process of work for precast concrete wall panels and this is because this has a core as well as the compressive strength of approximately 7000 PSI. It is that even the load can apply in excess of 1,00,000 pounds to the panels, Miks says. It is that when you build steel buildings, for example, you have to use beams, columns, and above all, there is also a need to have steel skin against it.
Whereas, if you consider using structural precast wall systems, there would not be any requirement of perimeter beams and columns. As these precast panels are ready to use, the only thing that needs to be done is to have the roof steel members that can be attached to the precast. This overall means that there will be less amount of spending as compared to steel. Another saying is that "Precast also stands up to Mother Nature’s wrath, shrugging off tornadoes, flying projectiles and winds up to 250 miles per hour".
Weaknesses/ Disadvantage of Precast Panel Detailing
High Cost of Investment: When it comes to installing a precast concrete plant, the initial investment for the same is at a higher side. This is because, for the creation of the precast panels, there is a need for heavy and sophisticated machines. Moreover, having a large scale of precast construction in the project will always be available so as to ensure sufficient profit.
Transportation Issue: It is not necessary that the construction site can be at a near location where the transportation is easy, It can also be available at a distant location from the precast concrete plant. If that is the situation then the precast members must be carried out to the site and this is possible using trailers. It is noticed in many of the cases that the cost that is reduced at precast concrete is somewhere or the other being compensated by the transportation cost.
Handling Difficulties: It is a fact that every project that is taken must have proper care and precaution. This all must have to be taken care of making sure that it is easy to handle precast concrete. Also, as these precast members are heavy and large in size, it becomes difficult to handle them and that too without having any kind of damage in it. Therefore, to transfer these panels from one place to another, the team makes sure to use portable cranes or tower cranes.
Modification and Changes: One of the drawbacks with precast structures is that they have limiFinal Words: tations and thus it is very difficult to have a modification in these structures.
Sensitive Connection Works: One of the key points that need to be considered is the strong structural behavior of these assembled precast members. It is that the connections must be supervised and should be checked properly so as to ensure that the intended behavior of the connection is simple and easy to use. Besides if at all there is any fault in the connection or the panel, it will always lead to having water leakage and failed sound insulation.
Final Words:
While reading this post, we have shared our ideas and view that equally relates to the fact that Precast Panel Detailing services do have some of its advantages along with its disadvantages. Offshore Outsourcing India is the leading and one-stop company that provides accurate and precise information that is required in precast concrete panel work.
To connect with us or to outsource your project, we are just a call and email away from you and your team. Contact us today or send us an email at info@offshoreoutsourcing-india.com with your requirement with the design or drawing shared by you, and the team will revert back to you.
