Precast Concrete Components in ­Building

Authors: Max Bögl, Andreas Gierer

Nowadays, precast concrete components are a common feature in building. In view of the broad spans they can cover and the scope they offer for serial production, they are widely used in industrial and commercial construction. But even in smaller structures, precast floor slabs, stair flights and balconies are not unusual and compete with in-situ work.
The advantages of prefabrication are a shorter construction period, greater reliability in meeting deadlines, increased precision and a better surface quality. One must, however, be aware of the complex relationships involved.
A collaboration with a structural engineer who has experience of prefabricated forms of construction is recommended in order to determine the optimum division of a building into individual elements, including non-load bearing elements such as facade cladding.