Precast concrete is used for both architectural and structural applications on all types of buildings from low-rise to high rise.
Precast concrete is a structural material that can be used as the primary structural system of a building transferring roof, floor, and lateral loads. Precast enables designers to integrate structural and architectural systems reducing the total materials, detailing, costs, construction complexity and more.
The design versatility of precast concrete allows for almost any shape element such as curved and radial sections, with flexibility in connection points and load paths. High strength, prestressed concrete structural members also deliver exceptional load-carrying capacity, which can result in smaller sections, longer spans, or both when compared to other structural systems.
Design for Fire
Precast concrete provides inherent fire protection and resiliency. Concrete does not combust and therefore helps maintain fires to a controlled space, or sometimes referred to as compartation. Precast concrete provides passive fire protection, which means it does not rely on another system or someone to take action. This section includes many design resources and information about fire design.
Design for Seismic
Recent earthquakes have highlighted the importance of seismic design. Precast concrete can provide excellent protection against earthquakes, among many other high-performance attributes. It has been used in seismic regions all over the world, and in all building types.
Design for Blast
Precast concrete provides excellent Anti-Terrorism Force Protection (ATFP) and blast resistance, among many other high-performance attributes. It has been used in many military, government and other structures providing protection and resiliency.
Design for Storm Resistance
Precast concrete is inherently resilient and provides excellent protection against high winds, storm surge and flying debris, among many other high-performance attributes. It is often used in FEMA shelters, residential, institutional, public, government and other structures providing protection and resiliency.
~ Information provided courtesy of PCI.