General Contractors Embrace Precast Concrete Systems

General contractors often have the ability to influence owners/financiers to choose particular building products when tasked with a new construction project. From the contractor’s point of view, delivering a quality project, under budget and on time is paramount to customer satisfaction. That’s a mighty big order that becomes more achievable with the use of precast concrete components and/or systems.

How can precast concrete help the general construction industry?

TIME-TIME-TIME
There is never enough time! Construction schedules dictate every phase of a project. Phase One needs to be completed before Phase Two can begin and Phase Two must be completed before Phase Three etc. Problem is, sometimes unforeseen circumstances push or condense schedules and create time crunches and delays. If a project is set to use cast-in-place concrete and the weather decides to be uncooperative, time is lost. Time is money and money lost cuts into the bottom line. The beauty of precast concrete is that it is manufactured in a controlled atmosphere off site and delivered ready to erect. It can rain for a solid week and have no effect whatsoever on the manufacturing process.

Photo via Gate Precast

Tight Spaces

Precast Concrete is unique in its ability to squeeze into tight spaces. The construction of new structures in well-established areas is made faster and easier with the use of precast components. This allows for less disruption to existing businesses, traffic flows etc.

The World War II Museum in downtown New Orleans in an example of a large scale structure that was constructed in a tight space using precast concrete.

Work Safety

It stands to reason that the less equipment moving around a job site equates into a smaller chance of worker accident/injury. Highly skilled erection crews and crane operators make quick work of lifting precast components into place without a lot of manpower. Compare this to the alternative of having manpower build forms, guide concrete trucks into place, pouring concrete on site, waiting for curing and then removing form-work. The cast in place process is both time-consuming and provides countless opportunities for worker accidents/injuries, whereas the use of precast concrete systems/components eliminates a large percentage of workers on active job sites.

Photo via Tindall

Quality/Versatility/Durability

PCI certified precast manufacturing plants employ the most stringent standards of quality. General contractors and owners can rest assured that when concrete products roll up to the job site, they are top quality and built to last. Add the versatility of being able to create whatever color/texture/style desired and you have a rock solid case for the use of precast concrete in nearly any application.

View our gallery of precast colors and textures.

General contractors face a myriad of challenges on the job site. Precast concrete components/systems offer a time-tested, common sense solution available in aesthetically pleasing options to meet the requirements of even the choosiest of owners. The precast concrete industry stands ready to provide both value and versatility to your design.