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design
mag
The what, when and why of
Precast Concrete
The use of concrete dates back to those great
engineers, the Romans.They also cast concrete in
moulds or forms but it was not until a Parisian
gardener, Joseph Monier, devised and patented the
use of steel reinforcement, initially for garden pots, that
concrete became a major building technology.
Australia was a pioneer in precast concrete, two very
early examples being Bradley’s Head Lighthouse
(above) and Millers Point Wharves in Sydney Harbour.
Bricks are still Australia’s most popular residential
building material but here are the Top Ten compelling
reasons why precast concrete rules the commercial
construction roost:
1. Energy efficient
Because of concrete’s high
density, precast wall panels add valuable thermal
mass to a structure, helping smooth internal
temperature movements and reducing reliance on
artificial heating and cooling.
2. Longer spans
Pre-stressing enables longer spans
using less material than a conventional design.
3. Strong & durable
Concrete is a byword for
strength. Precast concrete elements have a life
expectancy of at least a century.They are also
impact resistant, won’t shrink or move. Concrete is
chemically inert, absorbs CO
2
, does not attract
mildew or mould, and is termite proof.
4. Wide range of finishes
Precast is the architect’s
choice.Whether it be a trowelled, exposed
aggregate, textured or polished off-form finish,
ready for paint or coloured with long-life oxides, the
choice is unlimited.Austral Precast® also makes
Vitesse® panels that are faced with real bricks.
5. Recycled materials
Byproducts such as fly ash,
slag, bottom ash and grey water can be used in
precast manufacture.The process also recycles
most of its own waste.
6. Sustainable manufacture
Precast concrete
panels and beams are made indoors under
highly-controlled conditions.The processes require
fewer raw materials for a higher quality result.
Forms and liners are reusable and the process can
be precisely repeated almost indefinitely.
7. Faster construction
Off-site fabrication combines
with just-in-time installation to minimise
construction time and site disruption (not to
mention cost).
8. Keeping it local
Austral Precast is Australia’s
largest precaster with plants and installation
professionals in four states.The result is lower
transport costs and better communications.
9. Integrated service
Austral Precast not only
manufactures wall panels and floor beams but
can also deliver to site, and conduct the
installation.All with one point-of-contact and total
responsibility.
10. Reusable
The mounting points in precast panels
can be designed and installed to allow panels to
be removed, reused, reconfigured or extended
without costly and disruptive demolition.
The remarkable concrete engineering skills of ancient
Rome left a legacy across its former empire.Their direct
decendants, today’s precast concrete panels and
beams, are used in structures that those ancient
engineers would recognise and marvel at their
strength, economy and design flexibility.
