What is Precast?
Precast is concrete which is cast in a reusable mold or "form", cured in a controlled environment, and then transported to a construction site where it is erected.
 In contrast, standard concrete is poured-in-place in large forms and cured on site. Precast "stone" (as distinguished from precast concrete) uses a fine aggregate in the mixture so the final product approaches the appearance of rock or stone.
Precast concrete is a time tested construction material. The builders of ancient Rome poured concrete material into molds to build their complex network of aqueducts, culverts and tunnels.
Modern precast technology allows a wide range of architectural applications including free-standing walls for landscaping, soundproofing and security. All or part of a building facade can be clad with architectural precast panels.
Precast panel usage in commercial applications is growing as industry associations like CPCI (Canadian Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute) actively promote it to architects and engineers because of its many advantages over poured concrete: |
