Benefits of Precast Concrete

Precast concrete is concrete that is cast into specific shapes in a controlled environment. A wide variety of mixes can be used to create varying degrees of strength, colors and performance features. For additional strength and the ability to make longer spans, precast concrete can be prestressed with the inclusion of rebar and/or steel cable. Precast molds can be created in virtually any shape to fit the end users’ needs exactly. Once the precast concrete has been cast it is loaded on a truck and delivered directly to the job site, ready for installation.

Precast concrete can be cast in almost any degree of thickness, length and strength. Extremely intricate designs for architectural and structural uses are possible, and the molds can be reused to ensure consistency throughout the project. Precast can also be created in virtually any color or even multiple colors. Textures and veneers can be used to add visual interest built right into the walls.

Precast concrete offers many environmental benefits over other building materials. To begin with, recycled material can often be used to create the concrete, such as industrial fly ash or slag. Recycled steel is also used in prestressed concrete. At the end of a structure’s life, precast concrete can be utilized as aggregate in new concrete, for base material in roads and concrete slabs. In fact, precast components can be used for other projects with similar design requirements.

Because precast concrete is made within a controlled environment there is very little waste. Precast also keeps worksites cleaner and healthier and helps protect the surrounding environment because it does not require large on-site storage areas.

After your project is finished, precast continues to provide positive impact because its thermal mass absorbs and releases heat slowly, reducing energy usage and cost. Learn more about precast sustainability.

Precast concrete is cured within a controlled environment with quality control checks, offering maximum strength and reliability. Precast can also be prestressed with rebar or steel rods to increase strength and allow for bigger spans or vast open areas.

Precast concrete buildings can easily last over 100 years and more. As concrete ages it actually gets stronger while effectively repelling the elements. When building for durability, there is no better choice than precast concrete.

Gage Brothers’ precasts concrete within a 200,000 square-foot, $40 million plant in northeast Sioux Falls, SD. This state-of-the-art facility produces the highest quality, molded concrete that is shipped directly to your worksite for installation. This means that site-based work can be performed simultaneously while the precast concrete is prepared. This method allows for concrete to be cured during virtually any weather, eliminating delays from rain, snow or other weather issues.

Precast concrete reduces the number of trades that need to be on site and allows for interior trades to enter and work within the structure sooner.