Some Basic Facts About Precast Concrete

  • Rapid erection process because product is manufactured off-site.
  • Rapid erection provides quicker interior trades access and ultimately faster occupancy.
  • Reduced site safety risks because of fewer on-site man-hours.
  • Precast concrete is fabricated and erected year-round avoiding costly weather delays.
  • Decreased risk of weather factors, delays and lost productivity hours.
  • Average precast component installation of 00 pieces or 00,000 sf per day.

Durability

The high-strength, high-performance concrete that is utilized in the precast production process provides protection against numerous hazards such as; fire, severe storms, high winds, flying debris, and even explosions. Extensive research in precast concrete, has even lead to the innovative design of structures that provide resiliency to earthquake movements. Thus its high durability gives it a total service-life outpacing designs that are comprised of other building materials.

A precast concrete structural system can create the building’s entire framing system. This design approach can take several forms, including precast columns, or loadbearing precast walls with double tee beams or hollow-core flooring. It provides a significant number of advantages, especially when panels are included to create the entire building envelope.

Precast concrete is an inorganic material that harbors no sustenance, which would allow mold to gain a foothold and grow, thus resulting in consistent air quality conditions.

Safety/Weather Focus

  • Reduced site safety risks because of fewer on-site man-hours.
  • Precast concrete is fabricated and erected year-round avoiding costly weather delays.

Aesthetics

Precast concrete offers an almost endless array of aesthetic design options. Through the use of formliners, a variety of aggregates, pigmentations, and various finishing techniques (including acid etching, exposed aggregate, and abrasive blasting), our design team can create the custom finishes, sizes, and configurations necessary to achieve the appearance our clients desire for their particular structure. Often times there is the need to mimic historic finishes like stone and brick façades, as well as ornamental replicas.

Quality

All of our precast products are built to stand the test of time, as well as provide the maximum design freedom and flexibility. Within a precisely controlled plant environment, we can provide the highest quality precast concrete products with unwavering consistency.

Sustainability

API is a leading provider of precast, prestressed concrete building systems. They offer a host of inherent sustainability benefits both during the construction process and long after the building or structure has been completed.

Through thermal efficiency, recycled content, local materials, minimal waste and more, precast concrete assists to enhance a building’s sustainability and contributes to LEED® points. Precast concrete is a green product and can provide up to 26 LEED points.

Tightened Timeline

There are many reasons why more builders and contractors choose a precast concrete system over other construction methods.

  • Precast concrete lends itself to compressed construction schedules.
  • Precast components are manufactured off-site, allowing for a just-in-time delivery system.
  • Speedy construction means earlier completion dates which ultimately means an earlier occupancy.
  • Average installation of 00 pieces or 00,000 sf per day.

Fast Track to Occupancy & Revenue

In the Mid-Atlantic region, ask an owner, and they’ll tell you that precast concrete helps get the job done faster. Ask an architect, and they’ll no doubt sing the praises of its unmatched design flexibility. Ask an engineer, and they’ll talk to you about its durability, economy and exceptional performance. Approach any facility manager who’s been lucky enough to use precast concrete, and you’ll probably get an earful about its ability to make the job site cleaner and safer, all while speeding up the construction process.

There are many reasons why more builders and contractors choose a precast concrete system over other construction methods. Precast concrete structural and architectural systems aid in saving costs from the design phases through construction and throughout the building’s service life.

In other words, it doesn’t matter whom you ask, nothing is faster or more cost-effective than precast concrete, and no one does it better than API.