How Precast Concrete Outperforms In-Situ Concrete

Choosing between precast and in-situ concrete often feels like a trade-off. But if you’re looking for a solution that offers unbeatable durability and quality, precast concrete is the way to go. Here’s a breakdown of the differences between these two types of concrete, and why precast often comes out on top. 

Superior Material Quality 

Precast concrete has higher material quality than insitu concrete. This is due to a few factors: 

High-Strength Concrete: Precast uses concrete with a higher MPA, meaning it's not only stronger but also sets faster. This allows us to remove the concrete from its molds without any cracking. This type of concrete can handle a lot more stress, lasts longer, and is generally more durable than what you’d typically see in in-situ projects. 

Stronger Reinforcing: In-situ concrete often relies on mesh for reinforcement, which just doesn’t cut it when you’re trying to prevent cracking. Precast, on the other hand, needs to handle a lot more stress than insitu concrete and it is lifted and transported to site. It's made to handle the lifting and moving without cracking. So, by the time it arrives, it's already passed the test of traveling without any damage. The stronger, higher-quality reinforcement means it's built to last. 

Controlled Manufacturing Environment: One of the biggest perks of precast is that it’s made in a controlled factory setting. Everything from the mix, to curing, is precisely managed, which means better consistency and no surprises from weather changes or temperature swings. This controlled process leads to better finishes and overall higher quality, which you can rely on every single time. 

Enhanced Durability  

One of the most significant advantages of precast concrete is its durability. Unlike in-situ concrete, which is susceptible to the variability of onsite conditions such as weather and human error, precast is made in the optimal conditions of a factory. This environment means precast doesn’t just come out stronger; it’s also more uniform and less likely to incur damage over time. 

In-situ concrete often requires control joints to manage cracking due to temperature changes and drying shrinkage. These cuts are intended to encourage cracking along a predetermined line under controlled conditions. Precast concrete doesn’t have this problem. It’s designed to handle stress without cracking, thanks to the controlled manufacturing process. The precast manufacturing process includes measures that eliminate these common issues, ensuring that the precast product rarely, if ever, experiences cracking after installation. 

Fully cured and ready to use  

Another major advantage of precast is that it is ready to go as soon as it arrives on site. Its already cured and set in the controlled conditions of the factory, so when it gets to you it is ready to be put in place. This speeds up the construction process and reduces the overall timeline that would normally include curing time for the concrete.  

Conclusion 

The choice between precast and insitu concrete often comes down to a matter of quality, efficiency and longevity. With its higher strength, additional reinforcing, resistance to cracking and readiness for immediate installation, precast concrete provides a great solution for a wide range of projects. It delivers a level of precision, efficiency and reliability that insitu concrete just can’t match. For anyone looking for a solution that minimizes hassle and maximizes performance precast concrete is the clear choice.