Construction systems used in India: Precast concrete.
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Precast concrete is a construction material produced by casting concrete in a reusable mold or form, which is later cured in a controlled environment and transported to the construction site for work. Precast concrete is made up of a mixture of fine and coarse aggregates, cement, water, and admixtures in appropriate proportions. Which is mixed in a factory premise's batch plant with respect to the ratio of products specified by the concerned engineer.
Since the materials that are used to make precast concrete comes from natural and recyclable sources and produces less waste, precast concrete is considered environment-friendly. The sustainability of precast concrete slabs is considered higher than traditional concrete.
Advantages of using precast concrete:
- Increased design-build efficiency
- Low maintenance cost
- Cost-efficient
- Thermal efficient
- Aesthetically versatile
- Helps in absorbing sound
- Completely recyclable
As in any other product, precast concrete too has its fair share of disadvantages and they are:
- Difficult to transport
- Difficult to handle
- Difficult to modify
- Difficult to assemble
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Precast concrete lasts for a longer time as it gains strength over years.
Precast concrete has already gained popularity in the construction industry and it still continues irrespective of the disadvantages mentioned above.
"What's nice about concrete is that it looks unfinished".
- Zaha Hadid