- Cable gallery supports
- Belt conveyor supporting structure
Precast construction requires a restructuring of the entire conventional construction
process to enable interaction between the design phase and production planning
in order to improve and speed up the construction. One of the key premises for
achieving that objective is to design buildings with a regular configuration in plan
and elevation. If we choose precast concrete, we need to hire a precast concrete
manufacturer. To maximize the benefits of precast concrete, we need a
manufacturer that will have the capacity to produce the materials we need to get
the job done meet our specifications and strength. Without a reputable quality
manufacturer, some of the benefits of precast concrete construction may be lost.
The second aspect is logistic requirement of shifting the heavy components safely
from factory to plant. This exercise is similar to transportation of equipment to
plant site and shall need same level of planning, scheduling, expertise, safety and
cost.
The third aspect is erection and assembly at site with precision and safety using
heavy cranes. As compared to labour intensive cast-in-situ RCC work, precast work
shall need heavy erection equipment and well compacted safe access for all
building areas. This shall add to layout provisions as well as deployment of heavy
erection machinery for this work. Though with some additional benefits, the
advantages and versatility of cast-in-situ shall be lost for such buildings.
10.10 Cost-Economics of Precast Construction:
In Indian context, adoption of precast construction in industry faces certain special
constraints and challenges. Few features unique to construction in India till date are: - Availability of cheaper manpower
- Lack of standardisation
- Construction agencies are dominated by smaller unprofessional players
- Most mid-sized construction agencies still prefer conventional construction
techniques - Expansive erection and precasting equipment as compared to labour intensive
- Lesser support from government for construction automation in terms of incentives
- Constraints in availability of skilled manpower and training for precast techniques
- Greater focus on cost control as compared to reduction in execution time
A rough estimate indicates that concrete construction cost may initially increase by
about 10% through use of precast construction for building elements like beams,
column, slabs and walls. However, the savings in terms of construction time shall
be above 20%. The pandemic caused by Covid-19 has led to a sudden shift in the
above factors. - With reduced manpower availability and greater priority to reduction in project
execution period, the use of precast construction is gaining acceptance and
preference.
project pridr
(Project Pridr)
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