Engineers make it Real!
Outer Beauty, Durable Inner Strength
Versatility and safety make Precast a favorite
From the versatility of the product and to the safety both on-site as well as the durability, precast concrete is a favorite for all engineers. Capable of accommodating a wide variety of configurations, thanks to its versatility, precast concrete can maximize open areas and create flexible options that please both design and structural integrity.
Due to precast concrete’s design versatility, the design allows for the use of fewer materials in creating the structural system than other construction methods. This aids in minimizing costs for clients, design time for an architect, and durability for engineers.
Precast is a design rich medium
Aesthetic Versatility
Precast excels in durability, strength, versatility, on-site safety makes Precast a favorite for Engineers and Architects. Precast is capable of a wide variety of configurations that satisfy both aesthetic and structural integrity requirements. The off-site-build of precast components mitigates weather factors and reduces site logistic issues. Precast's versatility reduces materials, and construction time, while increasing durability, and structural integrity.
Scroll through the images to view multiple design methods.
Click Learn More below to see additional information on aesthetics
Site Efficiency and Adaptability
For today and the future
Less is more when it comes to site efficiency. Simply put, precast concrete means less waste and better on-site safety.
Less Workers = Better/Easier Coordination
Fewer Trades = Minimal Management and Transactions
Because building components are prepared off-site, precast is inherently more efficient than other methods. Work on-site can move forward until the precast is needed. Then it can be delivered and picked off a trailer and placed into its spot on the structure. Also, with so much emphasis being placed on project life cycles, engineers can use precast concrete to create an adaptable shell that can be changed during decades of service.
Structure Durability
Safety in Design
Savvy Engineers know precast concrete structures will resist external threats such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and fire. This makes precast the safest solution in situations where wind-borne flying objects at tornado speeds and fire resistance/containment are required.
Precast concrete meets all FEMA P-361 criteria for safe rooms and the material is non-combustible with a slow rate of heat transfer. Also, precast is utilized to help with 500-year flood plains. In the case of the Statue of Liberty Museum and screening facility, precast was used to help combat hurricane flooding on the island. Read more about it in the project profile here.
Featured Projects for Engineers
1200 Intrepid
2016's Harry H. Edwards Industry Advancement Award winner proves that precast concrete enables the most innovative architectural designs while providing a highly energy-efficient and durable envelope. One of the most prominent features of the building is the white precast concrete façade, which dips dramatically away from the walkway along the eastern edge, then tips back out again, much like the buildings in a Dr. Seuss story. “One of the key design challenges was to create that curved façade from precast panels,” says David Bosch, engineering team leader for High Concrete Group. The curved load-bearing design was achieved by assembling flat, traditional precast concrete panels to form a complex faceted geometry. An interlocking structural system was embedded within the panels to eliminate the need for traditional precast concrete spandrel panels. “The resulting façade creates an aesthetic versatility that is unique to the project,” Bosch says.
Nassau 8th Precinct
Following Hurricane Sandy in 2012, many structures owned by Nassau County in New York state were evaluated for structural damage, including the police precincts. Prior to the storm, several of these buildings had already been in need of renovations to accommodate a growing police force and resolve problems of aging infrastructure, and the storm accelerated this need, says Gilbert Balog of LiRo Architects + Planners.
In the 8th District, Nassau County wanted to replace the 1950s-era frame and brick precinct buildings with structures that communicated civic pride and could withstand the onslaughts of future major events. “Resiliency was a major factor in the selection of precast concrete construction,” says Dianne Pohlsander, design architect for LiRo. “In fact, everything came together with precast concrete: resiliency, fabrication that wasn't weather dependent, constructability, and the desired aesthetics.”
Precast concrete also helped address unique logistical challenges on this project. Construction was constrained by long and narrow site, and, because the new precinct house was constructed at one end while the old building stayed open for operations at the other, the team was under pressure to complete the project quickly with minimal site disruption. “Precast concrete gave us that quick erection time that we needed,” Pohlsander says.
FDNY Firehouse Rescue #2
Located in a city neighborhood, the FDNY rescue facility was designed for an elite force of specialized rescue workers to stage and simulate a wide range of emergency conditions. The members of the rescue company train to respond to various emergency scenarios, including fires, building collapses, water rescues, and scuba operations.
Penn State Hershey Campus Parking Garage
Inspired by the rolling hills in Pennsylvania, the eye-catching waving spandrels are the first element to greet you as you drive onto the health campus and the last you pass as you leave. Being in such prime real estate, the owners did not want this to be an ordinary parking garage. The Architects took on the challenge with inspiration from the land around them and created a total precast concrete marvel with 1,235 parking spaces with room to expand as needed.
Design Aesthetics
- Color & Finish
- Graphic Concrete
- Formliners
BIM
Augmented reality can help bring your project to life before construction even starts. See what your project looks like in 3D with our top of the line team at High Concrete.
Components
Descriptions for each element and what purpose it is utilized for can enhance your drawings and expectations for your project.
Colors & Finishes
With precast concrete, the aesthetic versatility of the product leads to endless possibilities for your next design.
Go from one applied finish to exposed aggregate back to the applied finish all within the same panel!
TAKE YOUR PROJECT HIGHER
Have a question? Need assistance with how precast can meet your needs? That's what we are here for. Reach out to our team of precast concrete experts with any questions or details about your project and we will get back to you.
