• Product quality
• Aesthetic appeal
• Ease and speed of construction
• Reduced life-cycle cost
• Structural integrity and reliability
• And market competitiveness

Industry Products

Precast prestressed concrete manufacturing plants produce a wide range of architectural precast and structural precast prestressed concrete components. Precast prestressed concrete combines two basic quality materials - high-strength concrete and high-tensile steel. Prestressing places predetermined engineering stresses in concrete components to more than offset the stresses that occur when components are sustaining loads in service.

Architectural precast concrete panels can be custom-designed in a variety of shapes, sizes, and finishes, allowing the designer the widest latitude of self-expression with a virtually unlimited range of colors, forms and textures. Units may be manufactured with conventional reinforcement or they may be prestressed. In addition to serving as exterior cladding or interior walls, precast panels may perform other functions: they may be load bearing, serve as formwork or act as shear walls; they may be used to incorporate insulation and vapor barriers; they may include mechanical services; or they may become a wall sub-system, either partially or fully pre-assembled prior to reaching the site.

Hollowcore floor and roof units are precast, prestressed concrete components with continuous voids that provide a more efficient section. They are commonly produced in six inch, eight inch, ten inch and twelve inch depths. Widths vary by the manufacturer. Most hollowcore systems have UL fire rating. Hollowcore units are used in virtually every building type.

Structural precast and prestressed concrete components can be used as an integral part of bridges, buildings and other structures. Structural precast concrete can be manufactured with mild steel reinforcement, it can be prestressed, or it can be a combination of the two.

There are many building and structural systems on the market today. However, none offer the cost-saving features and functional advantages that can be obtained through the use of precast prestressed concrete components.

Versatility, quality, economy
The versatility of a precast concrete system is unmatched. The components of an entire structure can be precast to precise specifications and design. Plant manufacturing results in substantial economies through repetitive manufacturing operations under an established quality assurance program.

Speed of construction
Precast prestressed concrete components are manufactured at the plant and away from site preparation and foundation work to reduce project congestion. Products are shipped to the site as needed and may be erected directly from the delivery truck, greatly reducing on-site construction time and labor. Weather delays are minimal because of the manufacturing plant's year-round casting and erecting capabilities.

Attractive appearance
The pattern, texture and color variations of architectural precast, glass fiber reinforced and prestressed concrete are practically unlimited. The simple, clean shapes of these components enhance the structures that utilize and project an image of strength with aesthetic beauty as only a concrete structure can.

Fire resistance
Precast prestressed concrete's unique fire resistance protects both life and property while saving money each year through reduced insurance rates.

Low noise transmission
The density of concrete provides excellent sound attenuation, thus reducing transmission of airborne sound from one space to another.

Energy conservation
Precast prestressed concrete components reduce energy consumption in several ways: precast construction allows minimal air infiltration; thermal mass delays internal temperature changes and reduces peak heating and cooling loads; and sculptured shapes facilitate the design of shading devices for window areas. In addition, insulation can be cast-in during manufacture that will increase the R factor of the structure.

Flexibility for expansion
Precast prestressed concrete components can be easily designed to accommodate future growth through either horizontal or vertical expansion.

Durability Precast
Precast prestressed concrete is exceptionally resistant to impact, corrosion, weathering, abrasion and other ravages of time, making it virtually maintenance free.

High load capacity
Well-designed products can accommodate heavy floor loads and traffic.

Long spans
Long, clear spans provide freedom from columns, providing flexibility and unobstructed use of space.

Low depth-span ratios
Bridge superstructures can be kept shallow to provide maximum clearance and minimum approach grades. In buildings, floor-to-floor height is almost always appreciably less in a precast prestressed building, thus reducing building height and volume and reducing heating and cooling costs.

Longer economic life
Precast and prestressed concrete structures give added years of service with a minimum of repairs and maintenance.