Precast concrete cladding
Precast concrete cladding is formed by off-site manufactured precast concrete panels, which can be used to clad a wide range of buildings, such as commercial buildings, residential, retail, leisure, hospitals, schools, and so on.
Precast concrete is a form of concrete that is prepared, cast and cured off-site, usually in a controlled factory environment, using reusable moulds. Precast concrete elements can be joined to other elements on site to form a complete cladding structure.
The production of precast concrete elements takes place under controlled conditions in factories, and so tolerances can be accurately controlled, waste can be minimised, and that a denser, stronger and better-quality concrete produced.
Due to innovative production methods, precast concrete panels can be manufactured in a wide range of colours, finishes, facings, shapes and sizes. It can replicate the colour and finish of stone, masonry or terracotta and can incorporate architectural details such as cornices, quoins, arches and decorative relief panels.
Sculptured shapes such as recessed windows, shading devices and so on can be included, and insulation can be fixed to the back of the panels, or incorporated into a sandwich wall panel composition.
Panels can be supported by fixing back to the structural frame of the building or can be self-supporting. They can also be designed themselves to parts of the building structure such as floors. Panels are typically in the range of 150 mm thick, designed to span either between columns or between floors.
Panels are manufactured by casting in purpose-built timber or fibre glass moulds. Steel reinforcement cages can be placed in the mould prior to pouring the concrete. Increasingly, prefabrication can incorporate the fixing of other elements such as insulation and windows. When the moulds are removed, the exposed surfaces can be treated in a number of ways, such as acid-etching, smooth or coarse grounding, grit or sand-blasting, rubbing or polishing, according to the surface finish specified.
Having been transported to site, tower or mobile cranes lift the panels into position, with fixings restraining them back to the structure. This means that external scaffolding may not be required.
Precast concrete panels can result in a thinner external wall construction than traditional walls, and so they can allow a larger lettable floor area.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- Cladding.
- Concrete.
- Metal profile cladding.
- Offsite manufacturing.
- Plastic cladding.
- Precast concrete.
- Prestressed concrete.
- Reinforced concrete.
- Sandwich panel.
[edit] External resources
Featured articles and news
Infrastructure that connect the physical and digital domains.
Harnessing robotics and AI in challenging environments
The key to nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering.
BSRIA announces Lisa Ashworth as new CEO
Tasked with furthering BSRIA’s impressive growth ambitions.
Public buildings get half a million energy efficiency boost
£557 million to switch to cleaner heating and save on energy.
CIOB launches pre-election manifesto
Outlining potential future policies for the next government.
Grenfell Tower Inquiry announcement
Phase 2 hearings come to a close and the final report due in September.
Progress from Parts L, F and O: A whitepaper, one year on.
A replicated study to understand the opinion of practitioners.
ECA announces new president 2024
Electrical engineer and business leader Stuart Smith.
A distinct type of countryside that should be celebrated.
Should Part O be extended to existing buildings?
EAC brands heatwave adaptation a missed opportunity.
Definition of Statutory in workplace and facilities management
Established by IWFM, BESA, CIBSE and BSRIA.
Tackling the transition from traditional heating systems
59% lack the necessary information and confidence to switch.
The general election and the construction industry
As PM, Rishi Sunak announces July 4 date for an election.
Eco apprenticeships continue help grow green workforce
A year after being recognised at the King's coronation.
Permitted development rights for agricultural buildings
The changes coming into effect as of May 21, 2024.