In-situ and precast concrete processes and uses
In construction engineering there are different ways in which concrete (in-situ or precast) is being prepared for use at job sites.
This is because every job site does not require the same technique and methods. The in-situ concrete is mostly used for smaller construction jobs at site due to its nature.
On the other hand, the precast concrete is preferable for larger construction projects because of its quality, efficiency and economic nature.
To understand the concept of in-situ and precast concrete, one will need to know the meaning, processes, advantages and their uses over each other.
MEANING AND PROCESSES OF IN-SITU CONCRETE
This can still be referred to as site-cast concrete. It is the type of concrete work that does not require much quality control process.
It is being prepared on the construction site based on their mix ratio and poured into reinforced concrete formwork at the job site. It is mostly suitable for smaller construction jobs.
MEANING AND PROCESSES OF PRE-CAST CONCRETE
As opposed to in-situ concrete, this type of concrete preparation requires strict adherence to quality control processes. It is being prepared based on their concrete mix design and not concrete mix ratio.
The process involves preparing the concrete in a more controlled environment, pouring the concrete in preferred reinforced mold shapes and sizes, and allowing it to gain maximum strength before taking it to the site for assembly. It is mostly suitable for larger construction jobs.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF IN-SITU CONCRETE OVER PRECAST CONCRETE
The in-situ concrete is more cost-friendly when used in smaller construction but can be very cost-ineffective when used for larger construction projects. This is because the cost of labor and materials for larger jobs will be too high to procure.
On the other hand, precast concrete will not be cost-friendly for smaller construction jobs but will be very cost-friendly for larger construction jobs. This is because the cost of procurement of materials and time requirements for smaller jobs will be enough to complete the whole job.
The in-situ concrete does not need to be carried from one point to the other, and this makes it easier to handle small construction jobs.
While the precast concrete will need mechanical means to fix the concrete into position, and this will lead to high costs if used in smaller construction projects.
The preparation of in-situ concrete is controlled by variable factors like temperature change, humidity, wind, etc., which can greatly affect the maximum required strength of concrete and can result in poor concrete work.
For precast concrete, the preparation is always done in a more controlled environment, and cognizance is always taken into account for its maximum strength before taking it to the construction site.
The in-situ concrete requires a lot of concrete formwork and labor at the job site, which can increase the cost of buying and re-buying materials and hiring labor at the job site.
While precast concrete requires less labor and no formwork materials to assemble it at the construction site.
For in-situ concrete, there is always the tendency to waste materials during pouring of concrete into formwork since it is always done by unskilled laborers and in an uncontrolled environment.
While precast concrete tends to minimize concrete waste to the barest minimum since it is always done by skilled workers and in a more controlled way by mechanical means.
Uses of in-situ concrete and precast concrete
Both concrete methods are suitable for use in construction works projects. The preferred one to use at any particular site will largely depend on the nature, type, sizes and accuracy of the projects.
If you are embarking on a small-scale building plan project, consider adopting the in-situ concrete method since it is always cheaper to implement.
On the other hand, if you are embarking on a large-scale construction project, you can adopt the precast concrete method for more efficient, durability and uniformity of the work project.
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