Precast concrete panels are a commonly used product within the construction industry. They lend themselves to a variety of applications and come in a range of sizes and types. In this article we answer some of the most commonly asked questions around
precast concrete panels.
How Much Do Precast Concrete Panels Cost?
Precast concrete panels are considered to be a generally inexpensive building material. However, the individual cost of one
concrete panel to another can greatly differ depending on a number of factors. Firstly, the size of a
concrete panel will be a big determining factor when it comes to price, as the more material used to make the product, the more expensive it is. Secondly, the type of
concrete used will also have a large effect on price.
Prestressed and
reinforced concrete panels are generally more expensive as they use additional materials and a more intensive manufacturing process which both drive up costs.Finally, the thickness of each panel also plays a large part as the thicker the panel, the more concrete required to make it, therefore the higher the manufacturing and cost price.
Your
concrete panel retailer should be happy to discuss with you a variety of concrete panel options to ensure you receive the best product for your needs.
How are Precast Concrete Panels Installed?
Most
precast concrete panels can be installed both horizontally and vertically depending on the purpose of their usage. One of the most common uses for
precast concrete panels are
retaining walls.
Concrete panels are straightforward to install as
retaining walls; most featuring lifting anchors. Smaller concrete panels can be lifted and manoeuvred with a forklift and jib attachment or telescopic handler.
Larger concrete panels on the other hand are usually moved into place with a crane. One of the most common ways
Concrete panels are fixed together horizontally is the use of steel columns. the columns are placed between each panel and secured to the panels using tie backs. For vertical panel construction, cylindrical dowel pins are often drilled into the panels and used to hold them together.
What are Precast Concrete Panels Used For?
Precast concrete panels have many uses in construction. Some of the most common include retaining walls, partition walls and structural walls.
Precast concrete panels are commonly used in the agricultural industry as walls for silage clamps, grain and slurry stores, livestock housing and as structural walls for agricultural buildings. Precast panels are favoured over other types of building materials as they are easy to install and move which are both fantastic benefits for farmland. Precast panels are also used in waste and recycling sectors, commonly as walls for storage bays and waste transfer stations. Finally, some public and commercial uses for precast concrete panels include flood defence walls and partition walls for public walkways and paths.
What is the Difference Between Precast and Prestressed Concrete Panels?
Precast concrete panels are
concrete panels that have been made using a mould. The wet
concrete mixture is poured into a mould and set or 'cast'. This allows the panels to be made to exact size and thickness specifications over and over again.
Prestressed panels on the other hand are precast
concrete panels which have been reinforced to offer extra strength. There are several different methods of prestressing with one of the most common being the use of steel rods set inside the concrete.
