The voice of concrete products - British Precast

PRECAST CONCRETE SPECIAL EDITION
Figure 2 right: Built
as one complete
unit, PCE’s system
incorporates precast
concrete façade
and wall panels,
fenestration, insulation
and exterior features
‘all in one’.
Figure 3 below: The unit
can be delivered direct
to site with features
such as balconies
already in place,
ready for just-in-time
erection.
‘
It significantly
reduces the number of
construction activities
along with eliminating
the problem of coordinating
follow-on
trades undertaking
external finishing
works.
’
The ‘mock-up’ structure has integral insulation within a
sandwich of precast concrete skins which will provide
U-values exceeding the requirements of Part L,
Fenestration, in the form of pre-installed patio doors, windows,
balconies and ironmongery. The high-quality
external finish is available in a number of colours and textures
and can be complemented with features and patterns
to provide complete flexibility.
Precast elements can be manufactured at one of PCE’s
supply chain partners. The company’s in-house site teams
can simply lift the components to their designated position
as they arrive at site on a just-in-time basis. The units are
fixed to the adjacent supporting structure using robust construction
details. By delivering the wall or slab units with
the Ambitus guard rails already fitted or fitting them onsite
using factory-fitted location holes, each module can be
lifted into place and fixed to a concrete or steel frame without
creating an external exposed edge. Internally, operatives
are protected using a netting system, which gives a totally
passive solution to falls from height.
Simon Harold explains, “The initial ‘mock-up’ includes
all the essentials for the external envelope. There’s no real
reason why this cannot be extended to other requirements
internally, such as ducting for heating, plumbing, electrics
and ventilation.
“We are confident that this approach to the use of precast
concrete to provide a hybrid construction solution is
the secret to fulfilling its potential. We are urging designers,
developers and constructors to see the benefits of
specifying and working with precast concrete as a total
solution to their needs.”
n
Calling CONCRETE contributors
Editorial contributions – technical papers, articles, case studies etc – for the
February 2009 issue are most welcome. Topics include:
Concrete and Water, Concrete Repair,
Admixtures, Concrete Frame Construction
Contact: James Luckey, Editor – 01276 607158, editorial@concrete.org.uk
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Reproduced f ro m CONCRETE December 2008/January 2009 © The Concrete So c i e t y, 2008