Precast Benefits
The use of precast concrete in the parking garage project at Washington University Medical Campus offered significant advantages. The efficiency and speed showcased by the completion of the project in 37 weeks underlines the rapid assembly benefits of ready-made precast components. This method also guarantees quality and durability due to controlled environmental conditions during precasting, which is pivotal for multi-storey car parks that must endure heavy, frequent use. Precast concrete’s design flexibility is evident in the project’s exterior spandrels and walls, which despite employing a standard gray cement mix, featured vertical reveals and a stylish sandblasted finish.
Precast components also appear to be a cost-effective choice, due to their extended lifespan, minimal maintenance, and predictable upfront pricing. Moreover, the precasting process is environmentally friendly, generating less waste than traditional site-cast concrete, while enhancing worker safety with controlled factory conditions. In essence, the project benefited from the swift, affordable, reliable, and flexible advantages of precast concrete in construction, besides its eco-friendly and safety-related merits.
