Coote Engineering Ltd. have been designing and manufacturing steel moulds for precast concrete product and precast concrete machinery market since 1977. But what is precast concrete?

What is Precast Concrete?

Precast concrete is a versatile building material cast in reusable moulds. Common examples include precast concrete slabs, beams, and flooring systems. Factories cure these components offsite before transporting them to the construction project. Workers then lift and install each piece directly into place. Ultimately, this method simplifies onsite construction by eliminating the need to pour and cure concrete on location.

What is the difference between concrete and precast concrete?

The primary difference lies in production location and process. Manufacturers pour precast concrete into custom moulds at an offsite facility before transporting the cured components to the job site. In contrast, contractors pour, lay, and cure standard concrete directly on the construction site itself.

How long does precast concrete last?

Precast concrete buildings or components can have up to 100 years service life with minimal up-keep. The designs used for these precast products hold a large factor over the life span of the concrete. Structural engineers can arrange the shapes and structure in a way that resists the effects of the natural elements while maintaining its structural integrity.

How strong is precast concrete?

Precast manufacturers commonly use concrete with compressive strengths in the range of 4,000 psi to 5,000 psi. Curing the concrete in a controlled environment is crucial to its longevity. Along with ensuring precise moulding and fabrication, curing concrete in house all but guarantees that it will remain as strong as possible for as long as possible once it’s put into place.

Is precast concrete sustainable?

Precast concrete and environmental liability are completely compatible. Sustainability in concrete products comes right from the constituent materials used in making concrete. It doesn’t use scarce resources that are hard to obtain, expensive to purchase or difficult to work with. In comparison to the harsh resources it takes to produce plastic or steel, precast concrete products are extremely sustainable.

If your not sure what machinery or moulds you need, check out our product range and get in touch!