Editing Concrete (section)

=== Precast ===
{{main|Precast concrete}}

Precast concrete is concrete which is cast in one place for use elsewhere and is a mobile material. The largest part of precast production is carried out in the works of specialist suppliers, although in some instances, due to economic and geographical factors, scale of product or difficulty of access, the elements are cast on or adjacent to the construction site.<ref name="Richardson-2003">{{cite book |doi=10.1016/B978-075065686-3/50307-4 |chapter=Precast concrete structural elements |title=Advanced Concrete Technology |date=2003 |last1=Richardson |first1=John |pages=3–46 |isbn=978-0-7506-5686-3 }}</ref> Precasting offers considerable advantages because it is carried out in a controlled environment, protected from the elements, but the downside of this is the contribution to greenhouse gas emission from transportation to the construction site.<ref name="Claisse-2016" />

Advantages to be achieved by employing precast concrete:<ref name="Richardson-2003" />

* Preferred dimension schemes exist, with elements of tried and tested designs available from a catalogue.
* Major savings in time result from manufacture of structural elements apart from the series of events which determine overall duration of the construction, known by planning engineers as the 'critical path'.
* Availability of Laboratory facilities capable of the required control tests, many being certified for specific testing in accordance with National Standards.
* Equipment with capability suited to specific types of production such as stressing beds with appropriate capacity, moulds and machinery dedicated to particular products.
* High-quality finishes achieved direct from the mould eliminate the need for interior decoration and ensure low maintenance costs.