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E X P E R T O P I N I O N C A N A D I A N P R E C A S T / P R E S T R E S S E D C O N C R E T E I N S T I T U T E PREFABRICATED PRECAST CONCRETE BUILDING COMPONENTS Architectural Precast Concrete Architectural precast concrete is generally defined as any precast product that contributes to the esthetic and architectural value of the structure. Products include buildings, wall or panel systems, sound barriers, support slabs, columns and so forth. In most cases, besides versatility and durabil- ity, the use of architectural precast concrete products results in cost and time savings for the project. Each precast concrete component is designed and manufactured for every individual project. Double Wythe Insulated Wall Panels Each panel consists of two reinforced precast concrete wythes with a continuous layer of insulation sandwiched in between. With a selection of patterns, surface treatments and colour choices, an insulated precast prestressed wall panel system offers an economical opportunity for clients to incorporate their unique corporate identity into their office, ware houses, storage facilities, residential and many more. Precast concrete components can be customized and fabricated for each individual project. Total Precast Concrete Total prefabricated precast concrete building systems are becoming the format of choice for many construction teams. Architectural and structural precast, prestressed concrete com ponents are combined to create the entire building. This design approach can take several forms, including pre- cast columns and beams with panelized cladding or load-bearing precast walls and double-tee or hollowcore flooring. Precast concrete advantages are maximized when the precaster is brought onto the design team early in the planning stage. This allows the company's full expertise in designing efficient shapes, textures and finishes to be exploited, as well as their state- of-the-art knowledge on connection and erection methods. The Esthetic Versatility of Precast Concrete Precast concrete is available in practically any colour, form, and texture. Precast concrete can also be veneered with other traditional building materials such as brick, granite, limestone, terracotta, tile, and more. This provides the look and feel of other materials, while adding all the benefits of precast concrete to an envelope system. Different finishes can even be com bined in the same wall panel, at the precast concrete manufacturing plant, with less cost and detailing time. Whatever spe- cific esthetic qualities a structure must provide, whether to invoke a traditional appearance, blend with other buildings in the area, or to inject a contemporary look of a company's cutting-edge image, precast concrete can provide the solution and has virtually unlimited design options. Prefabricated Modular Components Quality Control (Precast Concrete) Skilled plant workers become very proficient at producing Canadian Precast Concrete Quality Assurance (CPCQA) certified quality concrete products for "just in-time delivery." On the other hand, products that are manufactured on-site typically have limited quality control mea- sures in place. Site manufactured products are also more suscep- tible to delays and have more quality issues associated with adverse weather conditions and lack of quality labourers. Prefabricated modular components lend themselves to fast and environmentally-friendly construction, while remaining vir- tually maintenance free for years to come. As a building owner/ developer, architect, or engineer, it is beneficial to look at specifying pre- fabricated modular components and/or a total precast concrete system. Prefabricated Precast Concrete Has Numerous Applications Prefabricated precast concrete is used on many types of structures such as multi-storey condominiums and apartment buildings, large institutional projects (hospitals and courthouses) commercial shopping centres, office structures, water treatment facilities, warehousing, distribution centres, parking garages, bridges, and many others. Prefabrication can take months and even years off the construction schedule, thereby reducing financing costs and allowing for quicker sales and/or occupancy. For more information on Advanced Prefabricated & Modular Construction visit www.cpci.ca and Learn on Demand Prefab Precast Concrete Free Educational Webinars https://cpci-learnondemand.com/ Panels with pre- installed windows are delivered to the job site as needed in order for construction to proceed as quickly as possible. Photo: BPDL, Alma QC Hollowcore Floors & wall panels being installed at the Sheraton in Saint-Hyacinthe, Photo: Saramac/ Schokbeton, Montreal, QC