Precast concrete construction techniques are said to have many advantages over conventional on-site concrete construction, particularly in repetitious elements such as wall panels and support foundations and columns, asserts Peikko South Africa MD Daniel Petrov.

The specialist company offering solutions for precast concrete applications says there is a growing African market, with a demand for robust walling that provides security and safety in both commercial and residential applications.

The company notes a range of benefits of its Slimline wall system, including ease and speed of on-site installation, dimensional accuracy, consistent quality, durability and finish, reduced  maintenance and improved cost-effectiveness compared to other walling materials and construction methods.

Pre-casting concrete walls are said to offer high-quality assurance as the concrete elements are manufactured in factory conditions. Peikko says its high level of quality control results in a very durable product that can withstand impact, corrosion and acid attack almost indefinitely. The corrosion-resistant properties of reinforced concrete and mechanical connections make it ideal for pre-cast concrete bases, columns and wall panels.

With mechanical connections added, precast elements are designed to provide life-long support of heavy loads, whether below or above ground. In-factory curing adds strength and testing is undertaken in a controlled environment before precast concrete walling components are dispatched, to ensure the final product can bear the weight of the required load.

Depending on the design of a walling project, precast concrete can be moulded to almost any size and shape required.

Precast walling also saves construction time, labour costs and erection time on site. Eliminating the need for casting concrete at the construction site allows other construction work to be carried out while the precast concrete walling is snapped together like building blocks. In addition, it requires a single installation and mechanical lifting on the site, which needs fewer labourers on site compared to cast-in-place concrete.

Peikko says it specifies specialised lifting equipment and accessories for handling of all precast concrete walling elements and its trained operatives are assigned to handle and install various elements to ensure safety off and on site.

The precast concrete walling system consists of PAD foundations, columns and walling panels for easy handling, quick installation and increased savings. The Slimline walling system is designed for any type of walling projects where low, medium or high levels of security may be required.