Why is Precast Concrete the right option always?

Today I'll touch upon a very interesting question that you may have come across at many times. Is Precast concrete really the right solution? Well, here we go into details of it.

Precast Concrete is actually merely concrete that is cast somewhere other than where it is to be used - but it is genrally better. Similar to patio slabs. But I feel that you must always have a look at Precast Concrete Septic Tanks - they offer a very good value for money. If I am wrong please comment below and I will answer that.

Well, you also have an option of Prestressed Concrete which is also concrete that is stressed prior to the use loading being applied. Why do we do this? Concrete is very strong in Compression but weak in tension so much so that we assume the tensile capacity to be zero.

The concept of prestessing is that we impart a compressive force to the concrete before the actual loads are to be applied. There are many methods of doing this. The simplest method is by stretching or pulling on the reinforcement before the concrete is placed (poured). When the concrete has set (hardened) the load is removed from the reinforcement causing the reinforcement to shrink. The bond between the concrete and steel will cause the concrete to shrink as well. Thus being compressed or placed in compression. When the live load is applied to the member the tensile load will cause the compressive force to decrease but not go into tension thus not cracking.

I have tried to make this simple and concise. The subject is normally taught in Engineering Graduate School in a one term course of 3 lectures a week. Hope this information helps in making better decisions.