Difference between Precast & Cast-in-situ Concrete

• According to ‘Precast Concrete Institute, U.S.A’ (Published in: Designing with Precast and Prestressed Concrete), precast concrete is cast into a specific shape at a location other than building site like factories. The concrete is placed into a form, typically wood or steel, and is cured. These components are then transported to the construction site for erection into place. Precast concrete can be plant-cast or site-cast.

• According to ‘Edward Allen and Joseph Iano’ (Author of Fundamental of Building Construction Materials & Methods), cast-in-situ concrete is cast into forms on the building site. It offers unlimited possibilities to the designer for any shape formation with a limitless selection of surface textures.

Also Read: In Which Type of Projects We can Use Precast Concrete?

• In the precast concrete, elements are manufactured in a controlled casting environment and hence it is easier to control mix, placement and curing.
• Elements can be cast in advance and held until the hour you need them, thereby saves time.
• Weather condition has no effect on casting work.

• In the cast-in-situ concrete, column, slab etc. elements are casted on site in the open environment and hence it is difficult to control mix, placement and curing.
• Elements cannot be casted in advance.
• Weather condition can delay the casting work.

• Quality can be controlled and maintained easily.

• Quality control and maintenance is difficult.

• Precast concrete is cheaper form of construction if large structures are to be constructed.
• Maintenance cost of precast concrete structure is higher.

• In situ concrete is cheaper form of construction for small structures.
• Maintenance cost of cast-in-situ concrete structure is less compared to the precast concrete structure.

• Less labours are required.
• Skilled labours are required at construction site.
• Skilled and technical contractor is required for construction of the precast concrete structure.
• Precast concrete requires heavy machinery and cranes for handling i.e. lifting and installation of heavy elements

• More labours are required.
• Skilled labours are required at construction site.
• Local contractors can also build the structure.
• Cast-in-situ concrete does not require such handling equipment.

Also Read: 40+ Masonry Tools Used in Masonry Work of Your Home!

• Precast concrete construction is quick as it can be installed immediately and there is no waiting for it to gain strength.
• Increase in strength can be achieved by accelerated curing.
• On site strength test is not required.
• High strength concrete can be used because it is in controlled condition.

• In situ concrete construction is slow as gaining of strength requires time.
• Increase in strength at situ by accelerated curing is a difficult task.
• On site strength test is required.
• It will difficult to use high strength concrete as it depends on site condition and resources available.

• Total construction time is less as compared to cast-in-situ.
• Speedy construction is possible.

• Total construction time is more as compared to precast.
• Speed is less as elements are casted at site.

• Large number of joints in structural system.
• Less resistant to Earthquake and wind forces not recommended where seismic loads are dominant.
• In precast concrete construction, details at the joint become very critical and needs careful attention.
• The elements have to be designed for handling stress or loads during handling, which may or may not increase steel.
• Elements of varying lengths and shape can be developed.
• Precast concrete does not offer a monolithic architectural character.

• Less number of joints present in structural system.
• More resistant to earthquake and wind forces.
• Elements cannot be casted in advance.
• Elements are not to be designed for any such loads or stress.
• There is constraint in length and shape of element.
• In situ concrete offers a monolithic architectural character.

Also Read: The Basic Guide to Precast Concrete Stairs

• According to ‘Bulletin of American Concrete Institute‘ (1993), precast concrete gives smooth interior finish hence they need minimum preparation before paint, wallpaper etc. or the other wall coverings can be applied directly.

• In the cast-in-situ concrete construction, you have to do plaster for the smooth finish and also requires pre-preparation for a paint like wall putty etc.

• One has to meticulous during work with precast concrete because the precast unit can be damaged during transportation and handling.

• In the cast-in-situ concrete construction, be careful about following points:

01. During the concreting process like mixing, transportation, placing, finishing etc.

02. Curing of concrete for certain time etc.