Precast Concrete Beams and Slabs
Technology for Tomorrow
Precast concrete beams and slabs (or planks and joists) is a construction system comprised of precast concrete elements that span in modules between walls and are tied together with rebar that locks into a thin cast-in-place slab.
Precast concrete beams and slabs (or planks and joists) is a construction system that constitutes either precast concrete arched panels, hollow mini-slabs, or planks that are placed between smaller, more frequently spaced precast beams or joists that are spanning between walls or columns. A thin reinforced concrete layer is then poured on top. The precast system doesn’t require the extensive formwork of a cast-in-place concrete slab, and is more flexible for projects that need to be phased such as the improvement of buildings in informal settlements. An example of a manufacturer of precast concrete beams and slabs is Nyati Slabs in South Africa. It is also a common construction method in India.
Africa, Asia, Uganda, South Africa, India
The manufacturers are the distributors of the product. The product can also be made on the construction site by an implementing NGO or general building contractor.
Varies. Dependent on the building design, the type of precast system, and the cost of concrete and steel in a specific country. Cost estimating software puts the cost of a precast slab at approximately $80 per square meter.
Competing products include cast-in-place slabs or steel or wood frame systems.
Goal 11: Aims to offer a more sustainable, more affordable material for the construction of multi-level buildings.
Private sector, public sector, household.