To determine precast concrete’s cost, you must know its structure. This information will help you estimate the materials and labor that it needs. Using these estimates, you can calculate how much does precast concrete cost.
According to www.lockesolutions.com, the cost of precast concrete in the U.S. usually ranges from $360 to $1200 per cubic yard, depending on several factors. Of these factors, the most familiar is structure. Therefore, we will compare the cost of some common precast concrete structures.
Types of Precast Concrete Structures
• Precast blocks
• Precast panels
• Precast drainage structures
• Precast utility structures
• Precast foundations
The Cost of Precast Blocks
Precast blocks, simple precast concrete structures, cost $360 to $415 per cubic yard. They use the least amount of concrete because they are generally used as non-load-bearing elements such as walls. However, they often do not need steel reinforcement, embedded elements, and surface treatments. Because of this, they usually do not require engineering design work and use simple casting molds. These factors make their construction simple and inexpensive.
The Cost of Precast Panels
Precast panels are more complex than precast blocks and cost $450 to $750 per cubic yard. They use more concrete because they are used as load-bearing elements such as floors. They also have more steel reinforcement and usually need surface treatments. However, they do not need embedded elements. Unlike precast blocks, they have a variety of options in terms of design and surface treatments. Therefore, they often need engineering design work and more complex casting molds. Because they have several design options, their cost can vary dramatically.
The Cost of Precast Drainage Structures
These structures are more complex than precast panels and often cost $700 to $1,000 per cubic yard. They have a similar amount of concrete to precast panels and less steel reinforcement than the panels. In addition, they have few embedded elements. However, they come with iron or steel elements, including maintenance hole accesses. Besides this, they are often standardized, eliminating the need for engineering design work and complex molds.
The Cost of Precast Dry Utility Structures
These structures are more complex than precast drainage structures, and they cost $450 to $1,100 per cubic yard. They use an equal amount of concrete and have a similar amount of steel reinforcement compared to drainage structures. However, they have more embedded elements, including floor sumps and anchors. They also have access hatches or covers, which can come in different sizes and materials.
The Cost of Precast Foundation Structures
Precast foundation structures are the most complex and usually cost $800 to $1200 per cubic yard. They use the most concrete and steel reinforcement because they carry the building’s load. They usually have many embedded elements, including anchor bolts and steel plates. Besides this, foundation structures can come in different sizes and compositions. Because of this, engineers or designers can infinitely modify their designs. All these factors make its construction complex and expensive.
How Does Structure Determine the Cost of Precast Concrete?
The structure of precast concrete affects its cost by determining the amount of material and labor that go into its fabrication and installation. Complex structures need much more concrete, steel reinforcement, embedded elements, and labor to manufacture and install. Therefore, they involve higher material and labor costs.
How Can the Cost of Precast Concrete be Reduced?
By implementing sustainable engineering design principles, manufacturers can optimize the materials and dimensions of a precast concrete structure to reduce its cost. This optimization will reduce the amount of concrete, steel elements, and labor it will use over its lifetime.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of precast concrete varies widely depending on its structure. Therefore, a practical and convenient way of determining the cost of such structures is by grouping them based on their structure. Generally, complex precast structures have a higher cost than simple ones because they use more concrete, steel reinforcement, embedded elements, and labor. Although precast concrete costs range from $360 to $1,200 per cubic yard, its cost may go beyond this estimate because it has endless design possibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Can you estimate the cost of precast concrete?
You can estimate precast concrete’s cost by knowing its different structures’ prices.
2) How can you determine the structure of precast concrete you need?
Once you have found out the function of the precast concrete element you want to install, you can determine its structure.
3) Where can you find information about the market prices of different precast concrete structures?
You can source this information from the manufacturers of precast concrete.
4) What measures can you take to reduce the cost of precast concrete?
You can reduce the cost of precast concrete by collaborating with manufacturers to develop standardized designs, which will ensure that you avoid costs associated with redesigns, rework, and other wastages.
