Concrete Revolution: Crafting Sustainable Futures with Precast Infrastructure

Among the many building materials that are accessible, precast concrete is a reliable option for creating the framework of sturdy infrastructure. Precast concrete has several uses, from unmatched durability and quick construction to strict quality control and environmentally friendly methods. This article highlights the inherent advantages, practicality, and affordability of using precast concrete in infrastructure projects by examining its use in railroads, bridges, water management, and utility structures.

Advantages of Precast Concrete in Infrastructure Development

Examining the intrinsic benefits of precast concrete in creating infrastructure demonstrates how it has a revolutionary effect on construction techniques. Precast concrete is a strong option with qualities like sustainability, efficiency, and durability transforming modern infrastructure building.

Durability and Strength

Precast concrete offers unmatched resistance to wear, corrosion, and severe weather compared to traditional building materials. Because of its innate strength, which guarantees structural integrity throughout time, it is the best material for infrastructure where durability and resilience are critical.

Efficiency and Speed

Building projects are completed much faster when precast concrete is used. When parts are produced in quality controlled environments off-site, less work needs to be done on-site, which speeds up project completion and lowers labor expenses.

Quality Control

Precast concrete is produced in a controlled atmosphere that ensures consistently high quality, even better than on-site casting. Strict quality controls are implemented during production to guarantee accuracy and compliance with industry norms.

Sustainability

The low waste generated during manufacturing and the possibilities for recycling make precast concrete an environmentally beneficial material. Its extended lifespan, robustness, and energy efficiency support environmentally friendly methods of building infrastructure.

Applications of Precast Concrete in Infrastructure

Bridges and Highways

Precast concrete is widely used in bridge construction because it provides flexible deck, girder, and abutment components. Its exceptional strength and resilience make it a dependable option that guarantees resilience and longevity across various bridge types.

Railways and Mass Transit Systems

Precast concrete is used in railways and mass transportation systems for stations, track systems, tunnels, and viaducts. In transportation situations with heavy traffic, its robustness guarantees longevity and safety.

Water and Wastewater Management

Precast concrete water management structures include sewage systems, treatment plants, and reservoirs. Being able to resist corrosion and keep their structural integrity, these structures offer long-lasting solutions for water distribution, storage, and treatment.

Utility Structures

Precast concrete provides stability, protection, and resilience against environmental variables, essential for utility structures such as communication towers and electrical substations.

Cost-Effectiveness and Long-Term Benefits

Gaining insight into the financial elements of precast concrete in infrastructure construction allows for a more nuanced understanding of its long-term benefits and cost-effectiveness. The comprehensive analysis of lifespan costs and long-term benefits highlights the sustainability and economic feasibility of using precast concrete in infrastructure projects, even though upfront costs may differ.

Initial Costs vs. Life Cycle Costs

Precast concrete in infrastructure is cost-effective when long-term expenditures are compared to upfront costs. Precast concrete may seem like a slightly more expensive initial investment than standard materials, but there are significant long-term benefits. Because precast concrete is resilient and long-lasting, it requires less maintenance, repair, and replacement, which lowers life cycle costs for infrastructure projects. Additionally, the shorter project durations produced by the expedited building timeframes made possible by precast concrete components mean lower labor costs and less disturbance to the surrounding region. Precast components can be quickly assembled, which reduces downtime and speeds up infrastructure projects, lowering costs in the long run.

Minimized Downtime

Additionally, precast concrete's inherent strength and durability result in a longer service life, which reduces the need for frequent repairs or replacements. This endurance improves cost-effectiveness since precast concrete infrastructure is more resilient to weather, wear, and structural deterioration. Precast concrete is a financially sensible option for infrastructure projects looking for long-term sustainability and economical resource utilization due to its minimal lifecycle costs and decreased requirement for continuing maintenance.

Investing in Tomorrow: The Smart Choice of Precast Concrete for Lasting Infrastructure

Precast concrete's incorporation into infrastructure development is a shining example of efficiency and creativity. Its many benefits—from unmatched durability and construction efficiency to strict quality control and cost-effectiveness—highlight its crucial role in modern building techniques. Precast concrete exhibits versatility and dependability in various applications, including water management, railroads, bridges, and utility structures. The benefits of precast concrete are undeniable as we embrace the future of infrastructure development; it provides an environmentally friendly, long-lasting, and financially sensible way to construct the framework for our changing society.

Precast Concrete vs Tilt Up Concrete Wall Panels

Using appropriate equipment and technology with expert craftsmanship is essential in modern commercial buildings. Construction teams use prefabricated components more often to expedite the building process and provide the project owner with the desired functionality.

Two popular types of prefabricated commercial building materials are tilt-up and precast construction. Is one better than the other, and where should each be used? As experts in the precast/prestressed concrete industry, this is how we see it.

The Difference Between Precast vs. Tilt-up Construction

Concrete wall panels include tilt-up and precast varieties. They both function as supports for numerous stories, offering strong outside and internal walls. The locations and methods used to generate each vary: 

• Precast walls are manufactured, constructed, and cured at a factory before being delivered to a building site and put up. 

• Tilt-up panels are created with forms constructed on the building site, filled with concrete, allowed to cure, and then lifted into position using a crane.

What is precast concrete construction?

Precast concrete construction entails constructing buildings and/or concrete elements offsite and moving the finished structures or parts to their intended locations. Individual walls, beams, columns, and other structural components can be made with precast concrete. Alternatively, it may be used to create monolithic building modules ready to use after being transported and assembled at a job site.

The manufacture of precast concrete has several significant benefits. Because each precast component is cured in a controlled environment without needing to take into consideration inclement weather, precast concrete components or entire structures may be made for a larger range of worksites. Steel reinforcements and other materials can also strengthen precast concrete constructions.

What is tilt-up concrete construction?

At the installation site of a structure, tilt-up concrete construction entails pouring concrete into predetermined forms and letting it cure. After the concrete has cured, cranes and other equipment are used to raise the panels to their permanent locations.

In certain circumstances, this kind of concrete building may be beneficial. For example, it does away with the requirement of transporting full-size concrete pieces.

Factors To Consider When Deciding on Precast or Tilt-Up

Selecting between tilt wall and structural precast concrete building techniques for your project means you need first to assess your project's demands.

Location

When choosing between tilt wall and precast construction, the location of your project is a crucial consideration. Usual weather patterns won't impact the capacity to cast tilt wall panels on-site with a little preparation. On the other hand, severe weather can make casting at the project site impossible. All precast components are made offsite in quality-controlled manufacturing facilities and are unaffected by weather conditions. Additionally, many precast concrete suppliers are positioned strategically nationwide to offer affordable precast components.

Site Limitations

The ideal approach will partly depend on the site's limitations. Space for casting and curing is required to construct tilt walls on-site. Since precast is manufactured, cured, and cast in one location before being transported, it has few site restrictions. 

Schedule

Precast concrete must be transported to the construction site from quality-controlled, roofed manufacturing plants with their own batch operations. Nonetheless, most precast manufacturers working in the construction industry nowadays can plan, cast, and deliver the precast promptly with ease. Tilt walls can provide shorter lead times since they may adapt to design modifications demands as the project progresses.

Structure

Tilt-up walls and precast concrete panels require more than just the concrete to finish a structure.  Steel components are generally used alongside these construction materials to complete a building.  Steel and precast concrete can be combined into one component, which means fewer trades on site. Precast can also be used to build all parts of a building, including the floor, roof, columns, and beams, making this option even more advantageous in terms of time and money savings.

Construction Sequencing

If the precast walls do not support any weight on the steel, steel can be installed ahead of the prefabricated walls. In this instance, the precast wall panels don't require bracing. They are immediately weldable to the steel frame. Typically, tilt walls are built first and require bracing to remain in place until the steel frame is constructed. 

Budget

Each approach has financial advantages. Compared to other building processes, precast demands cheaper overall installation costs because of its short installation time and the requirement of less labor on site. Tilt walls can achieve strict deadlines while maintaining low prices but can add more time to the project schedule. 

Building Size

Tilt wall panels can be broader than precast. Fewer panels to elevate means less manpower and equipment needed for the finishing trades, including caulking and repairing, though there will be a need for more labor to make the panels.  Because precast needs to be transported, these components will have width limitations based on the jurisdictions they travel through.  However, precast panels of up to 15 feet wide can be transported using tilt racks. 

Tilt-Up Panels vs Precast Concrete Panels

Although tilt-up panels have become more capable, these structures will often be somewhat basic compared to the numerous applications for precast concrete panels. In other words, tilt walls generally are good for simple, box-like structures with minimal design elements.  Precast, however, can be completely customized for any shape, size, or style a client may need for their structure. Because precast panels may be produced year-round, project designers can anticipate reduced prices and shorter lead times. Precast offers design freedom to project teams.

Precast concrete panels and tilt-up panels can bear weight, which allows them to efficiently move the weight from the walls, floor, and roof. Usually, load-bearing walls allow you to maximize the internal space in your building by removing the need for extra columns.  

When you contrast precast with tilt-up construction, you'll find that the former is a more resilient building material. Tilt-up panels typically have psi values of about 4,000. In contrast, precast concrete panels have psi levels of at least 5,000 and occasionally more.  As a result, you should anticipate that precast concrete panels will require less ongoing upkeep.

Thermal Efficiency & Insulation

Concrete has a relatively low R-value in the absence of insulation. So, it's important to ensure insulation is involved if the structure being built will be a workplace, school, or other building where people will be working regularly. 

The insulation within the backup wall determines the thermal efficiency of tilt-up construction. This additional phase in the construction process will make walls heavier and thicker. 

With precast construction, thermal efficiency is attained naturally. Wherever it is feasible, precasters can add insulation to wall panels.

Effective thermal efficiency offers long-term savings and a high return on investment. It enables owners to better regulate the temperature for particular items or keep their occupants comfortable. In the end, precast concrete panels have been proven to reduce heating and cooling expenses by up to 25%.

Misconceptions About Precast Construction

Some people worry that masons and other conventional building specialists may lose their employment to precast construction. The truth is that there is a labor shortage at the moment, which makes it challenging to locate enough qualified personnel to finish big projects on time. When precast building materials are used, a construction business can use fewer workers while adhering to budgets, schedules, and quality standards.

There is also a misperception that precast buildings are ugly and uninteresting. On the contrary, precast can have a variety of color treatments, including limestone, brick inlays, and other architectural design elements, making it appear like the "real thing."  Precast can also contain long-lasting architectural elements like window frames and sills. Precast construction is sometimes seen as just a large gray box, but it can also be a creative method to create a beautiful facility while saving money and time. Below are just a few examples of the versatility of precast.

For some, flexibility is an issue as well. Precast construction might not seem to be ideal for future growth at first. This myth emphasizes how crucial it is to collaborate with a construction manager who can help with master plan development. Precast panel systems can be planned with knockout panels and well-placed doors to handle future building expansions. 

Precast Concrete Has Many Benefits Over Tilt-Up Concrete

Site managers and other executives must understand the key distinctions between tilt-up and precast concrete building processes to select the best construction style for their requirements. The advantages of precast concrete buildings make it a better option for many worksites and has the added benefits of increased resilience, versatility, and sustainability compared to tilt-up concrete.

How to Make Your Company Attractive to Job Seekers

Any precast producer will find it challenging to find competent and motivated people in today's competitive labor environment. How can you differentiate your business from the competition and persuade potential hires that you are the right fit? 

The following tips will help you build an attractive business to gain the attention of the applicants you are searching for.

Showcase Your Culture and Values

Offering top applicants a wonderful environment to work in is one of the finest methods to draw them in. A healthy firm culture, sometimes called organizational and corporate culture, engages employees, making them more productive and devoted.

Your company's culture and principles are among the first things job searchers check for when exploring your company's website, social media accounts, or job boards. They are interested in your work environment, team, and mission and how well those things mesh with their objectives and preferences. 

Use genuine stories, testimonies, images, and films that illustrate your accomplishments, difficulties, diversity, and influence to communicate your culture and values effectively.

Focus on Having Great Benefits and Compensation

Your benefits and perk package is another aspect that affects job searchers' choices. What other benefits do you provide to entice and keep talent? 

Most professionals desire more than just collecting a check as compensation for their efforts. Job seekers typically demand additional benefits like medical insurance, PTO, and retirement plans in addition to a competitive salary. They also want to work for organizations that provide benefits like remote or hybrid work options, flexible work schedules, reimbursement for education, and other benefits.

If you're having problems luring job seekers, evaluate your compensation package and see if there are any opportunities to make it better. In a competitive employment market, matching or exceeding today's top performers' high standards is a way to stand out.

Consider flexible work arrangements, chances for learning and growth, health initiatives, recognition and incentives, social gatherings, and any other distinctive or imaginative perks you provide. On your job postings, website, and employer profiles, clearly and prominently display your benefits and perks and explain how they help your employees' well-being, development, and pleasure.

Write Solid Job Descriptions

Jobseekers should be able to discern whether a position is right based on job descriptions, which serve as the initial stage in the applicant screening process. Poor job postings discourage competent individuals from submitting or force you to sift through mountains of unqualified applicants' resumes and applications.

Candidates for jobs go through a lot of advertisements when searching. If you want to get their attention, you need well-written job advertisements that include all of the necessary information, such as the job title, an accurate job description, the qualifications and other prerequisites, working conditions, and pay. 

Be precise. The terms "team player," "self-starter," and "fast-paced environment" should be avoided. Find creative methods to describe the culture of your business and the qualities you are looking for in a recruit.

Don't be hesitant to infuse your job description with personality. Candidates will slog through hundreds of job posts for hours, many of which are identical to one another. In addition to grabbing the attention of active job seekers, one with a witty, upbeat, forward-thinking, and motivational tone can also draw in some of the best passive candidates who are merely browsing after a difficult day.

Give Candidates a Reason To Work For You

Today's job searchers are searching for more than just a paycheck. They want to work for an organization that changes the world for the better while also advancing technology and innovation. Showcase your influence and creativity both internally and publicly to make your organization appealing to job seekers. How do you address issues, add value, and assist your clients and local communities? How do you encourage a culture of innovation, teamwork, and learning? How do you accept innovation and new technology? To show your influence and creativity and to motivate potential applicants to join your vision, use case studies, accolades, publications, and recommendations.

Making Your Precast Company Attractive to Job Seekers Doesn’t Need to be Complicated

You must determine the distinctive qualities your precast business possesses that your target job prospects appreciate if you want to stand out from the competition. Things that are important to prospective workers and are seen favorably by your present staff should be at the forefront of your efforts. By making your company an attractive place to work, you will, in turn, attract the best talent who will stick around for the long term.

Unique Ways Precast Can Be Designed With the Environment In Mind

Modern architectural designs and improved building materials all emphasize sustainability. The words "green building," "energy efficiency," and "environmental friendliness" are sometimes used interchangeably. The use of these current LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) trends is strongly recommended for creating sustainable new buildings. 

However, sustainability does not advocate using the greatest building methods just for the present. Buildings require a long-term vision for their economic, environmental, and social obligations in order to be truly sustainable. By employing environmentally friendly building materials like precast concrete, developers may accomplish this long-term vision of sustainability. 

Designed In Partnership with Renewable or Sustainable Materials

Sustainable materials are often thought of as those materials whose collection, refining, manufacture, and long-term usage have minimum negative effects on the environment in the context of green building, construction, and design. The majority of sustainable materials are from or are entirely made of natural, renewable resources like stone, bamboo, adobe, and the like, but it can also contain recycled materials like plastic.

The benefit of precast is that recycled and natural materials can be integrated into precast components to help with a more sustainable design.  For example, architectural precast panels can be manufactured to have spaces for bamboo paneling accents or even predesigned spaces for greenery that can be added later once the precast components are put in place.  

Precast is a great choice for wall gardens and other forms of vegetation because it can withstand extended amounts of time in or underwater without having its structural integrity compromised.

Finishes can also help precast products be more sustainable in the long term.  Take the LSU Basketball Practice Facility in Baton Rouge, LA. The new facility was north-facing and was expected to face mildew problems.  To combat this, the precast components were sealed with a self-cleaning photocatalytic titanium dioxide admixture, which would help keep the walls clean.  This meant less time and money spent on cleaning but also meant fewer chemicals needed for cleaning, which could run off and seep into the surrounding ground areas.

Designed to Support Sustainability 

Precast can also become a major part of sustainable design by supporting sustainable practices with its construction.  For example, precast components can be used to create rainwater-catching areas for structures to provide not only energy savings but also water savings.  

Another method of designing precast to support sustainability is the use of precast and concrete components in manmade coral reefs.  These reefs are put in place to support local animal populations and replace reefs lost to either natural or manmade disasters.  Because concrete won’t leech chemicals and is similar in structure to natural reefs, ocean wildlife tends to immediately adopt their new precast homes and flourish.

Reduce Urban Island Heat Effect

The heat island effect can be lessened by precast, which can help cities that endure warmer temperatures Additionally, there is a rise in air pollution and the energy needed for cooling systems in these urban areas that suffer from the urban island heat effect. Reflective qualities of concrete can help with this problem. Concrete's light tint reflects more sunlight, which lowers the air's temperature.  It also has thermal mass properties, which help it absorb heat during the day and slowly release it at night, meaning more energy efficiency throughout the day.

The BioInnovation Center in New Orleans, LA is an example of a precast project designed with sustainability in mind.  There are several features that were included in this architectural precast clade building including: Outdoor water feature to capture rainwater to water gardens; More windows designed to reduce solar gain; A building facade that provides more light so less energy is used throughout the day; Facade that also helps with regulating building temperature

Created With Natural and Recycled Materials

Concrete from demolished buildings and other recyclable resources can be used to make precast. This versatile construction material can support both natural and recycled materials within its ingredients during manufacturing.

Natural Materials

Environmental sustainability and precast concrete go hand in hand. The basic minerals used to make concrete are what directly contribute to the sustainability of concrete products. It doesn't employ rare materials that are expensive to buy, tough to work with, or hard to get your hands on.

Several naturally occurring components make up concrete. Limestone, silica, and trace quantities of many compounds are combined to concrete.

Naturally occurring gravel, sand, or rock that has been crushed to a specific size makes up concrete aggregates. Aggregates are excellent for recycling materials like used concrete or glass taken from construction sites or surplus waste from industries. Aggregates are produced from a variety of natural mineral compounds that are mined. 

Recycled Materials

To make room for construction extensions, precast concrete components can be moved or dismantled. Because you're not beginning from scratch, there are fewer resources and energy needed when you're ready to expand, making this a sustainable process. 

In the precast concrete business, downcycling, or dismantling products for restricted reuse, is usual. For instance, a concrete building might be disassembled and repurposed as new aggregate or sub-base. 

95% of the trash produced at a precast concrete company is then recycled to create new panels. Fly ash, slag, and silica fume are examples of materials that might be added to precast concrete as opposed to going into landfills. Precast concrete can also be reinforced and insulated with recycled steel.

Other Ways Precast Helps the Environment

Durable

Concrete actually gets stronger if there are unhydrated cement particles available to react with the water, unlike other building materials that might rust, rot, or otherwise deteriorate when in the presence of moisture.

Long-lasting

Precast concrete is exceptionally strong and resilient, easily withstanding the effects of the elements and even certain natural calamities. Precast concrete is typically intended to endure 50 to 100 years.

Energy Efficient

Precast concrete's thermal mass slowly absorbs and releases heat, reducing the air conditioning and heating loads to enable more compact HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems. To improve thermal efficiency, insulation is frequently utilized in architectural panels and sandwich wall panels, with continuous insulation in walls being a possibility. 

Low Maintenance

Precast concrete requires extremely little maintenance after installation; if left untreated, it only has to be power washed once every 4 to 6 years, while sealed concrete slabs just need to be hosed off occasionally. Precast can sustain prolonged periods of intensive usage without losing its appeal, and some designs even take the precast's ability to weather into account.

Precast Can Be Designed In Unique Ways To Help Support The Environment

Aside from the obvious benefits of precast in terms of durability, versatility, and resilience, it is also one of the best construction materials for designing sustainable buildings and structures.  Its long-lasting nature, paired with its limitless aesthetic options, makes precast an architect’s best friend when it comes to beautifully designed sustainable structures that support the environment.

10 Ways Precast Saves Money

Any project involving the building of concrete will profit financially from using precast concrete. For less money than having concrete cast on-site, you can use precast for roofs, walls, floors, beams, columns, and just about any other feature of a construction.

Here are 10 ways how precast can help you save money on your next construction job. 

Precast saves money by… saving time.

Manufacturers can respond swiftly and cast precast right away for little, big, or medium-sized projects thanks to precast concrete molds. It is a cast in a controlled setting, thus it has less of an impact on the environment than cast on-site concrete does.

It can be challenging to get resources that would enable you to complete your job swiftly when you have an accelerated construction schedule. By enabling quicker casting and fabrication, precast concrete can save construction time. Precast concrete is usually employed in projects that must be finished fast due to their size or complexity (think of bridges and skyscrapers).

Builders and contractors are aware that delays cost money. Precast concrete offers more chances to make concrete before it is needed on site. 

Precast saves money by…  providing energy-savings.

Because precast concrete is such an energy-efficient material, owners and tenants will pay less for heating and cooling in buildings built from it. Additionally, it can lessen waste, environmental effect, and carbon footprint, all of which add up to significant long-term savings.

An important factor in a building's energy efficiency is the materials and construction methods employed. With precast concrete, energy-saving features like recessed windows, vertical fins, and shade can easily be included.

Insulation can be cast into precast concrete, and it can also be added after construction. Concrete efficiently holds warm or cooled air, saving money on energy costs and lowering the building's total energy burden.

Precast saves money by…  being convenient in all climates.

Precast concrete can survive harsh weather without breaking, regardless if you are  in a hot or cold area. Precast concrete doesn't break in adverse weather, which is actually one of its major advantages. This makes it the perfect material to utilize in locations that experience snowfall, hurricanes or other severe weather all year long.
Precast saves money by…  providing stability and strength.

Precast concrete can be utilized in tough situations since it is resilient and sturdy. Concrete is very strong, especially in the face of fire, water, and mold. Termites, wood-boring insects, and other pests are also resistant to it. Precast concrete constructions can survive for decades with no upkeep. Think of structures like the Roman Colosseum! 

Precast saves money by…  being flexible.

Precast concrete is adaptable enough to be utilized in both residential and commercial buildings as well as industrial structures. It was created to speed up and improve the efficiency of construction projects while requiring less manpower than earlier approaches regardless of the structure it was being used in. 

Precast also has aesthetic flexibility. Although concrete is commonly gray or white, there are many other surface treatments, colors, coatings, and particle sizes available. The parts' surface and form are also improved by the precast concrete industry's adaptable molds. Precast concrete forms can be used to make columns, circular pipes, angles, and other dimensional shapes like concave and convex that may have specialized uses or enhance a building's aesthetic appeal.

Precast architectural concrete may serve as the façade of a structure, while its prestressed, precast relative can act as the foundation.

Precast saves money by…  decreasing labor costs.

Compared to brick or stone masonry walls, which may need periodic repair owing to their porous nature, you'll save on labor expenses with precast concrete because it is so simple to build and requires little care over time. 

Precast saves money by…  reducing transport costs.

Traditional concrete takes a large number of people and equipment. This results in increased project costs because of the increase in labor and transportation costs. 

On the other hand, precast concrete can reduce both transportation and production costs. Precast is produced within a manufacturing plant which reduces on site labor. Also the only transportation cost associated with precast is shipping the final components to the job site.

Precast saves money by… requiring less long term maintenance. 

Concrete is a strong, long-lasting substance that can withstand weather, wear, and injury. Precast concrete's capacity to achieve LEED Certification is proof of its sustainability. If a building lasts longer than anticipated, its investment value rises. 

Because prefabricated concrete is simple to maintain, normal usage and wear and tear are less likely to cause harm. Precast concrete used outside doesn't need to be treated to prevent weather deterioration. 

Precast saves money by…  having a simple installation.

Precast may be the best option for owners who need a new building created rapidly by craftsmen who are specialists in their field! The precast approach requires less time than traditional building methods, such as pouring concrete over site-made forms, which results in lower total construction costs and a lower likelihood of delays brought on by inclement weather like rain or snow.

Precast saves money by… ensuring its quality. 

Precast concrete is created in a controlled setting away from the construction site, allowing for quality checks. It combines precise measurements with a productive setting.

To ensure exceptional quality, manufacturers measure the cast and cure. Precast concrete is a higher-quality product that is more cost-effective in the long run than conventional construction products.

Precast Has Many Ways To Save You Money

Owners can save money by using precast concrete in various ways without sacrificing quality. To benefit from the remarkable benefits of precast materials, many designers and builders have already switced to using these components to create long lasting, versatile structures. 

How to Engage Students More Effectively

The second semester of a student's senior year is not the appropriate time to begin developing career-ready students. 

Students should be focused on their future throughout their college career, and precasters can help them with this preparation. By offering valuable resources and engaging content, precasters can help guide the next generation of precast workers to help improve an already weakened workforce.

Guest Speakers

Acting as a guest speaker with extensive expertise from the precast sector to share knowledge with students plays a crucial role in boosting the courses presented in the classroom. They can serve as a useful real-world supplement to lectures, quickening students' overall learning curves. Many academics have noted the advantages of this strategy as they try to encourage students' interest in precast and precast.

Guest speakers from the precast sector have the ability to enlighten students and aid them in understanding the essence of their subject of study, in addition to bringing precast-related issues to life. Guest speakers from the precast sector may help students network and give the company a way to look for employable students who fit their requirements.

Use interactive presentations that allow students to use their cellphones to respond to lecture questions. As a result, you won't have to worry about students becoming sidetracked by their cell phones and can instead employ technology to engage them in a novel and interesting way.

Hosting Site Visits

Students' observation, memorization, and real-world experiences improve when they leave the classroom and visit precast sites because they are exposed to the practical parts of precast education. 

This suggests that field trips to precast manufacturing plants or project sites enhance precast education because they give students a realistic idea of the business and ease the transition from the classroom to the workplace after graduation. As a result, these advantages enable students to take the initiative because they know what to anticipate following graduation.

Additionally, this method offers a captivating, unique, and exciting experience that is impossible during traditional lectures.

Get Involved With Mentorships

Getting involved in local mentorship programs is crucial for interacting with students where they are at. The overall importance of this is to train the next generation of students in your specific field so that there is someone there to take over once you are ready to step aside.  

Mentorship programs give precasters the ability to work one on one with students while helping to spread their expertise to those people who care most about their industry. It is also a great way to build relationships with future members of your industry which may end up being an advantage for both of you.

Connect With College Career Centers

Universities have various resources available to students to help them succeed, including career centers, which help those students prepare for and acquire careers. A great way that precasters can engage with their future workforce is to work directly with these career centers and make themselves valuable assets to them. This can be done by delegating resources to work one-on-one with students who are specifically interested in precast, offering apprenticeships or internships through the career center, and even helping develop materials that can help guide students who are looking for a pathway to a career in precast.

Develop Content In a Variety of Ways

While students are familiar with the standard lecture learning format, it does not necessarily engage or interest students. Precasters can help grab the attention of today’s students by offering them educational materials in various ways.

These content channels can include things such as videos of plant tours or even interactive webpages housed on your website promoting projects you worked on or describing precast concrete curing processes. Visuals always work better than words, so any content that can be created with a visual aspect in mind will draw in more students and help them remember the information easier.

Remember, you want to meet students where they already are, which tends to be either on social media or on their phones. Have beautiful mobile-optimized sites, consider having your marketing department work on videos for Instagram Reels or TikTok, and be ready to embrace modern communication methods to engage better with your young future workforce.

Final Thoughts

In the end, meeting students where they are and offering them a guiding hand to the world of precast is what will help improve the current state of the precast workforce. Students that are exposed to precast early on in their careers will feel more comfortable transitioning into the industry after graduation and become efficient workers more quickly. Precast manufacturers have a great opportunity to shape the next generation of precast workers by getting involved and sharing their extensive expertise!

Urban Mining and Precast

Although mining is filthy, destructive, and bad for the environment, it has long been the only means to obtain the metals and minerals we need on a daily basis. From cellphones to drywall, these materials are employed in a wide range of products, and as world populations rise, so does their consumption.

Source: The Hustle

Since many years ago, our continuous reliance on non-renewable resources has been a contentious topic, with business executives claiming that contemporary society simply could not run without these activities and environmentalists stressing our apparently insatiable need for damaging resource collecting. Non-renewable resources are precisely what they sound like—a wellspring that will eventually run dry.

A range of intriguing ideas has been put up to deal with the trash that already exists in an effort to recover part of the resources and embodied energy that went into creating 21st-century items. Urban mining is one of these practices; it tries to physically remove trash from landfills and recover non-renewable minerals for recycling and reuse.

The largest and most important aspect of any urban mine is the architecture and infrastructure that surrounds us. Concrete also makes up a significant portion of construction demolition materials globally since it is the most often utilized building material. Fortunately, concrete can be recycled indefinitely, making it a viable long-term substitute for mining virgin resources.

What is Urban Mining

Recovering raw materials from waste items that are dumped in landfills is a practice known as urban mining. Conceptually, it uses anthropogenic stocks rather than geological ones to satisfy industrial demands, viewing the trash produced by cities and urban environs as a useful resource.

It has been used more broadly for the recovery and monetization of any materials from any waste stream, though most people might recognize it as the recovery of metals from e-waste.

• Construction Waste: Recovered materials from construction and demolition waste include wood, paper, cardboard, rubber, and metals.

• Municipal Solid Waste: General recovery ranges from recycling metals and plastics to making commercial compost for sale. Also includes the recycling of metal and rubber from tires and other rubber goods.

• E-waste: Electronics utilize a variety of metals that may be recycled with high rates of recovery, including some precious metals like gold, silver, and palladium.

How Does Urban Mining Work

Urban mining shortens supply chains because the resources are frequently found closer to manufacturing locations than normal quarries. As a result, less carbon emissions are produced during building.

Presorting is the first step in the complicated processing of recovered materials. Next, single- or double-stage crushing, the separation of reinforcement using magnetic separators, and occasionally sifting for separating light components follow. Sieving is the final step in the storing process.

Even with all of this, the material may still be too heterogeneous for use in buildings, in which case more advanced machinery, including sensor-based sorting systems, can be employed.

In order to create better with less and new from old, the material that was mined is recycled back into the built environment as construction material, aiding in the preservation of the world's finite resources.

While most urban mining projects utilize demolition to collect resources from abandoned structures swiftly, this method makes it impossible to separate material streams and prevents the salvaging of entire building components. Deconstruction, which is the selective dismantling and removal of materials from structures, is a more effective approach that preserves the original worth of architectural components. This adheres to the principles of the circular economy and enables construction components to be retained as near to their completed condition as feasible. 

Urban Mining and Sustainability

Urban mining reuses resources and goods, reducing the need for new materials and products and related energy use and carbon emissions. This is equivalent to using one product rather than two. This lessens needless manufacturing and promotes the effective use of already-available resources, helping projects cut costs and save time. 

Therefore, widely adopting urban mining may significantly lower production cycle emissions and unconstrained resource use. 

Stone and sand must be mined before they can be used to make concrete for a structure. They are joined together by cement, which is formed of clay, silica, limestone, and other natural materials. Steel, which takes energy and produces CO2, is used to support concrete. Iron ore mining also contributes to air and water pollution. Then, these materials are used to make more sophisticated components. 

Each stage requires time, energy, effort, emissions, and labor expenses associated with production, transportation, and labor costs, all of which have an effect on the environment. In light of this, every production stage—from extraction through manufacture and assembly—increases the cost of a building product. When we take the time to deconstruct structures and repurpose things for their original (or an even greater purpose), this extra value accumulates in a product that is now in a building that is made from recycled materials. 

Why Urban Mining Is Not More Common

The built environment is not currently being constructed or maintained using secondary materials by the construction industry. Logistics, the desire for recycled resources, and performance perceptions are the obstacles to expanding urban mining. The biggest obstacle to overcome is the lack of knowledge about the resources that may be harvested and their potential worth for reuse. 

The frontline players (developers, architects, contractors, and governments) in cities worldwide can be mobilized to grab the circular opportunities in the urban mining once the insights and benefits of this practice are made more widely available. 

Key Takeaway

For us to function within more sustainable bounds, our supply chains must be more robust, and our waste-intensive behaviors must be reduced. Particularly, the built environment needs to be made to be far more sustainable.

For cities and regions, the initial stage is to merely map out all the important resources that are present there. All we have to do is start digging to find the urban mine that can support our future construction efforts.

Why Precast Fits With Architects

Many sectors favor precast concrete manufacturing because of its many advantages. Precast concrete has a very broad and profound impact on these businesses and those working there. 

Architects and designers must anticipate and prepare for construction efficiency throughout the drafting process. Governmental, local, and environmental rules frequently limit their options.

Precast concrete components are used frequently when building new infrastructure projects, and their ability to adapt is only one of the reasons why. They also require little to no maintenance and are long-lasting and dependable.

Architectural Precast and Versatility

Architectural precast concrete can be used in any structure style as a masonry structural element for feature trim, decoration, cladding, veneer, or face. Precast concrete panels are manufactured under regulated conditions to provide high-performance architectural materials. 

Color and Form

Precast concrete has exceptional visual versatility, allowing for the creation of intricate designs, patterns, and a wide range of colors and textures. Precast can replicate natural materials or be veneered with them, keeping all of their beauty while providing speed, durability, and various additional benefits.

Architects can create any appearance for walls and fences because of precast concrete's ability to precisely replicate the textures of different materials. Whether architects want the rocky look of chiseled slate, the cozy feel of brick masonry, or the organic feel of wood, precast can bring it to them in just a portion of the time and at a fraction of the cost.

Formliners

Concrete's flexibility enables creativity and individuality to be exhibited in the surface textures, patterns, and forms by casting against various types of form liners. A large pattern can offer constantly changing features due to the interaction of light and shadow. Precast with a delicate texture will have a subdued yet interesting look. Additionally, tiny imperfections typically visible on a smooth as-cast surface can be hidden by surfaces with form liner roughness, giving the surface an even look. With precast concrete, the options for combination finishes combining one or more core finishing processes with form liners are essentially endless.

Whole Foods Market
Lexington, KY

The actual wood siding from the barns present on the project site was salvaged during demolition before the construction of Whole Foods Market and used elsewhere in the development as accents. The implication is that the same wood was used to form the precast panels used for The Grocer, giving the exterior a similar texture, grain, and pattern.

Weathering

Architecture should consider weathering or how a structure's appearance changes over time. It is impossible to ignore the effects of weathering on exposed surfaces. The visual attractiveness of a structure can be enhanced, diminished, or unaffected by weathering. The last measure of the influence of weathering is how much it changes a building's original look and distorts the original intention of its designer through streaks or shading. Precast is an excellent material to use in situations where weathering will occur and can be added to the design beforehand.

Historical Matching

Precast is a low-cost solution for adding antique facade elements to even modestly funded structures. Precast manufacturers can imitate stone and brick and difficult-to-find or out-of-production materials to communicate historical context on a budget.

St. George Catholic Church
Baton Rouge, LA

To achieve St. George Catholic Church’s design goals, the design team used a proprietary finishing technique to achieve the look of a 100-year-old aged limestone block. Form liners were also used to increase the randomness of the brick to look hand laid.

Architectural Precast and Efficiency

It is possible to efficiently integrate continuous vapor retarder, continuous air barriers, and continuous insulation into one precast concrete panel. Additionally, a panel might have several finishes. As a result, the hazard associated with improperly installing these crucial building enclosure components is diminished, as well as the complexity of the design and detailing. 

Precast concrete also reduces the potential of modification orders due to inclement weather and saves time and money. It comes to the installation location ready to go and doesn't require cover from the elements, including the sun, wind, rain, or snow. Precast concrete, which is made offsite to minimize interruption to the project site and enhance quality, is one of the fastest building methods now available.

The weather-tight enclosures of precast wall panels provide the finest mold and mildew resistance. They are extremely impact and explosion resistant for the greatest level of security because of their superior structural strength. These wall panel solutions are the greatest choice for meeting long-term building demands because of their durability.

Architectural Precast Offers Unlimited Aesthetics

Due to its extraordinary aesthetic and structural variety, short construction time, and durability, precast concrete architectural facades have gained widespread recognition among architects for more than 50 years. No other material provides as many different shapes, colors, and textures in addition to providing weatherproofing, fire protection, sound insulation, high durability, and rapid enclosure.

McNeese State University Health and Human Performance

Lake Charles, LA

Precast concrete insulated panels helped decrease costs while providing both the exterior and interior surfaces for McNeese State University. The team took the design one step further and embedded terra cotta tiles into the precast wall panels. Using precast as the cornerstone of the building enabled the team to align all of the façade elements and, ultimately, created the best chance for the building to withstand a catastrophic event.

Precast provides a variety of aesthetic possibilities, whether the structure has to stand out from other structures or blend in with the surroundings. Precast is readily accessible in practically any color, form, and texture, and it may replicate, embed, or veneer traditional materials. It can include various finishes into a single precast panel without extra detailing or flashing, which saves more time and money.

The Stack Deep Ellum Mixed Use
Dallas, TX

The building’s lower volume blends with Deep Ellum’s historic neighborhood and shows respect for the neighborhood’s history of brick-and-mortar architecture, while the upper volume aesthetically expresses the goal of creating an innovative office model for the future with its modern aesthetic and visual prioritization of outdoor amenity spaces for the building’s occupants.

Key Takeaways

Architectural precast, panels, vaults, and other elements contribute to a diverse, practical palette, whether it is through fire resistance, green building regulations, office buildings with earth tones, exposed aggregate, or other instances of aesthetic diversity. Precasters can and should collaborate with those in the architectural sector to make their aspirations a reality using precast.

9 Ways for Keeping Precast Employees Happy

For a precast manufacturer to succeed, its employees must be happy. However, popular methods for increasing happiness are out-of-date. The secret to happiness is no longer getting raises and bonuses. 

Employee engagement, essential to keeping your best performers and achieving consistent results, includes a large portion of employee satisfaction. Precasters and managers can implement regulations, provide benefits, and create a business culture that promotes employee well-being and increases productivity to increase employee retention rates. Everyone benefits when workers can maintain a healthy work-life balance and pursue fulfilling careers. 

Why Is Employee Satisfaction Important?

The key to your company's success is focusing on your employees. Employees that are satisfied with their jobs experience a sense of pride and success, which results in liking what they do. Because it helps individuals feel happy, reduces stress, and increases productivity, this sense of purpose creates a positive feedback loop.

Your workers' decisions might be significantly impacted by their work satisfaction. Employees that are stressed out can be more disorganized and likely to take more risks than those who are happy with their jobs.

Unhappy employees are far more likely to quit your business in search of new employment, sometimes with a rival. Faster staff turnover puts an undue burden on your business. It makes you concentrate on recruiting new employees rather than on your current workforce.

9 Ways for Keeping Your Employees Happy

Invest In Your Employees

Employees can gain the skills they need to excel at their job via personal and professional development. When precasters invest in their staff, engagement rates rise. The more talents a worker has, the more driven they'll be to work hard, especially if they sense support from their employers.

Employer Feedback Is Important

Getting feedback is a crucial component of career growth. Positive feedback is encouraging for workers, and talented, highly motivated workers contribute to two times the rise in sales and profit margins.

Create Growth Opportunity

Simply put, a precast manufacturer investing in employees' professional development will likely keep them on board. Provide them with development opportunities, such as online courses and access to tools, to assist them in building the skills they'll need to advance in the organization.

Make Work-Life Balance A Priority

Work-life balance is a critical factor in how content employees are at work. Although it's a bit of a buzzword now, work-life balance is still crucial to any productive precast plant. Allowing more flexibility will lessen general stress and help guard against workplace burnout.

Establish Career Mobility

Employees need opportunities for professional advancement to feel motivated, effective, and secure. When there is no direction in their careers, it can be hard for employees to feel like they are working for anything. Career advancement and upward mobility are essential stepping stones. It gives workers the emotional space to take bigger chances, propose novel ideas, solicit assistance, and hone their abilities.

Create A Positive Workplace

Creating a happy work atmosphere might be challenging for precasters, but creating one that motivates people is more important than ever! Positive work environments are frequently mentioned as one of the most appealing aspects for employees. Although there are many factors that go into creating a positive work environment, openness and open communication are crucial to preventing problems from worsening and negative attitudes from rising. Creating a workplace where employees feel free to discuss anything and air their grievances publicly requires a transparent work environment.

Recognize and Reward Employees for Their Efforts

A simple "thank you" or positive comment can mean a lot. Managers don't always understand that praising an employee for their efforts or accomplishments doesn't necessarily require making a massive show of it. But regardless of the size of the award, honoring workers for their achievement in closing deals or finishing a crucial project significantly impacts how they feel about their jobs and their company. Employees feel secure and respected when their managers and leaders recognize their diligent work and the energy and dedication that contributed to their successes.

Offer Numerous Advantages

One of the most successful ways to keep employees satisfied is through benefits. It goes without saying that when workers feel cared for by their employers, they are far more likely to feel content and productive. You can consult with your staff to create a complete benefits plan that genuinely meets your employees' requirements. It's essential to determine exactly what each employee needs—and how you can best support them—whether providing them additional maternity or paternity leave or giving them the day off on their birthday. 

Be An Advocate For Innovation

Employees are willing to be productive daily when they believe they have room to progress. Allow employees the time and space they need to pick up new skills and master new processes.  Create a framework to assist people in presenting their novel ideas and establish a follow-through procedure. Once an idea has been accepted, put it into practice as quickly as possible, and give credit to the person who created it. 

How to gauge employee contentment

Employee satisfaction measurement is a challenging endeavor. However, you can constantly monitor your staff's happiness if you have the correct procedures. 

• An excellent approach to learning about employee attitudes is through surveys. Leaders can comprehend the overall picture of employee satisfaction at all stages of their employment by using surveys such as pulse, engagement, and lifecycle surveys. 

• Tools for people analytics provide executives with the knowledge they need to make better personnel choices. These solutions enable managers to see employee satisfaction in one location and at a glance. 

• Platforms for employee feedback streamline your listening activities. Asking for feedback with an efficient method might help you determine whether or not your staff are content in their positions. 

• One-on-one meetings keep managers and staff on the same page. Using a simplified one-on-one technique, you can conduct talks that bring discontent to the surface.

Conclusion

Employee satisfaction is one of the most crucial elements in running a successful, profitable precast plant. Content and engaged workers are likely to take fewer sick days, perform better, and encourage business innovation. Employee turnover is significantly reduced, and corporate earnings are substantially higher when workers are content, devoted, and engaged.

How is Precast Transported to the Job Site

Concrete is cast in a reusable mold or form to create precast concrete, a durable and versatile building material. It is incredibly heavy and frequently used to construct roads, bridges, and other substantial constructions. Thus, it is critical to securely transport these oddly shaped structures from point A to point B.

Fresh Concrete vs. Precast Concrete Transportation

Transporting precast concrete panels or any precast concrete item differs significantly from carrying fresh concrete in several ways. Special concrete transport vehicles are used to move site-cast concrete from one location to another (in-transit mixers). These devices were created to mix concrete while it is being transported to the construction site.

Precast concrete panel transportation, however, is rather different. Precast concrete must be moved from the manufacturing yard to the job site using large, strong trucks and heavy lifting equipment since it is brought to construction sites ready to be erected.

It's crucial to ensure precast concrete is completely cured before transferring it since transportation might put the product under stress. Otherwise, it could break if raised or moved too soon. When the goods are prepared for shipping, the relevant experts will have a mechanism for scheduling and identifying that readiness.

How Do Precast Manufacturers Transport Precast?

To get precast to a job site in one piece it is moved from the plant to the yard, the yard to the truck, and the truck to the site to be transported. Precasters must adhere to best practices to maintain the product's quality throughout the various phases of transportation. Before any movement begins, a manufacturer must ensure the items are strong enough to be transported before transporting them from the yard to the truck.

Before Transportation

Several procedures must be completed before a building may be placed onto a truck for transport. Quality Control must first examine the product to ensure it is finished and does not require extra work. Quality Control will notify the project manager after the product has been examined and certified by Quality Control as ready for shipping. The project manager will then inform the transportation manager.

Delivery Tickets

The transportation manager will have several tasks to do before the product is shipped after they are alerted that it is ready to ship. The first step is to draft a delivery ticket. The shipping date, the trucking firm that will transport the goods, the load number, the site's contact information, and the ticket number will all be listed on the delivery ticket. It will also include the salesperson's name and the client's purchase order number. The delivery ticket will also include information regarding the structure itself, such as its weight, the requirements for the crane, and the rigger's contact information.

Transportation Company Coordination

The factory's transportation manager will also contact the shipping firm to inform them what vehicle will be required to deliver the precast building. Smaller constructions could be simpler to transport than larger ones requiring many trucks or bigger trailers to handle their size and weight. Permits are required for structures wider than 8 feet 6 inches. A permit and an escort are required for structures wider than 14 feet. Permits and two escorts are needed for structures wider than 16 feet. A weight permit is also required for precast constructions that weigh more than a specific amount.

Plant to Yard

Embedded lifters or forklifts will transport the concrete to where it will stay until it is required on a project site once the concrete has been poured at the factory and is prepared to be carried to the yard for storage. Precast processes that are effective and profitable turn forms at least once, occasionally twice, every 24 hours. This procedure is risky since the concrete won't reach its full strength for another 28 days after it is cast. To prevent damage to the machine or the precast concrete, lift operators carefully choose the proper lifting inserts for the transfer.

Yard to Truck

Precast concrete must be carefully loaded onto and affixed to a multi-axle flatbed trailer when transported to a project site. The precast concrete has now had enough time to harden fully, reducing the likelihood of breaking. However, extreme caution must still be used to prevent any problems. The final product can be designed to resist spalling and cracking using enhanced aggregate-cement bonding. A lifting mechanism that is incorporated facilitates this.

This is a precasters final chance to confirm that the precast is suitable for handling by contractors. Many precast manufacturers employ forklifts or specialized hydraulic clamps to move items throughout the factory or yard. To raise objects, the contractor will often utilize one of three methods: embedded lifting devices with the appropriate connection hardware, lift holes with lifting pins, or embedded lifting cables and chains with hooks. If the contractor lifts something differently than the plant does, there can be problems in the field.

The precast concrete is next examined to ensure it is securely fixed to the trailer and will not likely create any problems when the material is being transported.

Truck to Job Site

If you've ever operated a vehicle larger than a minivan, you know that driving a massive vehicle entails a completely other set of safety precautions. Imagine a vehicle hauling tons of precast concrete on a multi-axle flatbed trailer – not a simple job. The driver must be extremely cautious and well-versed in concrete transportation to prevent a tragedy.

The driver is essential to guarantee that the goods reach the job site intact. The driver needs to be knowledgeable. Whether the precaster or a third-party business employs the driver, they must be taught the fundamentals of lifting and handling concrete loads and familiar with the DOT regulations for safe load tying down. A knowledgeable and experienced driver might advise the contractor on correct handling and could tell the precast firm if they saw improper on-site product handling.

Final Thoughts

Transporting precast concrete products involves three separate movements, each with unique concerns and difficulties that must be examined and resolved to provide the highest-quality precast concrete product to the construction site. Transport best practices revolve around knowledge of what is necessary and ongoing training, much like most precast production-related factors. Precast concrete shipment is made simple by coordinated efforts and open communication.

Precast and the Design Assist Process

The term "design assist" currently refers to a recent tendency toward early integration of the design/build process. This method was initially applied when the design team, contractors, and owner worked together early in the design phase to include environmental goals in project planning. It was immediately determined that the advantage of this method is its capacity to adapt to clients' increasing needs for projects to be delivered more rapidly, sustainably, and uniformly, with less danger of price increase. To meet these requirements, the building crew must work closely and quickly together.

How the Process Works

When a design team engages a precaster for "design assist," they typically intend to procure precast concrete early in the design process to take advantage of the precaster's knowledge and recommendations to choose the most effective techniques, sizes, finishes, etc. and maximize efficiency across the project.

Design assist is the contemporary trend toward adopting the design/build delivery technique. This is shown to improve processes often by utilizing the collective experience of all participants. It can inspire better solutions for achieving expedited timelines, lowering risk, and preventing price increases.

Preliminary Design

To start the design assist process, the project team creates a preliminary plan, including drawings of the building's sections, elevations, typical wall sections, floor plans, special loading information, occupied areas, and outline requirements. The precast can then use those materials to create a comprehensive estimate with a guaranteed scope and timeline.

Design Phase

After multiple design sessions, these ideas are examined and modified to determine the most effective design that satisfies the owner's requirements while producing precast concrete components. The precaster’s project management team members, such as their project manager or engineer, often attend the meetings. When required, a precast can also offer estimation services, suggestions, and counsel for precast design, fabrication of the components, erection methods and schedules, and transporting.

Finalization

The contract amount and timeline are modified to reflect any deviations from the initial scope of work after design development is complete. To guarantee that the project budget and construction schedule are preserved, these modifications occur early in the process.

The precaster in this process becomes a more active participant in counseling the architect and engineer of record rather than taking their place. The building's structural layout and conceptual design remain under the purview of the architect and engineer. The precaster uses their unique experience and efficiency to affordably achieve these objectives. This might entail value-engineering some structure elements or just creating the proper timetable.

Consider taking PCI's free eLearning course, Efficient Design Assist, to learn more about how the design assist process works with precast. This online course will discuss the importance of adding precasters to the team earlier in the construction process, discuss the best way to use precasters to assist the project delivery team, and cover how evolving design roles are shaping the future of the concrete industry.

Benefits of Design Assist Process

Precasters provide in-depth knowledge that enables technical breakthroughs and scheduling improvements that speed up design development, improve aesthetics, and keep costs under control from the initial concept to project completion. Each part may be constructed as inexpensively as feasible using the precast concrete's built-in performance qualities. The precaster will be able to offer design and detailed recommendations to guarantee that the highest level of effectiveness is attained at the lowest possible cost of erection. The end product should be an operationally effective and aesthetically beautiful enclosure that meets or exceeds the project's requirements.

A predetermined schedule and a defined cost for the precast work are two of the method's main advantages. Based on the general information provided by the owner's design team, precasters will use their experience and expertise to create a guaranteed design assist proposal that can include a detailed scope description, preliminary drawings, a Gantt chart schedule, erection logistics, or other specific project information.

The following are additional advantages of the design-assist method:

• Saving time and money by developing concrete mixes and finishes beforehand rather than waiting until after the bid and award process to approve samples

• The budget is continually monitored so that new pricing information can be supplied

• Value-engineering ideas that use precast concrete's benefits are suggested as soon as possible to cut costs

• Providing guidance on-site logistics and constructability challenges

• Taking part in the creation of a detailed project schedule

• Shortened lead times thanks to an early agreement among all parties

Architectural precasters can review PCI’s free Designer Notebook on Architectural Precasters’ Design Assist Role and how it can benefit all sized projects here.

Key Takeaways

The process of design assist can help save a lot of time, money, and revisions. It helps to guarantee that the owner receives the project without unexpected delays or overruns, on schedule, and within budget.

Workforce Development: Employee Lifecycle

The employee lifecycle is an organizational technique that illustrates how employees interact with the firm they work for. The whole period that an employee spends working for a firm is divided into seven stages by the employee lifecycle:

• Attraction

• Recruitment

• Onboarding

• Development

• Retention

• Separation

• Advocacy 

Knowing what each stage of your employees' experience should bring during their time at your precast company will help enhance their overall experience and keep more employees on longer.

Attraction

Attraction is the initial phase of the employee lifecycle. This is a reference to a company's recruitment strategy. A business must comprehend its strategy for luring top people. A firm has to define goals for what it wants to be renowned for and how it will differentiate itself from competitors before it can comprehend how to recruit talent. Business attractiveness factors include brand recognition, company culture, and perks and benefits.

This phase of the model is crucial since prospects will choose here whether or not they find you appealing as a possible employer. You won't be likely to draw the ideal people to assist your business expansion if you don't make a solid first impression.

Focusing on developing your brand and reputation is the greatest strategy to enhance this early stage of the employee life cycle model. Your brand will gain an outstanding reputation if you have a culture that values employee growth and innovation.

What Precast Manufacturers Can Do to Improve Attraction

The younger generation of precast laborers and designers will ultimately be looking for companies that are innovative in their fields. Showing off new technologies or processes to potential employees will show them that you are always at the forefront of industry practices.

To gain their attention, it is also essential to be where your potential employees are. Make sure you have a solid online presence on various social media platforms to share your business and what an employee can expect to be doing. You don't need to follow TikTok trends, but showing how unique the precast manufacturing process is and the results can get the right people interested in a job with your company.

Recruitment

Recruitment is the next phase of the employee life cycle. This is crucial regardless of whether you handle the hiring process manually or using software. This is so that they will always have a positive impression of your business based on how you treat them during this process, even if they don't get the job.

A precast company must have a recruiting plan after attracting individuals to its business. They must consider the type of individuals they wish to hire and the process for doing so.

A potential employee will become more acquainted with your business culture and the position's requirements throughout the recruiting phase. When seeking competent individuals, weigh the advantages of employing your network and current workers vs external agencies.

What Precast Manufacturers Can Do to Improve Recruitment

Precasters can help future employees during recruitment by making the process as streamlined and straightforward as possible. Make sure to have your job listings on your website and places like Indeed or LinkedIn where people might be looking for them. And make sure to take down those listings too, once you hire someone.

Social media can also be a great place to show off your business and help with recruiting. Consider doing short videos of your current employees speaking highly about the company and then mentioning where people can apply for the same job.

Onboarding

Onboarding and orientation are the following phases in the life cycle of a new employee once you have hired them. The primary goal of this phase is to assist new workers in comprehending and assimilating your organizational culture.

Ensure you provide enough details at this phase so that recruits know your organization's objectives, philosophies, and values. Additionally, you want them to be aware of their role in developing your company.

The new employee needs to know when their first day is, what to expect from that day and week, what sort of training they can expect, what their responsibilities will be, and what documentation has to be finished before they start working. Surprisingly, 60% of workers decide whether or not to stay with a firm after their first day. Doing this correctly may give new hires the impression that they can leave their stamp on the company.

What Precast Manufacturers Can Do to Improve Onboarding

Precasters can help their employees with the onboarding process by having new employees complete as much of the paperwork everyone hates before they even step foot into the plant. That way, the first day can be about the job, not the forms.

Letting your precast employees get hands on the first day in a safe and controlled manner can be a great way to show them why working for you is the right choice. Show off the projects you have completed, the precast components you are working on, and teach them how their efforts in the plant translate into the larger picture.  

Retention

The goal of retention is to keep workers on board with the business. The results of your effort from the four earlier phases are seen at this point. A precast plant is more likely to keep employees if it performs an excellent job of attracting, hiring, onboarding, and developing talent.

Attrition among employees is a regular aspect of managing a company. However, you should take action to keep your top achievers. It's critical to comprehend at this point what stops employees from quitting. That entails paying attention to their feedback, giving them the tools to enhance how they complete their tasks, keeping them interested, and making sure they feel at ease with their daily routine.

The easiest method to do this is through a rewards and recognition program. Building a loving and encouraging culture is also vital to promote employee engagement and happiness.

What Precast Manufacturers Can Do to Improve Retention

Keeping employees is much easier than higher new ones for your precast plant. Not all employees will want to move through the ranks, but you should have options available for those willing to put in the hard work with a clear path they can follow to achieve that with your company.  

Also, regular feedback is important from your workers. Think about giving them an outlet, anonymously if needed, to provide constructive feedback and ensure your management is willing to listen and make changes when legitimate claims are made. An employee who offers a suggestion that is then acted upon will feel much more connected to an organization than one who is ignored.

Development

While some employees are content to work in the same position for a long time, others are driven to advance their careers within the company.

You want to assist your staff in this skill development phase so they can do their jobs more effectively. You also should show your employees that they have a defined career path, whatever that looks like, so they won’t be pushed to look for work at another company to achieve their career goals.

Employees desire challenges and the chance to advance in their professions. Employee career development should be outlined in detail by the employer. While an employee's self-motivation may contribute to some development, a business should provide possibilities for growth.

• Discuss goals regularly with personnel.

• Evaluate the knowledge and abilities of each employee.

• Frequently offer possibilities for training.

• Encourage external learning and honor staff who pursue independent study.

• Get your supervisors to work one-on-one with staff to assist them in prioritizing the areas that need improvement.

• Encourage the team members to take ownership of their growth.

What Precast Manufacturers Can Do to Improve Development

Consider offering classes through your company or offering to pay employees that take classes that will directly improve the job skills they are currently doing. PCI has a wide variety of free eLearning courses and several other online options your employees can look at.

For employees looking to move up in your organization, offer them a pathway and provide mentors within your organization to help guide them through the process. Also, think about training managers to notice employees who have potential and point that potential out to them.

Separation

Employees should, ideally, depart your organization with good feelings and desires for their coworkers. Take the time to comprehend the employee's reasons for leaving and solicit honest input on what you can do to improve the workplace if you want to boost your future outcomes. Regardless of the reason for leaving, it's critical to make this last stage enjoyable. Apart from anything else, it affects your other staff members when a team member quits.

What Precast Manufacturers Can Do to Improve Separation

No one likes to lose an employee, but precasters who have employees leaving should consider, just like any other company, how to make that experience positive. The standard offboarding procedures should be completed, but afterward, consider having a get-together to celebrate your employee leaving for better things and showcase all they accomplished with your organization.

It is also a good idea to ask your employee for feedback and ask if you can get a written or video testimonial of their experience working with your company before leaving. These can be used later for helping with recruiting new employees.

Advocacy

Even after leaving a firm, employees can still be helpful ambassadors for the employer brand. Employees are far more likely to suggest a company to friends or acquaintances seeking a job if they have had a positive experience there, especially when it comes time to depart. The brand might be harmed, and future hiring attempts could be less successful if, on the other side, an employee's leave experience was less than ideal.

Even if they are no longer your workers, try to consider them brand evangelists. If it suits your culture, consider sending them holiday cards or emails, inviting them to more company events, or getting in touch with them when you're looking for new positions to see if they know anybody.

What Precast Manufacturers Can Do to Improve Advocacy

Consider taking advantage of those employees that left your precast company but loved working there. When you have job openings, send them an email or LinkedIn message with the job posting to send to others. You can even consider offering an incentive if you hire someone they suggest.

If you are attending job fairs, consider inviting previous employees who can tell future ones how much they enjoyed working for you and what they can expect.