A) Pre-cast is more economical when many identical members are to be cast because the same forms can be used

many times.In addition to economical. Pre-cast concrete has other advantages over cast in place concrete. List TEN ( 10) Advantages of pre-cast concrete ( 10 Marks ) 1. Very rapid speed of erection 2. Since precast is manufactured in a controlled casting environment it is easier to control the mix, placement, and curing 3. Quality can be controlled and monitored much more easily 4. Since a precaster can buy materials for multiple projects, quantity discounts can lower costs 5. Weather is eliminated as a factoryou can cast in any weather and get the same results, which allows you to perfect mixes and methods 6. Less labor is required and that labor can be less skilled 7. On site, precast can be installed immediately, there is no waiting for it to gain strength and the modularity of precast products makes installation go quickly 8. Repeatabilityit's easy to make many copies of the same precast product; by maximizing repetition, you can get plenty of value from a mold and a set-up 9. Accelerated curing, by heating the precast parts, greatly increases strength gain, reducing the time between casting the part and putting it into service 10. With the ability to so tightly control the process, from materials to consolidation to curing, you can get extremely durable concrete 11. Opportunities for good architecture as almost every building can be adapted to the requirements of the builder or the architect. 12. Fire resistant construction of 60 to 120 minutes and more

B) State the method for framework preparation of pre-cast

concrete ( 20 Marks) 1. Precast concrete frame Precast concrete frames involve an entire structure being fabricated off-site. In addition, structural components can be supplied for incorporation into a structure on-site. Frames can simultaneously achieve both structural and decorative design requirements a wide variety of mixes, colours and finishes can be accommodated. Architecturally-finished precast structures can be left exposed to exploit concretes high thermal capacity in a buildings green energy management system. Process Precast concrete frames are cast in the same way as precast concrete cladding, but as they are designed as structural elements have heavier reinforcement than is required for nonstructural cladding. Elegant connections are required between columns and beams to transfer considerable forces without adversely affecting the visual appearance of the frame. Benefits Precast concrete frames

 Enable faster programme times not affected by weather or labour shortages. Improve buildability structure is fabricated off-site for rapid erection on-site Produce a high standard of workmanship in factory conditions reduces potential for accidents, addresses on-site skill shortage. Have a high quality finish that can be left exposed concretes thermal properties can be exploited in low-energy buildings.

2. Precast concrete wall Precast wall are used for internal & external walls, lift shafts, central cores ect. Precast wall system are mostly used in domestic construction, both for individual housing & for apartments. The solution can be considered as the industrialized from of cast in-situ walls or classical brick or block masonry walls. The precast walls can be load bearing or only partition walls. The surface of the elements is smooth on both sides & ready for painting or wall papering. Precast walls offer the advantage of speed of construction, smooth surface finishing, acoustic insulation & fire resistace.

3. Precast concrete Floor i. Hollow core floors ii. Ribbed floors iii. Concrete roof elements iv. Massive slab floors The principle advantages of precast floors are speed of construction, absence of scaffolding, large variety of types, large span capacity, & economy.

 Precats floors can also be classified according to their manufacture into totally & partially precast floors. Totally precast floors are composed of units, which are totally cast at the plant. After erection, the units are connected to the structure & the longitudinal joints are grouted.In some cases a cast in-situ structural topping screed is added. Partially precast floors are composed of a precast part & a cast in-situ part. Both parts are working together at the final stage to achieve the composite structural capacity. The main totally precast floor & roof types are described hereafter.

Precast forms are normally made of either steel or plywood. A large number of castings in forms is typical in the production of precast concrete elements in plants with savings of raw materials.

Plywood form use is limited to about 20 to 50 castings depending upon the complexity, maintenance and shape of the form. Standardized elements cast in steel forms are one step towards sustainable production. An unlimited number of castings can be made by precasting using steel forms. Standardization of precast products will save cost. Attempts by the precast industry to standardize precast cross sections are designed to save costs and increase market share by getting the maximum number of casts out of every form.