An efficient building will deliver high performance for many years.

PCI Certified precast, prestressed concrete delivers efficiency to projects in many different ways. From the plant, to the jobsite, to long-term performance of the building, high-performance precast provides a variety of advantages in both the construction and operating phases of a building.

Construction Phase
Precast is material efficient. Because it is produced in controlled conditions in plants with high levels of quality assurance, there is very little waste. 

Precast is site efficient. The components are produced offsite and arrive ready to install, so there is no need for staging or storage on the site. It does not generate jobsite waste, and is great for projects in tight urban sites.

Precast is schedule efficient. Because the components arrive complete and ready to install, it goes up very quickly, generally with one crane and minimal crew. Precast erection can take place in almost any weather conditions, and the building can be enclosed quickly. Oftentimes, months can be saved from a project schedule by selecting precast. 

Operating Phase
Precast can make major contributions to the overall energy efficiency of a building. 

High performing, energy efficient buildings need to manage heat, air and moisture in during their operating phase. Precast, prestressed concrete a face-sealed, or barrier system. The low water/cementitious ratio, low-permeability, high-strength concrete easily resists bulk rain water and moisture ingress. 

Precast concrete is also an air barrier with no measurable leakage, that meets 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) requirements for continuous air barriers. The IECC defines a vapor retarder as a material with a perm rating of 1 or less. Precast concrete meets this requirement at 3 inches or greater in thickness. Adding at least 1 inch of XPS insulation makes a precast wall a vapor barrier.

Most precast systems provides continuous, edge-to-edge insulation, and are easily scalable to allow for different insulation thicknesses as required by code. Other systems, such as cavity walls, are often more difficult to adjust.

Insulated precast sandwich wall panels can also take advantage of the thermal mass effect to increase their thermal performance. Thermal mass is the property in concrete that causes it to act like something of a heat battery. Thermal energy moves slowly through concrete and releases off peak hours. Shifting these peak loads can result in as much as a 25 percent reduction in heating and cooling costs. Learn more about thermal mass here. 

Discover more about how precast builds efficiently here. 

       
   

Case Studies: 

 

   

 

To learn more about efficient precast, prestressed concrete, schedule a CEU presentation today.  

Courses that address efficiency include:

Click on the class name below to learn more.

Level 1 – Introductory Program Number Authorized: LIVE19DHPP100

In recent years, there has been a drive toward high performance structures. Owners, occupants and communities expect the structures they inhabit to be comfortable, efficient, sustainable and durable. High performance design encompasses all of these elements and more. This presentation will explain what high performance structures are, and how precast concrete can help achieve your high performance project goals. The presentation also covers the basics of precast concrete, its applications, finishes, etc. In recent years, there has been a drive toward high performance structures. Owners, occupants and communities expect the structures they inhabit to be comfortable, efficient, sustainable and durable. High performance design encompasses all of these elements and more. This presentation will explain what high performance structures are, and how precast concrete can help achieve your high performance project goals. The presentation also covers the basics of precast concrete, its applications, finishes, etc.

Learning Objectives:

  • Define what high performance structures are and explain how these structures provide benefits such as increased health and wellbeing for the end user/client.
  • Discuss the user advantages and long-term physical and economic benefits of high performance design for improved safety, comfort, and indoor environmental quality.
  • Attendees will be able to explain the concept of resiliency and identify why it is important to the health, safety and welfare of the general public.
  • Attendees will learn how high performance building envelopes provide durability and multi-hazard protection for the public over a long life span.
Length: 1 Hour
AIA 1.0 HSW/LU
1.0 PDH
0.1 CEU

Level 2 – Intermediate Program Number Authorized: LIVE19CES100

A structure’s envelope has considerable impact on its overall performance, as highlighted by recent code changes. The envelope not only serves as a barrier between the outside environment and conditioned space, but also as a part of the aesthetic expression for the structure. It must also serve as a protective shield against environmental forces. High-performance building envelopes can help reduce the overall energy consumption of a structure throughout the structure’s life, and maintain and protect its interior environment and occupants.

This presentation addresses what high performance building envelopes are, as well as key elements to their performance. It will discuss how to use precast concrete wall systems to meet the latest code requirements such as continuous insulation and air barriers, and include topics such as moisture management, thermal mass effect and how to calculate effective R-values, integration with other building systems, and more. This session will also touch on the idea of resilience. A structure must be able to resist environmental forces, such as high winds and earthquakes in order to protect life and fulfill its intended purpose. Case studies are used to highlight information presented.

Learning Objectives:
  • Attendees will be able to identify the three basic types of precast concrete envelope systems and how each can be utilized to achieve optimum building performance, as well as benefit the health, wellbeing and comfort of occupants.
  • Attendees will be able to identify the three basic types of precast concrete envelope systems and how each can be utilized to achieve optimum building performance, as well as benefit the health, wellbeing and comfort of occupants.
  • Describe new envelope code requirements and how they can be applied to best provide healthy, high-performing interior spaces for tenants and the public.
  • Attendees will be able to explain the thermal mass effect and understand how to use it to create more energy efficient buildings that emphasize good indoor environmental quality with minimal environmental impact.
  • Describe and discuss heat, air and moisture management methodologies that are vital to combatting “sick building syndrome” and providing healthy buildings that support the comfort and wellbeing of those inside.
Length: 1 Hour
AIA 1.0 HSW/LU
1.0 PDH
0.1 CEU

Level 2 – Intermediate Program Number Authorized: LIVE19HPPS100

Parking structures have changed a lot over the past decade. Today’s parking structures have to be built sustainably, reduce operational and maintenance costs, last longer, and have more stringent aesthetic requirements. In many cases, they have to be high performance structures exceeding standard expectations. This presentation will explain what a high performance parking structure is, as well as how to design and build them utilizing high performance precast concrete. The latest innovations and design methodologies, including connections, proper detailing and maintenance will be discussed. Aesthetic options and versatility will also be presented.

Learning Objectives:
  • Describe the primary attributes of a high performance parking structure
  • Discuss the latest innovations in parking structure design
  • Explain the differences in various structural systems for parking structures
  • Describe proper maintenance procedures for parking structure
Length: 1 Hour
AIA 1.0 HSW/LU
1.0 PDH
0.1 CEU

Level 2 – Intermediate Program Number Authorized:
LIVE20DSUP100 GBCI course number: 0920012331

Owners and occupants increasingly expect their buildings to operate at a high level over a long life cycle while also being conscious of their impact on the environment. This course will discuss considerations for the holistic design and construction of sustainable structures that perform efficiently and offer occupants and communities safe, healthy and useful spaces that can be effectively utilized over many years. We’ll examine LCA data and discuss ways precast, prestressed concrete can contribute to sustainable, durable, efficient and resilient buildings.

Learning Objectives:
  • Define sustainability and material life cycle and examine how these factors impact the long-term performance of a building and the health of its occupants.
  • Discuss LEED v.4, EPDs and LCA, and examine how holistic design can impact the health, safety and welfare of occupants and the community.
  • Learn ways that precast can contribute to energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality.
  • Understand the relationship between durability, resilience and sustainability.
Length: 1 Hour
AIA 1.0 HSW/LU
1.0 PDH
0.1 CEU
GBCI 1.0 CE hour