Precast concrete plants are the units wherein pre-casting of the columns and beams is done. That means that the precast concrete structures are given shape inside the factory and accordingly after the structures are formed, they are transported to the construction site for the assembling of the joints.
Factors to Consider to Setting Up Precast Concrete Plants
1. Confirm the location where the precast concrete plant will be built
Precast concrete plants can’t be built anywhere. Convenience for transportation also needs to be considered while setting up the plant. The plant contains very heavy machinery which remains fixed unless designed to be movable. The actual production process needs to happen in a systematic way.
Thus, while designing the plant layout many factors need to be taken into consideration such as the space required for the factory shed, its shape, exact measurement, ground conditions, location from where the raw material is available, and the availability of road infrastructure for transportation.
2. Make sure that detailed product descriptions are shared
Information about the location, coupled with a description of the product, is necessary to begin an engineering project. Without this, the machinery and the plant cannot be optimized for the purpose of production.
The precast elements include a hollow core, pillars and walls. Etc. will be produced with the measurement and details, openings, shapes, recesses and ducts, insulation thicknesses, or else cross sections and length.
3. Need of a professional project team is required
A production manager is required for the operations. The project manager should have appropriate experience as they must successfully execute the project independently.
The project manager must manage the whole project including the communication and co-operation with the production team and all other parties.
To implement the project on time and to keep the project on schedule and avoid mistakes a skilled team of engineers, electricians, mechanics & welders is required with adequate manpower.
Proper tools and equipment should be made available on-site, like a tachymeter. There should not be any communication barriers between the project manager and the other team members.
4. Ensure that the infrastructure for the production lines is as per schedule
The precast production line cannot be started before its foundation and the ground surface is completed. In fact, proper setup of facilities—the continuous availability of water, electricity, and compressed air—shall be necessary before the test run is done.
The other requirements include wastewater management, sewerage, and a proper lighting system inside the premises is required.
5. Ensure that there are proper human resources and raw materials being available for the start of the project
At the time of the inception of the factory unit, there must be availability of skilled manpower at the manufacturing site. It is also necessary to have the availability of separate plants and machinery for the training of the manpower.
Proper training being provided ensures that minor mistakes do not stop the complete process of production. All the raw materials should be in place while starting production, without which it would not be possible to start the production or test run.
After the setting up precast concrete plants the various raw materials like Cement, Aggregates, Admixtures, Coloring Agents, Formwork Materials etc. needed to build a precast.
Related Post: Modern Precast System and Modular Construction: Where to apply?
Sakshi Chem Sciences Pvt Ltd: The Trusted Choice for High-Performance Precast Solutions
The following are the chemicals widely used in precast industry to enhance the performance, durability, and efficiency of concrete products. Here are some common types:
1. Admixtures
Admixtures are one of the most usable products in the precast industry. Concrete Admixtures by Sakshi Chem Sciences Pvt Ltd which can be used for increasing the strength of the precast concrete.
Admixtures are available in various categories like powdered, liquid and crystalline form depending upon the requirement.
It helps in gaining the early strength of the concrete and thus is a very useful material. The admixtures also improve the fluidity of the concrete and the workability of the concrete.
2. Shuttering Oil (Mould Release Agent)
The Shuttering oil is popularly known as mold release oil as well. This is a widely used product in the precast industry to smoothly release precast formwork with clean and smooth surface finished.
This chemical compound is used after setting of formworks but before the setting of the concrete. Thus, in the manufacture of precast concrete plants it is highly effective to avoid the sticking of the concrete to the mould and for the easy removal of the mould after the concrete hardens. Thus, it is a very beneficial product for precast concrete plants.
Conclusion:
Thus, proper planning and execution is essential for the setting up of precast concrete plants. There are multiple factors that need to be taken into consideration while setting up a pre-cast concrete plant.
The site selection for setting up a plant should be such that easy availability of raw materials should be available and proper infrastructure should be there to transport the material to the site.
A production manager is required to execute the project along with a team of various skilled technicians to run the plant. Also, proper tools, equipment, and machinery should be made available for production.
Proper infrastructure should be available for the production at the site. The availability of basic facilities is essential like water, electricity, and a compressed air system to start production. The space required for production should also be huge.
During the inception of the factory, properly trained and skilled manpower should be available for the execution of the factory site. Ideally, it is better to have a separate machinery at an initial stage for the training of the manpower so that in a later stage minor mistakes should not affect the production.