Factors Affecting the Use of Precast Concrete Systems

The reasons precast concrete systems are not used extensively in the United States were explored through four mail surveys that were sent to 100 contractors, 100 design firms, 100 precast concrete manufacturers, and 100 local labor unions. The findings indicate that most of the prerequisite conditions for the extensive use of industrialized building systems already exist. The findings also indicate, however, that there is a major shortage of expert personnel capable of designing and organizing projects involving precast concrete systems and that almost half the contractors surveyed did not observe significant cost savings when they used precast concrete systems. Architects' and engineers' awareness of precast concrete systems and the number of competent precast concrete designers and erectors can be increased by providing adequate exposure of engineering and architecture students to these systems and by providing frequent and numerous continuous education programs for the benefit of active professionals.