Cast-in-place reinforced concrete provides benefits both during and after construction. In addition to being safer and faster to build, it is also more cost effective and allows flexibility of design in construction.
Local availability of the basic raw materials
The basic raw materials needed in the manufacture of concrete--cement, aggregates and water--are available locally.
Faster Turnaround
Once the design has been selected, there is generally pressure to get a project started. More and more owners are making speed a priority, particularly high-technology companies and rapid growth companies. When such businesses decide to construct a new facility, they are often overburdened and already behind schedule. With concrete designs, there is no delay in getting started because concrete is readily available.
Earlier Start-up Generates Faster Revenue
A concrete structure can be well underway before final plans are even completed, which is commonly referred to as “fast tracking.” Earlier start-up means a better cash flow for owners and developers. It could also result in getting the jump on the summer construction season or getting a foundation in before the winter frost. Faster construction, a story every two or three days, means reduced carrying costs and faster revenue generation. This facilitates a timely payback of financing costs and faster revenue generation for the owner/developer.
Faster Finish Times
Precast/prestressed concrete can help reduce construction time and on-site labor costs by taking advantage of pre-fabrication of standard and custom structure segments. The 'flying formwork systems' construction technique increases the speed of floor construction. As a concrete frame progresses upward, workers on the completed floors below can proceed with interior partitions, exterior finishing, mechanical/electrical and plumbing systems.
Lower Energy Costs
Concrete construction minimizes the overall building height. This shortens vertical runs of mechanical and electrical systems and reduces the exterior surface area to be enclosed and insulated.
Lower Finishing Costs
Concrete cladding panels have a great range of finishes and textures. The pre-cast panel is extremely durable, weather resistant, offer superior air tightness, increased sound attenuation and thermal properties, and they are inherently fire resistant. Concrete claddings permit fast enclosure of the structure, allowing other trades to start sooner, cutting construction time, and reducing wall thickness to maximize rentable space.
Long Spans
Due to its valued load-bearing properties, concrete allows for longer floor spans, with fewer columns to plan around. This offers flexibility in architectural layout, creating more usable space.
More Floors per Structure
On average, the construction of concrete buildings will allow one additional floor to be created for every 10 stories of traditional building height. This results in more rental space for buildings similar in size. When faced with height restrictions, concrete construction is a key consideration and could represent initial construction cost savings and additional income generation.
