Once precast components leave the plant, the work shifts to the site, where speed and planning matter most. Erecting precast is a coordinated sequence of delivery, lifting, setting and connecting.
Before erection: planning
- Erection plan: The producer and erector plan the sequence, crane locations and delivery schedule.
- Site access: Trucks need routes and staging space, and cranes need firm, level ground.
- Foundations and supports: Bearing surfaces and anchor bolts must be accurate before pieces arrive.
- Safety planning: Lift plans, exclusion zones and fall protection are set before work starts.
Delivery in sequence
Pieces are loaded in the order they will be set so that each truck delivers what the crane needs next. When site space is tight, deliveries can go directly from truck to crane, with little storage on the ground.
Lifting and setting
Cranes lift each piece using embedded lifting devices. Crews guide the piece into place, set it on bearing pads or supports, and align it using the project's layout lines. Columns are usually erected first, followed by beams, floor members and wall panels, with temporary bracing used until connections are complete.
Making connections
Connections can include welded or bolted steel plates, dowels, grouted joints and cast-in-place closure pours. Some connections are completed as each piece is set, while others are finished after a floor or section is in place. Learn more in our guide to precast connections.
Joints, grouting and finishing
After erection, crews place grout, caulk and seal joints, install any required toppings, and complete finishing and cleaning. Fireproofing of connection hardware and sealing against weather follow the project specifications.
Tolerances
Erection tolerances, how closely pieces must align, are set by industry standards and project specifications. Good coordination between the plant, the erector and the surveyors keeps pieces within tolerance.
Why erection is fast
- No formwork, rebar placement or concrete curing on site
- Large pieces are set in one lift
- Work continues in most weather conditions
- Following trades can start sooner on a dry working platform
Who does the work
Erection is a specialized trade. Coreslab provides delivery and installation as part of our service, so one team is accountable from manufacturing through erection. See our delivery, installation and finishing services, or contact the plant nearest you.
This article is general information, not construction advice. Erection must follow the project's engineered erection plan and applicable safety regulations.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How fast can precast concrete be installed?
Speed depends on the project, but precast pieces are large and set in a single lift, so erection can progress quickly compared with site-built concrete.
Does weather stop precast installation?
Heavy wind, lightning and unsafe conditions can pause lifts, but precast erection is less affected by cold and rain than site-cast concrete.
What equipment is needed?
Typically one or more cranes, rigging, bracing and trucks for delivery, as defined in the erection plan.
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