WebsterÆs New World Dictionary defines precast concrete as ôconcrete in the form of blocks, pillars, bridge sections, etc. that have been cast into form before being put into position,ö (1994). While precast concrete did not become popular as building material for structures like bridges and skyscrapers until after World War II, experiments with using it as a construction material began at the turn of the century. In Toronto, Canada, in the village of Gormley, ôcement construction blocksö were manufactured in the village (Precast 2002, 1). The heavy blocks were shipped by railway to their final destination. Since World War II, precast concrete has gained in popularity. In addition to increased use in construction, an expansion of uses for precast concrete developed. For many years the conventional precast units were basically rectangular in shape and had a flat grey finish to them. Over the past two decades new technologies have enabled a much more imaginative manufacture and use of precast concrete.
The widespread use of precast concrete in construction actually began in the 1930s. At that time precast panels were fairly small in size, typically measuring 2 feet by 5 feet, (Coville 1990). TodayÆs precast concrete comes in a virtually unlimited range of shapes, designs, colors and textures. Improvements in lifting equipment now enables precast concrete panels that are 70 feet in length (Coville 1990). Engineers and architects continue to rely on new technologies and imagination to expand the types and variations possible for precast concrete. Precast components and structures used to have to be changed in detail by hand for every piece manufactured. Recently, however, the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) has unveiled a 3-D CAD software program known as StructureWorks, (Klemens 2003). StructureWorks ôstreamlines the design process by eliminating the need to touch every detail of every
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