Structural precast concrete in Melbourne, Australia

Since its early application in tilt-up construction for industrial buildings, precast concrete has evolved to become the dominant form of multi-storey construction in Melbourne. Flat panel load-bearing walling with in-situ or precast floors is the preferred construction method for multi-storey residential buildings, and precast skeletal frames with precast flooring is common on multi-storey commercial buildings. This paper will detail and illustrate the concepts that have been adopted and developed in Melbourne to suit the local market. Buildings range from two to several storeys and from a few hundred to tens of thousands of square metres. Many are of mixed construction, incorporating precast with other structural systems. Precast concrete construction requires two distinct design phases. The first is the structural design of the building for the in-service conditions and is carried out by the Project Engineer. The second is the design for erection and is generally the responsibility of the Builder and Precaster. The erection design is entirely dedicated to the design for handling, transportation, and erection of individual components and for the structural stability of the building throughout the erection process. The purpose of these requirements is to ensure that the erection of precast buildings is ‘engineered’ and fully documented prior to arrival of the crane and components onsite. Precast concrete in Melbourne is far from a new phenomenon. Throughout its evolution it has developed from simple modular components through to fairly complex designed components that are still simple to manufacture and erect. The idea of standardisation rather than modulation has enabled the use of easily produced components in architecturally challenging designs.

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