Precast

Presently there are four main precast system components:

•Fibreglass molds used to produce reinforced concrete panels

•Vacuum panel-lifting system

•Use of predominantly low-skilled labour

•Sophisticated management and cost control systems

Advantages of the Fibreglass Method:

•Manufactured in-house by WIHCON to exacting specifications with proprietary methodologies

•Easily maintained

•Mold flexibility allows for easy extraction of panels with minimum damage

•Smooth finish obviates need for post-extraction finishing

•High number of uses per mold

Vacuum Lifters:

•Adapted from similar apparatus used in U.S. motor car industry

•12” hollow sections with mechanical vacuum pump creates sufficient suction to lift heavy loads

•Allows early extraction of molds by distributing lifting loads evenly across panel surface: no expensive concrete additives

•Vertical panel rotation allows for rack-mounted storage

•Allows significantly enhanced production rates

Precast Building Management system

Production cycle

•Designed to achieve target weekly production rates (10 – 40 units per week depending on house type)
•Determines casting facility size and labour force complement

Assembly line operations

•Specialized functions: Casting, foundation, erection, finishing

•Quality assurance checks by independent inspectors

Base-line bills of quantities

•Houses costed based upon initial bill of quantities and price list

•Current cost comparisons possible on a weekly basis

House-by-house costing

•Computerised accounting and inventory systems allow preparation of price fluctuation schedules on a monthly basis

•House costs can be reliably forecast in the short term

•Escalations are easily justified