Daniel Petrov, managing director of Peikko South Africa, a specialist company in advanced solutions for precast concrete applications, outlines its new system’s details, quality and applications in a growing African market where robust walling provides security, safety and peace of mind in both commercial and residential applications.
Precast concrete construction techniques have many advantages over conventional on-site concrete construction particularly in repetitious elements such as wall panels and support foundations and columns. These default advantages are present in our latest offering to the marketplace – the Slimline Wall System.
These benefits include ease and speed of on-site installation, dimensional accuracy, consistent quality, durability and finish, no maintenance and economy in comparison with other walling materials and construction methods. Pre-casting concrete walls provide high-quality assurance as the concrete elements are manufactured in factory conditions. Peikko is an ISO accredited company with quality control (QC) and quality assurance measures (QA) in place which meet both local and international standards. Peikko’s mechanical connections carry CE Marking and ETA testing certifications.
Extreme durability
Optimum quality control means that when high-density precast concrete is produced, the result is a very durable product that can withstand impact, corrosion, and acid attack almost indefinitely. The outstanding corrosion-resistant properties of reinforced concrete and mechanical connections make it the perfect pick for pre-cast concrete bases , columns and wall panels.
Support extremely heavy loads
With mechanical connections added, precast elements provide life-long support of heavy loads, whether below or above ground. As precast concrete is made in a controlled factory environment long before it is needed, curing adds strength before final erection. Final testing is undertaken, also in a controlled environment, before precast concrete walling components are dispatched to site to ensure it meets design criteria to bear the weight of the required load.
Versatile
Depending on the design of a walling project, you can mould the precast concrete to practically any size and shape allowing architects / designers to shape it into many aesthetically pleasing designs, taking into account the design and mechanical characteristics of each unique shape.
Saves construction time and budget
Perhaps Slimline precast walling’s biggest advantage is in the saving of labour and erection time on site. Eliminating the need for casting concrete at the construction site allows other construction work to be carried out unhampered while the precast concrete walling is snapped together like Lego, saving time and money.
Lower site labour costs
A well drilled assembly team and a fluid assembling technique require fewer labourers on site lowering construction costs, meaning that the process will be more cost effective and save money adding to project profitability. As precast concrete walling only needs a one-time installation and mechanical lifting on the site, there is no need for as many workers in comparison to cast-in-place concrete.
Environmentally safe and sustainable
Specialised lifting equipment and accessories are specified, detailed and used for handling (e.g. loading, off-loading, handling and installation of all precast concrete walling elements.) Over and above, highly trained operatives are assigned to handle and install various elements by strictly adhering to processes and procedures in place to ensure safety off and on site.
The precast concrete walling system consists of PAD foundations, columns and walling panels is simple to manufacture and handle for quick installation with significant savings that cannot be ignored.
The Slimline Walling System is suitable for any type walling projects where low-medium-high levels of security may be required. We have recently completed a walling project, which not only securing the infrastructure, but fulfilling safety considerations, preventing access by members of the public.
