Using Precast Concrete for Elevator Shaft Construction Can Accelerate Construction Schedules
Elevator shaft construction has traditionally been a time-consuming part of the construction schedule for modern buildings. The traditional methods of constructing an elevator shaft involve using pour-in-place concrete or assembling concrete masonry blocks. Both processes are time-consuming and sensitive to weather conditions. These construction methods require scaffolding and frequent inspections. As a result, a traditionally built four-story elevator shaft can take up to four weeks for a full construction crew to finish — and that’s if they don’t have to stop work due to weather delays or material shortages.
Due to fire regulations and building sequence, in most cases, elevator shafts must be completed before other trades can begin working. Delays in elevator shaft construction can translate to lost productivity and profitability for contractors, and can even delay the completion of the building.
Precast concrete elevator shafts are an efficient alternative that allows for smooth, fast completion of a once-tedious part of the construction process. Precast elevator shafts can overcome the challenges associated with traditional elevator shaft construction methods to streamline the entire construction schedule.
Off-Site Manufacturing Frees Up Resources and Space
Both pour-in-place and traditional masonry shafts are manufactured on-site, which requires a significant amount of on-site labor and additional staging areas. Pour-in-place shafts require a large amount of level ground for pouring and curing the shaft walls, and masonry shafts require scaffolding on the inside and outside for assembly and inspections. With County Prestress & Precast shafts, all manufacturing is done at a separate facility according to project specifications. Precast shafts can be manufactured while the construction site is being prepared, further accelerating the construction timeline. The elevator shaft is then delivered to the job site ready to install without the need for any scaffolding. At County Prestress & Precast, we provide the equipment and labor for installation. Our experienced team can install two four-story shafts in one day. In many cases, our precast elevator shafts can cut weeks and even months off a project’s schedule.
A Controlled Environment Offers Better Consistency and Quality
Another drawback to traditional construction methods is maintaining consistency throughout the process. Traditional construction methods are susceptible to the weather conditions on-site, which can lead to inconsistent results. With precast concrete, all production is done in a controlled environment that isn’t affected by extreme temperatures, moisture, improper aggregate mixing, and other factors. As a result, the shafts meet exacting specifications and provide enhanced stability and strength. For comparison, concrete masonry units with grout joints typically have a compressive strength of around 1,800 to 2,000 PSI, while our elevator shaft concrete mix is rated for 6,500 PSI.
Elevator Shaft Installation is Fast and Reliable
Precast concrete shaft installation is less susceptible to weather delays than pour-in-place or masonry construction. The installation process can be completed within hours on a date that best fits the construction schedule. Our team will perform quality control inspections throughout and after the installation process.
Rely on County Prestress & Precast for High-Precision Precast Elevator Shafts
Trust the industry professionals from County Prestress & Precast for precast elevator shaft manufacturing and construction in the Northern Midwest and Southeast. Our precast elevator shafts are manufactured in our National Precast Concrete Association-certified facilities and delivered to your jobsite. Six-inch thick precast concrete shafts can be installed up to 6 stories tall and are compliant with local building codes throughout our service area.Contact a sales representative or call us at (352) 275-4605 to use County Prestress & Precast elevator shafts for your next project.