Behind the Scenes at a Precast Concrete Plant

Your typical precast concrete plant is a collection of steel forms, lots of rebar and, of course, concrete.

The forms are among the most important parts of the operation. Whether making manholes or enormous septic tanks, quality-made forms lessen the amount of downtime.

The forms take a daily beating. They hold back tons of caustic concrete and get banged around to release the finished product once the concrete is dried.

A Typical Day

The day at a precast concrete plant starts with removing dried products. A full cleaning of the form is necessary to keep the fresh concrete from sticking to the form. A layer of oil is sprayed onto the form to help with easy removal of the dried concrete.

While the forms are being prepared, the concrete is being mixed. Aggregate and cement are mixed together and readied for pouring.

Precast Concrete Plants Help Build Bridges and Skyscrapers

In the meantime, workers are preparing cages made of steel rebar to go inside the forms and reinforce the concrete. Depending on the thickness of the cages, they are either tied together or welded to make a rigid frame. The frame is suspended in the form and concrete is then poured into the form enveloping the rebar.

The exposed portion of the concrete is then finished either smooth or with texture depending on the end use. Vibrators sometimes placed in the concrete or applied to the form force air bubbles from the liquid concrete to ensure a stronger product when dry.

The Many Uses for Precast

Precast concrete can be found in many applications from landscape ornaments to bridges to skyscrapers. The uses for precast concrete are growing every day.

Del Zotto Products manufactures concrete forms. We can make you a custom form or install a precast concrete pipe plant. We also carry a full line of precast concrete products.

For information about our products, contact us today.