---
title: "Why Is Precast Concrete Used?"
description: "Precast concrete is made in a factory or controlled environment before being transported to site. Instead of pouring concrete on site and waiting for it to cure, the pieces are made in advance and then assembled."
published: "2025-02-26"
author: "PETRUF Consulting Engineers"
url: "https://www.petruf.ie/blog/why-is-precast-concrete-used"
---

# Why Is Precast Concrete Used?

> Precast concrete is made in a factory or controlled environment before being transported to site. Instead of pouring concrete on site and waiting for it to cure, the pieces are made in advance and then assembled.

[Precast concrete](https://www.petruf.ie/services/precast-concrete) is cast in a factory or other controlled environment and delivered to site as finished components. The five questions below are the ones this office is asked about it most often.

## Key takeaways

- Stronger than concrete cast in place.
- Faster to build with.
- Lasts longer.
- Cheaper on large scale projects.
- More sustainable.

## Is precast concrete stronger than regular concrete?

Yes, precast concrete is generally stronger than concrete cast in place. The controlled production environment ensures better quality control, which reduces variation in strength.

- Precast concrete typically has a compressive strength of 40 to 60 MPa, while standard concrete cast in place is usually around 25 to 40 MPa.
- High performance precast can reach 80 MPa or more for specialised applications, such as bridge beams and high rise buildings.

## Does precast concrete reduce construction time?

Yes, precast concrete can significantly speed up construction.

- Because precast elements are produced off site while site preparation happens in parallel, projects can be completed 20 to 50% faster than by traditional methods.
- On a large scale project that can mean months of saved time, reducing labour costs and site disruption.

## Does precast concrete last longer?

Yes, precast concrete is more durable, thanks to controlled curing and high quality materials.

- Properly manufactured precast structures can last 75 to 100 years, while concrete cast in place may require major repair within 50 to 75 years.
- It also resists freeze thaw cycles better, which reduces maintenance in a climate like ours.

## Is precast concrete more expensive?

It depends on the project.

- The initial cost of precast can be 5 to 15% higher than traditional methods, because of factory production and transport.
- The faster installation and reduced labour cost can lead to overall savings of 10 to 25% on large scale projects. There is a fuller comparison in [precast against in situ concrete](https://www.petruf.ie/blog/precast-vs-in-situ-concrete).

## Is precast concrete sustainable?

Yes, precast production is highly efficient, which means less material waste.

- Precast factories recycle concrete waste and use precise moulds, reducing onsite waste by up to 30%.
- That makes it the more sustainable choice on an environmentally driven project.

## Sources

- [A guide to 100 advantages of concrete, Irish Concrete Federation](https://irishconcrete.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/A-guide-to-100-advantages.pdf)
- [ICF publishes ready mixed concrete environmental product declarations, Irish Concrete Federation](https://irishconcrete.ie/icf-publishes-ready-mixed-concrete-environmental-products-declarations/)
- [Precast against in situ concrete: what the data says](https://www.petruf.ie/blog/precast-vs-in-situ-concrete)