B1313 - Precast concrete erection

Operational Details
A precast concrete installer initially pours the concrete into forms at a fabrication facility. Entire walls, bridge supports, dams, abutments, parking or roadside barriers, and other molded products are produced. Cement is mixed in large batches, reinforcing steel and cable or tensioning wire is embedded into the concrete, which results in strengthening and springiness in the concrete. (The flexibility of the concrete is important when the concrete is under load.)

The precast concrete is then delivered to the construction site by a heavy haul trucking firm, classified in T42-01. A large portable or mobile crane, owned by an employer, classified in R11-23, then off loads the precast concrete. It is hoisted into place and then bolted up and reinforced with other members on a bridge decking, rails, supports or pilings, or attached by metal cleats onto building structures and secured so other pieces can be added.

High rises or commercial buildings of several floors may use precast concrete and when walls are precast, usually the glazing and wiring is installed into the concrete. It may take several precast concrete wall components to form the outside walls of a complete floor of a large building, but once bolted into place they are as secure as the conventional steel or poured in place concrete.

A precast concrete employer’s workforce can include cement workers, carpenters, an electrician, glazier, welder and general labourers.

Some employers classifed in B13-12 may also have their own batch plants where they pour cement into molds to form precast concrete. Bridge builders, classified in B13-15 may also have a precast concrete capability.

SIC Codes
000000117 - Precast concrete erection