Precast concrete products for building structures

Beams (UNE-EN 13225): Elements placed in a horizontal position that are mainly subjected to bending stresses. Precast beams are part of the structures to transmit loads between other parts of the structure, serve as support for slab elements (usually called girders), gutters, etc. Most of the beams can be reinforced or prestressed, depending on the needs of each project. Its manufacture is carried out in moulds, usually metallic, which in many cases have to be adjusted for project considerations (dimensions, reinforcement, etc.). There are many configurations that seek to optimize the resilient efficiency ratio and/or other functionalities with the cost of the resulting structural solution. The manufacturer usually has a certain range, although they can adapt the elements in edges and lengths depending on the project requirements.

Columns (UNE-EN 13225): They are part of the structures to transmit loads from other parts of the structure to the foundation.

They generally have a constant cross-section, ranging between 40 and 120 cm, with square, rectangular, double T, circular or semicircular geometry, and made of reinforced concrete. As in the case of beams, their manufacture is carried out in molds (usually metallic), which in many cases have to be adjusted for considerations of the particular project.

Frames (UNE-EN 13225): A structure composed of two or more linear elements (beams and columns) joined together to be stable. Its most common use is in agricultural and livestock buildings, reaching up to 30 m of span. The dimensional limitation is mainly marked by the difficulty of transporting them.

Trusses (UNE-EN 13225): They are linear construction elements whose main mission is to support the weight of the roof material, and must be fixed on the gantry beams. Depending on the spans required in the project, trusses of different edges and sections may be used.

Foundation piles (standard UNE-EN 12794): Construction element used for the foundation of structures, generally placed in a vertical position. Its length is not limited thanks to the possibility of splicing by means of metal joints, although this may be conditioned by the means of transport (lengths greater than 12 m will require special transports). Square sections from 20 x 20 cm to 40 x 40 cm, although we can find other different shapes (solid or hollow circular, hexagonal, triangular, H-shaped, etc.). The piles are equipped in their manufacture with a metal piece at the tip, to protect the concrete during driving, and a reinforcement strap, also metal, in the hitting head. 

Footings (standard UNE-EN 14991): Main foundation element on which the pillars of the building structure rest. It is not a usual a precast element. Generally, the measurements range between 1 and 3 m at the base and between 80 cm and 2.50 m in height, although they vary depending on the manufacturer. They can be made of mass or reinforced concrete, with a square or rectangular floor plan. The footings can be entirely manufactured in the factory, or semi-precast, ready to finish concreting on site.

Stairs (UNE-EN 14843): Ladder manufactured either in its complete form or in the form of elements and intended to be installed and/or assembled later in its final location.

Stands (UNE-EN 13225): Specially designed to support the loads in sports venues, it can also be used for other types of buildings that house stands (auditoriums, university classrooms, bullrings, amphitheatres, cinemas, etc.). The structure can be made up of stairway gantries (beams, stringers and pillars), steps, panels for vomitoriums and/or hollow core plates for intermediate slabs. It can be precast from one element to practically the entire structure.

Load-bearing walls (UNE-EN 14992): It refers to precast elements that act as a load-bearing wall and interior division in buildings, to create elevator cores, stair cores, etc.

Other elements for building structures: Any other precast concrete element used for the design and construction of building structures, which does not fall within the above definitions.