Recent Developments in the Use of Precast Concrete Units for Buildings in the United States and Iran

摘要

The object of this study was to investigate the recent developments in the use of precast prestressed concrete members for buildings in the United States and Iran. In the United States, the study was concerned with developments in the usage of members such as slabs, wall panels, beams and columns. The latest technical and engineering reports, along with personal interviews, were used, and a number of case studies were conducted on recently built structures. The author also studied the newest developments in the precast concrete industry in Iran. A questionnaire was formulated in both Persian (native language of Iran) and English, and was sent to twelve of the largest precast concrete manufacturers in Iran. This study was extended to include the use of precast concrete members in alleviating Iranu27s housing shortage, which is one of the greatest problems facing the country today. From these studies the following observations have been made with respect to the United States: There is a vast variety of precast concrete units designed and manufactured in the country. The majority of precast concrete units in buildings are assembled by using simple connections. There has been great improvement in the quality of sealant materials. In the case studies conducted, it was evident that proper planning in design, production, transportation and erection of members were the major reasons in lowering the cost of precast concrete structures as compared to cast-in-place structures. The rapid increase in the use of precast concrete members is due to repetition of similar members, increase in strength and serviceability by prestressing, rapid construction, better quality control, improvement in handling and fire resistance qualities. In the case of Iran, the following observations have been made: The use of precast concrete members has increased rapidly in the last decade. Precast concrete construction, with proper sheer design, appears suitable in areas where there is stronger and more frequent earthquake occurrence. Precast concrete members are considered to be suitable for low-cost housing projects because of the availability of cement and steel reinforcement, an inadequate supply of wood and also because of the advantages of precast concrete mentioned above.