Educational Grades K-12 Facilities
Precast concrete structural and envelope systems meet the high-performance demands of K-12 schools. Precast concrete is a high-performance material that integrates easily with other systems and inherently provides the versatility, efficiency, and resiliency needed to meet the multi-hazard requirements and long-term demands of high-performance structures.
Precast concrete is inherently resilient and provides excellent protection against high winds, storm surge, and flying debris, among many other high-performance attributes. It is often used in FEMA shelters, residential, institutional, public, government, and other structures providing protection and resiliency.
Schools present a variety of design challenges, including maximizing fire resistance, heightening acoustic control, and providing safety provisions for wind and storm events.
Additionally, precast concrete’s economy aids owners and designers in meeting their budgetary needs and helps make funds available that are typically needed for design consideration for other key elements. Its economy not only reduces the immediate in-ground cost but also continues to save operating expenses over the life of the building through extended durability and lower maintenance costs.
Precast concrete can also aid in meeting sustainability goals set by the owner, including certification standards set by the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) program instituted by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
Institutional and public buildings of all types require a strong, impressive appearance to project the proper image to employees, visitors, and the general public. But they must achieve that look, and all of their functional needs, on tight budgets that impress the public with economic stewardship. Achieving that balance, while meeting many other individual challenges, can be accomplished with precast concrete components in a variety of ways.
PCMA has developed a three-part Learn at Lunch series presented which can be delivered virtually or in person.
Part One: The series includes an introduction to architectural and structural precast concrete, for school emphasizing the benefits specific to school safety and economy
Part Two: High-Performance Athletic Facilities, the athletic facility market is expected to grow by 15% or more over the next couple of years. Their construction design is meant to provide flexibility, functionality, and durability.
Part Three: Total Precast FEMA Extreme, expands the discussion to total precast solutions and meeting FEMA requirements.
School Design Resources provided by PCI aid in planning, designing, constructing, and maintaining precast concrete.
Founded in 1954, The Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) is a technical institute for the precast concrete structures and systems industry. PCI develops, maintains, and disseminates the Body of Knowledge for the design, fabrication, and construction of precast concrete structures and systems. PCI develops consensus base standards, industry handbooks, quality assurance programs, certification, research and development projects, design manuals, continuing education, and periodical publications. PCI members include precast concrete producers, erectors, suppliers, professional engineers and architects, educators, students, and industry consultants who complement the wide range of knowledge of precast concrete.
For more additional information, visit pci.org
Why not take the opportunity to learn all about the benefits of Precast Concrete in K12 School Design?
Precast Concrete 101: For Schools
High Performance Athletic Facilities
Total Precast Concrete FEMA Extreme
