Cast-in-place concrete

Cast-in-place concrete, also known as poured-in-place, is a concreting technique which is undertaken in situ or in the concrete component’s finished position.

The concrete is transported to site in an unhardened state, often using a ready mixed concrete truck. While concrete can be mixed on site before being cast-in-place, deliveries will contain concrete that has been proportioned and mixed off-site. A chute is used that extends from the back of the truck to place the concrete either in the required location or into a dumper or pump.

Cast-in-place concrete is the preferred choice for concrete slabs and foundations, as well as components such as beams, columns, walls, roofs, and so on.

An alternative concreting technique is precast concrete which is prepared, cast and cured off-site, usually in a controlled factory environment, using reusable moulds. For more information, see Precast concrete.

While cast-in-place can allow for greater flexibility and adaptability as required, it can be difficult to control the mix particularly if the weather conditions are not favourable. Cast-in-place concrete will also require a strength test and time for curing, which makes it slower than precast. However, there are less joints created in the structural system and not as much handling equipment is required.

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