Last edited 22 Aug 2025

Precast

The term precast has two related definitions.

  • When used as a verb to describe an action, precast relates to casting a material into a particular shape before the item is put into use. Precasting can be an effective method of producing a large number of identical components (such as wall slabs, beams, panels and so on).
  • When treated as an adjective to describe an item, precast relates to the state of an object or material that has been fabricated into its final shape prior to installing it in its permanent location. The term, “precast concrete” is an example of this usage, describing a form of concrete that may be prepared (or precast) off site using certain moulds.

Articles about precast elements on Designing Buildings include:

Designing Buildings Anywhere

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