Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
Concrete is one of the most widely used building materials in the construction industry, generating $64 billion in revenue, according to the Concrete Financial Insights Index. Given the material’s extensive use, construction professionals seek ways to optimize construction project budgets and schedules. Precast concrete, which is manufactured offsite and then transported to the project when needed, is a potential solution for these goals. This research aims to quantify the benefits of precast concrete over typical cast-in-place methods using a life cycle analysis for a parking garage structure located in Nashville Tennessee.
The data for the two materials will be compared to determine their economic differences while giving insight into the effect that precast concrete can have on overall construction costs over the life span of the structure. This study will compare costs associated with materials, implementation, maintenance, and other factors such as recycling or demolition. By performing a comprehensive analysis of the life cycle costs of this project, this research will provide engineering and construction professionals with solid data to allow them to make more cost-effective decisions when choosing between precast and cast-in-place concrete.
Faculty Mentor
Professor Monica Sartain
Recommended Citation
Owen, Robert Trey, "Evaluating the Impact of Precast vs. Cast-in-Place Concrete: A Life Cycle Assessment of a Parking Garage in Nashville" (2025). Student Scholar Symposium. 96.
https://digitalcollections.lipscomb.edu/student_scholars_symposium/2025/Full_schedule/96
Included in
Civil Engineering Commons, Construction Engineering and Management Commons, Structural Engineering Commons
Evaluating the Impact of Precast vs. Cast-in-Place Concrete: A Life Cycle Assessment of a Parking Garage in Nashville
Concrete is one of the most widely used building materials in the construction industry, generating $64 billion in revenue, according to the Concrete Financial Insights Index. Given the material’s extensive use, construction professionals seek ways to optimize construction project budgets and schedules. Precast concrete, which is manufactured offsite and then transported to the project when needed, is a potential solution for these goals. This research aims to quantify the benefits of precast concrete over typical cast-in-place methods using a life cycle analysis for a parking garage structure located in Nashville Tennessee.
The data for the two materials will be compared to determine their economic differences while giving insight into the effect that precast concrete can have on overall construction costs over the life span of the structure. This study will compare costs associated with materials, implementation, maintenance, and other factors such as recycling or demolition. By performing a comprehensive analysis of the life cycle costs of this project, this research will provide engineering and construction professionals with solid data to allow them to make more cost-effective decisions when choosing between precast and cast-in-place concrete.