Increasing emphasis on DfMA and environmental performance in construction

Modern design tools and processes for precast architectural components

The considerable benefits of the offsite engineered approach for precast concrete architectural façades have resulted from  the "ever-increasing emphasis to embrace Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) processes to reduce onsite construction processes and programmes".

This, coupled with sought-after environmental performance improvements and  an ongoing Health and Safety risk reduction focus, is providing a considerable benefit for clients - including value, speed of construction and low risk levels, according to a recent report in Concrete magazine.

Download the article Architectural flexibility, structural and environmental confidence »

Reproduced from ‘Concrete’, the magazine of The Concrete Society. With thanks to the Editor, James Luckey.

Author Norman Brown showcased PCE Ltd's in-house digital design processes which, along with the usual aesthetic and structural requirements, now includes

"...digital modelling specific to reducing the embodied carbon of precast concrete manufacture and use. This includes architectural  façades, which have been developed to ensure that the embodied carbon content during manufacture, transportation and onsite assembly as well as whole life of structure can be accurately evaluated at the outset and monitored as the design concept progresses to reality."

The article also refers to Innovate UK's Decarbonising Precast Concrete project, where PCE has worked in partnership with consultants Akerlof, Accelar, Curtins and precast product manufacturer Forterra to enable clients to have a greater understanding about their building construction and façade options with respect to the environmental carbon problem.