The world of precast: an Australian perspective

National Precast is the peak body of the Australian precast concrete industry. Chief Executive Officer Sarah Bachmann offers updates from the Association and its members.

Even before the infrastructure-led recovery out of the pandemic, the construction industry was facing a shortage of skilled workers in every state. It’s a phenomenon that has reached into the manufacturing sectors that supply construction, and that includes the precast industry.

Meanwhile, precast manufacturing continues its growth trajectory as it delivers sustainable solutions to Australian construction and the infrastructure boom will place further strains on the industry and its need for skilled labour. Anyone who understands precast manufacture and construction will be in high demand.

“With international borders remaining shut and limited opportunity to source skilled overseas workers, a roadmap to address the shortages is desperately needed,” says Sarah Bachmann, National Precast’s Chief Executive Officer.

“The National Skills Commission really needs to urgently update its current Skills Priority List to include precast manufacturing and construction,” she adds.

Until that happens, the peak industry body is turning its own resources to education.

“As the peak body of the Australian precast concrete industry, National Precast is invested in ensuring a safer, more standardised and sustainable construction industry and in improving the competency of all industry stakeholders,” she comments.

A range of online publications and learning modules are now available, which have been developed for industry stakeholders including architects, engineers, builders, precast manufacturers, and students.

Online precast courses

With a variety of digital publications now available at www.nationalprecastonline.com.au, the online learning modules on offer include: ‘An Introduction to Precast’ and ‘Understanding Grouted Precast Joints.’

The ‘Introduction to Precast’ course offers an introduction to precast, including how precast differs from site poured concrete, the types and applications of precast elements and why it’s the fastest and most efficient construction method available. Participants will also be provided with an overview of the manufacturing, transport and installation processes.

The ‘Understanding Grouted Precast Joints’ technical course is based on the highly regarded industry guide recently released by National Precast, ‘Understanding Grouted Precast Joints – A guide for engineers and building contractors.’ It is an exclusive course that will lead participants through the guide and develop their knowledge of grouted precast joints.

Working with universities for productivity improvements

Around the world, industry associations and their members are known for their collaborative approach with leading universities. National Precast members can access many member benefits including Australian Standards, an Internship Program, Cordell reports, project leads, process improvement and strategy reports and representation to government and other authorities. As well, they can become involved with university research opportunities.

Bachmann welcomes contact with universities on behalf of the Association’s members.

“Already leading construction with sustainability benefits and improved productivity, continuous improvement is the name of the game for our members and so we are always happy to assist with initiatives that will deliver more sustainable construction.”

Microwaved precast

Preliminary results by engineering and microwave researchers at James Cook (in conjunction with the University of Melbourne) show that two-hour microwave-cured concrete can achieve similar strengths to eight to ten hours of steam or hot water curing.

“This could be a game changer for what is already an efficient manufacturing process and several of our members have expressed interest in partnering with the University,” says Bachmann.

Moving ahead with Master Precasters

As the precast industry continues to grow, the need to ensure safe, reliable, high quality supply is critical. To mitigate risk of cost blowouts from quality and other issues for head contractors and clients alike, National Precast has established a new benchmark for precast, manufacture – Master Precaster.

A requirement of wearing the Master Precaster badge is that the precaster must have satisfactorily passed one of National Precast’s stringent audits and comply with the Master Precaster Code of Conduct.

Master Precasters supply every state and territory of Australia. They can specialise in a particular type of precast such as flooring or can manufacture a range of precast elements. Master Precasters can supply precast for large or small residential or commercial projects in the building or civil sector.

Here’s a snapshot of some of the works delivered by National Precast’s Master Precasters:

Project: Aircraft Station, Level Crossing Removal