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The StructureCast Advantage > Cost

Keys to an Economic Precast Solution

 

 

·          Contact a Precaster Early

 

Many factors influence precast costs.  Size and piece repetition are the two that have the largest influence.  Materials, architectural detailing, texture, cross-section, production and erection details, jobsite access conditions, and connections can also affect total cost.  In order to ensure the most cost effective solution as possible, contact StructureCast during the early stages of your project’s conceptual design phase.

 

·          Repetitive Shapes Minimize Mold Costs

 

When planning your project design, your objective should be to minimize the number of molds and the number of major mold changes, especially if the molds have distinctive architectural shapes and designs.  The practical goal should be to yield 20 to 30 pieces from each mold.

 

Simple reveals and rustication patterns cost almost nothing to mold, if repetitive.  Projecting cornices, bullnoses, form liners, and top and bottom returns do add cost; however, if used repetitively, these design features can be attractive, affordable options that heighten aesthetic interest.

 

·          Large Pieces Can Be More Cost Efficient To Produce, Deliver & Install

 

A single precast piece inherently includes labor costs, such as engineering, casting, stripping, yard handling, loading, and installing costs.  These costs are, for the most part, unrelated to size.  Installation costs, however, are determined primarily by the number of “picks” required for lifting.  Therefore, for maximum economy, minimize the number of pieces by making them as large as possible, within normal manufacturing and shipping size limitations.

 

·          Choose Desired Design Features  

 

Design features are infinite in number and possibilities. The adjacent chart shows you the approximate square foot cost of adding design features.

 

 

Effect of Repeition on Panel Square Foot Cost

Number of Reuses

Panel Size (Sq.Ft.)

Mold Cost

Cost per Sq.Ft.

1

200

$3,000

$15.00

10

200

$3,000

$1.50

20

200

$3,000

$0.75

30

200

$3,000

$0.50

 

Project Price Changes Based on the Number of Forms Affected by the Complex Shape

Pieces

Project Total Sq.Ft.

Forms Affected

Project Premium

Premium per Sq.Ft.

100

12,500

1

$4,000

$0.32

100

12,500

2

$8,000

$0.64

100

12,500

3

$12,000

$0.96

100

12,500

4

$16,000

$1.28

 

Effect of Panel Size on Erection Cost per sq.ft.*

Panel Size, Sq.Ft

Erection Cost Per Piece, $/Sq.Ft.

 

 

$300

$600

$900

$1,800**

50

6.00

12.00

18.00

36.00

100

3.00

6.00

9.00

18.00

150

2.00

4.00

6.00

12.00

200

1.50

3.00

4.50

9.00

250

1.20

2.40

3.60

7.20

300

1.00

2.00

3.00

6.00

*Based on minimum one month of erection time.

**New York City

 

Lump Sum Price Versus Piece Size

Sq.Ft. Per Piece

Cost Per Piece

Cost Per Sq.Ft.

100

$3,000

$30.00

150

$3,500

$23.22

200

$4,000

$20.00

 
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