Specifications for Precast Concrete Used in Modular Home Construction

Structural units of precast concrete are manufactured in the grade of concrete and to the sizes. Where the installation of precast concrete units in any structure is such that the faces of the units are to be left exposed either internally or externally, the exposed surfaces of the units as finished shall be uniform in color and in texture. All cement, aggregates and other materials used in the manufacture of the units should be obtained from the approved sources throughout the period of manufacture.

The precast concrete manufacturer should have full details of proposed method of carrying out all operations connected with the manufacture and assembly of precast concrete structural members, including a description of the types of casting bed, mould and formwork for the various types of members; the procedure for concrete casting and the method of curing the concrete; and the procedure for transporting, handling, hoisting and placing of each type of precast structural member. Particulars of the temporary supports deemed necessary to ensure adequate stability during erection and fully proof against the effects of construction loads, wind load and other transient loads.

Twist of Precast Concrete

No corner of a nominally plane surface shall deviate from the plane containing the other three corners when utilizing precast concrete.

Squareness of Precast Concrete

When considering the squareness of a corner of the precast concrete, the longer of the two adjacent sides being checked shall be taken as the baseline, and a line perpendicular to the baseline shall be taken as the check line. The shorter side shall not vary in its distance from the check line so that the difference between the greatest and the shortest side is not more than the distance.

For the purpose of this requirement, any error due to lack of straightness shall be ignored; squareness shall be measured with respect to the straight lines which are most nearly parallel with the features being checked. When the nominal angle is other than 900 the included angle between the baseline and the check line shall be varied accordingly.

Flatness of Precast Concrete

When using the precast concrete for modular home construction, the deviation from a 1.5 m straight edge placed in any position on a nominally plane surface should not exceed 6 mm.

In case you still have question about modular homes and insulated precast foundation, you may contact Legendary Homes Inc in Jackson, Michigan. A representative will be happy to assist you. Meanwhile you can check our modular home price sheets by signing up to our blog

Topic: Precast Concrete

Frequently Asked Questions about Precast Concrete for Modular Home Construction

Posted by Legendary Homes on September 19, 2014 in Insulated Pre-Cast Foundations with No Comments Yet

Modular Home built with Precast Concrete

Modular Home in Michigan

Why use precast concrete?

Precast concrete is the ideal solution for your next residential or commercial project. Precast concrete provides durability, flexibility, and versatility both in the design and construction stages of the project. Precast concrete homes and building have great fire ratings and often eliminate the costly process of fireproofing.

Why build a precast concrete home?

Concrete homes are extremely sound and durable. A total precast home is extremely mold and mildew resistant compared to a traditional wood or brick home. Total precast homes have no beams and columns in the basement which provides long clear spans for a very flexible design. Precast concrete homes have a very high fire rating and provide a great storm shelter because of their strength. Precast floors are great when combined with radiant heat.

Why use concrete construction for a prefabricated building?

Concrete construction is extremely fast, and very durable. Buildings can be erected in any weather condition including harsh winters. Concrete, prefabricated buildings have great fire ratings, are very sound, and versatile.

What is the difference between Precast concrete construction vs. traditional construction?

Concrete construction is durable and long lasting, and retains its value throughout time. Precast concrete construction lessens the construction process which saves money on financing costs.

How flexible is precast concrete design?

Whether you use our wall panel system, or our hollow core floor system, or if you build a total precast home, the design possibilities of concrete construction are endless. Call us today to learn more. You’ll be surprised at how versatile precast concrete is!

Why use Prestressed Concrete vs Poured Concrete?

Prestressed concrete has very good crack control and strength to weight ratio. Precast concrete is able to create longer, thinner spans than poured concrete.

Why is precast concrete so heavy?

In fact, concrete is actually 31% of the weight of structural steel. Concrete weighs 150lbs/ft3, steel is 490lbs/ft3. In office structures, a completed concrete structure (floors, walls, roof, beams, columns etc.) could be as much as 19% lighter than a composite steel frame and concrete slab building.

What kind of Quality Control/Quality Assurance is in place in the precast industry?

PCI has three different certification programs:

Plant Certification – First introduced in 1967, covers the overall management of the quality system within precast/prestressed plants.

Personnel Training and Certification – First introduced in 1985, covers the qualification and certifications of the people doing the product inspections and managing the Quality Assurance departments within precast/prestressed plants.

Erectors Qualification/Certification – First introduced in 1999, covers the training and qualification of field services personnel.

What are some key things to look for when inspecting precast?

Good bearing conditions i.e. bearing pad is in correct location, surface is uniform, structure is plum, well aligned. Welding of connections is appropriate and complete to stage of construction. Loads being applied at time of inspection are appropriate to intended design.

What are the benefits of a wall panel system?

Precast wall panels are an energy efficient alternative to steel and masonry, providing a hard wall and eliminating the need for exterior columns. Precast wall panels are not only energy efficient, but also mold and mildew resistant. Precast wall panels provide flexibility in the design phase of your home or building.

In case you still have question about modular homes and insulated precast foundation, you may contact Legendary Homes Inc in Jackson, Michigan. A representative will be happy to assist you. Meanwhile you can check our modular home price sheets by signing up to our blog

Topic: Precast Concrete

Advantages and Disadvantages of Precast Concrete

Posted by Legendary Homes on September 18, 2014 in Insulated Pre-Cast Foundations, Modular Homes with No Comments Yet

Precast concrete offers durable, flexible solutions for floors, walls and even roofs in every type of domestic construction from individual cottages to multi-storey apartments and modular homes. Concrete’s high initial embodied energy can be offset by its extended life cycle and high potential for reuse and relocation.

Precast concrete can also be a potential carrier of structural and construction problems as it has a number of disadvantages. Precast concrete has lesser flexibility and design. It may also provide a financial hurdle as delivery is sometimes delayed.

To further discuss precast concrete, here are its advantages and disadvantages;

Advantages of Precast Concrete

Appearance of Precast Concrete

An almost endless variety of shapes, colors, textures and finishes is available for precast concrete. It can be moulded and shaped to suit almost any design or form.

Minor variations in finish between design intent or specification and the actual outcome are common. Assessment of samples and prototypes is highly advisable. Established, professional precast companies usually deliver quality assured finishes to the standard specified.

Complex or detailed methods and finishes require a high degree of quality control and are often best handled under the controlled conditions of an off-site precast factory.

Structural capacity

Structural precast concrete panels are a strong, durable and versatile building material, particularly suited to Australia’s harsh climatic extremes and requiring minimal maintenance. They can be engineered to meet the structural needs of every type of domestic construction.

Concrete is flood and fire resistant and doesn’t shrink, rot or distort. It gains strength as it ages and in structural terms is ideally suited to the unpredictable conditions associated with climate change.

The inherent structural properties of precast walls mean that they do not require additional bracing to resist racking loads and that simple design of cross walls and junctions can provide adequate lateral bracing. Tie-down inserts to resist cyclonic winds are simple to design, install and connect.

Precast finishes are highly impact resistant, withstand wear and tear, and require minimal repairs and maintenance.

Insulation

High insulation levels are simply achieved when using precast concrete during the modular home construction. Most modular home builders and contractors do not worry about the lack of insulation if opting for the precast concrete.

Fire resistance

Precast panels are highly fire resistant with zero flammability on both external and internal surfaces.

Termite proofing

The use of woven stainless steel mesh or other termite barriers is strongly advised, to prevent termites accessing the roof structure via the insulation core. These barriers are placed across the insulation between external concrete skins at the base of the wall.

Durability and Moisture resistance

Dense precast concrete is generally not subject to rising damp or structural damage from condensation or dew-point formation. However, condensation problems can arise in any building due to temperature, humidity and ventilation conditions that encourage dampness and mildew.

No type of construction is immune but precast concrete is rarely affected by internal or interstitial condensation (i.e. from water vapor passing through the material).

Surface condensation or dew-point formation is more common and, while often causing unsightly mildew and stains, structural damage in precast concrete is unlikely.

Disadvantages of Precast Concrete

Precast concrete has very small margin for error as the incorrect dimensions of precast concrete may result in changing the entire design. It also has limited building design flexibility the manufacturers may only have fixed shapes and sizes.. Because panel size is limited, precast concrete can not be used for two-way structural systems.

In case you still have question about modular homes and insulated precast foundation, you may contact Legendary Homes Inc in Jackson, Michigan. A representative will be happy to assist you. Meanwhile you can check our modular home price sheets by signing up to our blog

Topic: Precast Concrete

Turn to Insulated Precast Foundation Now Before It’s Too Late

Posted by Legendary Homes on September 17, 2014 in Insulated Pre-Cast Foundations, Modular Homes with No Comments Yet

Modular Home on an Insulated Precast Foundation

Modular Home in Michigan

An insulated precast foundation is the new alternative to make a modular home more energy efficient, cost- savvy and high quality. A modular home with precast foundation is deemed to be an abode that keeps its owners safe and protected from extreme and strong weather disturbances. It is a place where people live comfortably and contented. And there are a lot of other reasons why going to insulated precast foundation is a wise investment.

Manufacturers are confident that each structure they construct gives a lot of reasons to choose insulated precast foundation. These reasons are most focused on the construction process, quality, efficiency, and affordability.

Construction Process of Insulated Precast Foundation

Unlike the process of how conventional houses are build, modular homes with insulated precast foundation are built faster. A modular home is constructed according to the schedule set by both its manufacturer and buyer. Sometimes there is a third party representative, usually from a financing firm and the local housing department, who sees to it that the construction schedule is followed.

Quality of Insulated Precast Foundation

Modular homes are sought after for their quality. They are as good as the stick built houses. Others even considered them to have higher performance than the traditional dwellings. And then insulated precast foundation was realized, making the modular home gain more value and quality.

The superior quality of the insulated precast foundation is begot from the process in which it is erected. Manufacturers are compliant to the local and state building codes, which became the reason why there are high quality modular homes. They are utilizing materials that meet or even exceed the standards. They are also integrating advanced tools to design, construct, and complete the house.

Energy Efficiency of Insulated Precast Foundation

Another reason a buyer can acquire from an insulated precast foundation is having a high energy efficiency characteristics. Most modular homes with insulated precast foundation are created to regulate and control energy inside the house, giving its dwellers a good indoor air quality.

Affordability of Insulated Precast Foundation

Though insulated precast foundation cost higher compared to other methods, many see it as a cost efficient foundation. Many home owners who chose the precast foundation have bigger savings on utility bills and maintenance fee.

In case you still have question about modular homes and insulated precast foundation, you may contact Legendary Homes Inc in Jackson, Michigan. A representative will be happy to assist you. Meanwhile you can check our modular home price sheets by signing up to our blog

Topic: Insulated Precast Foundation

Understanding the Curing Process of Precast Concrete

Posted by Legendary Homes on September 16, 2014 in Insulated Pre-Cast Foundations with No Comments Yet

When most people think of curing, they think only of maintaining moisture on the surface of the precast concrete. But curing is more than that—it is giving the precast concrete what it needs to gain strength properly. Precast concrete strength depends on the growth of crystals within the matrix of the concrete. These crystals grow from a reaction between Portland cement and water—a reaction known as hydration. If there isn’t enough water, the crystals can’t grow and the concrete doesn’t develop the strength it should. If there is enough water, the crystals grow out like tiny rock-hard fingers wrapping around the sand and gravel in the mix and intertwining with one another.

The other important aspect of curing is temperature—the precast concrete can’t be too cold or too hot. As fresh concrete gets cooler, the hydration reaction slows down. The temperature of the precast concrete is what’s important here, not necessarily the air temperature. Below about 50 F, hydration slows down a lot; below about 40 F, it virtually stops.

Methods for Curing the Precast Concrete

There are four different types of curing methods used for a precast concrete;

Water cure

The concrete is flooded, ponded, or mist sprayed. This is the most effective curing method for preventing mix water evaporation. Make sure you allow proper time for water curing.

Water retaining methods

Use coverings such as sand, canvas, burlap, or straw that is kept continuously wet. The material used must be kept damp during the curing period.

Waterproof paper or plastic film seal

Waterproof paper or plastic film seal is applied as soon as the precast concrete is hard enough to resist surface damage. Plastic films may cause discoloration of the concrete-do not apply to concrete where appearance is important.

Chemical Membranes

The chemical application should be made as soon as the precast concrete is finished. Note that curing compounds can affect adherence of resilient flooring, your flooring contractor and/or chemical membrane manufacturer should be consulted.

In case you still have question about modular homes and insulated precast foundation, you may contact Legendary Homes Inc in Jackson, Michigan. A representative will be happy to assist you. Meanwhile you can check our modular home price sheets by signing up to our blog

Topic: Precast Concrete

Why Precast Concrete Basement Walls Have Cracks?

Posted by Legendary Homes on September 15, 2014 in Insulated Pre-Cast Foundations, Modular Homes with No Comments Yet

In order to better understand some of the reasons why precast concrete basement walls will develop cracks, we first need to look at the concrete itself.

Composition of the Precast Concrete

Precast concrete is composed of 4 major elements, which are the aggregate, cement powder, chemical catalyst and water. Aggregate is usually a fine sand and a stone or gravel base. Cement powder base is a mixture of calcium, silicone, aluminum and iron. Then a chemical catalyst is the element added to promote curing. The final element is water.

Factors Affecting the Precast Concrete Basement

For example a 24 by 24 modular home basement with 8 foot tall walls at 10 inches will require about 24 cubic yards of precast concrete as well as over 4000 gallons of water. As those water cures out there is the possibility of shrinkage and cracking. Increasing the volume of water to 8 gallons per unit will result to about 40 % loss of compressive strength to the basement walls.

Other factors such climate conditions and the existence of re-enforcing metal bars can also play a part in the formation of modular home basement wall cracks. If the weather to wet or cold the concrete may cure to slowly to hot and dry and the concrete may cure too rapidly. Re-enforcing bars, know as rebar, are designed to limit movement and cracking. Unlike in the past, modular homes have re-enforcing rebar incorporated into the precast concrete foundation.

However precast concrete foundation wall cracks are not the only points that water may leak into the basement through the wall. Two of the other additional issues are old tie form holes and honey combing. When the foundation walls are poured there are metal rods used to hold the inner and outer wall forms together. After the forms are pulled the tie rods are snapped off next to the foundation. Over time excessive moisture will cause the metal to rust away leaving an open gap for water seep through. Honey combing refers to a portion of the foundation were the concrete was not properly shifted as it is poured. The end result is a gravel pocket where the finer cement mix did not get incorporated into the aggregate leaving open gaps for water egress to occur.

Despite the fact that basement wall cracks are inevitable you are assured not all of them will leak. However you can be one of the unlucky homeowners whose crack does develop seepage. Don’t worry as there are in-expensive, proven methods of repair available.

In case you still have question about modular homes and insulated precast foundation, you may contact Legendary Homes Inc in Jackson, Michigan. A representative will be happy to assist you. Meanwhile you can check our modular home price sheets by signing up to our blog

Topic: Precast Concrete

Production and Characteristics of an Insulated Precast Foundation

Posted by Legendary Homes on September 14, 2014 in Insulated Pre-Cast Foundations with No Comments Yet

Nowadays the insulated precast foundation and walls of a modular home can be made at the same time. This practice saves large amounts of time and money, which makes construction more effective and high quality. Moreover when concrete for insulated precast foundation is formed on the factory, rain and high levels of moisture in the air cannot severely affect the construction process as rain does not interfere with the curing process. Therefore since precast concrete comes handy, most modular home builders use it and we must discuss its production and characteristics.

Characteristics of an Insulated Precast Foundation

Insulated precast foundation is made from precast concrete which contributes to increased fire resistance, smooth surfaces, and increase quality of the structure. These are some of the characteristics which make the precast foundation popular among modular home builders and home buyers.

With its many benefits, insulated precast foundation is predominantly viewed as a commercial and/or industrial key element. More recently insulated precast foundation is being used in the construction of condominiums, apartments and some single family homes. Homes or structures with an insulated precast foundation tend to receive lower insurance premiums due to their durability and fire resistance ability.

Insulated Precast Foundation Production

The construction of insulated precast foundation starts with the formation of precast concrete in a secure and controlled factory to ensure concrete is cured properly. Ideal conditions help control the environment so the best product is produced.

Precast concrete use by insulated precast foundation advocates is set in a form which is used to shape the concrete that is poured into it. The form is first lubricated so the concrete is easily removed. The poured concrete is allowed to mostly cure, and then removed. By the time the precast concrete reaches the job site, it’s completely cured.

In case you still have question about modular homes and insulated precast foundation, you may contact Legendary Homes Inc in Jackson, Michigan. A representative will be happy to assist you. Meanwhile you can check our modular home price sheets by signing up to our blog

Topic: Insulated Precast Foundation

How Money and Time Influence the Realization of Insulated Precast Foundation

Posted by Legendary Homes on September 13, 2014 in Insulated Pre-Cast Foundations with No Comments Yet

Modular Home in Michigan

Having an insulated precast foundation can be a very attractive and efficient option for modular homes. Yes, the quality and durability of the panels are important to a retailer, but the key deciding factors for using precast are reduced construction time and competitive costs compared with other exterior building wall systems.

There are a number of advantages that make insulated precast foundation an attractive alternative for retailers. In order for precast to be selected, it really needs to meet two needs: reduction in construction time so that stores can open more quickly, and competitive pricing compared with other exterior wall systems. To get a retailer’s attention, you need to be able to demonstrate satisfaction of both of these criteria.

Cost of Insulated Precast Foundation

So why should your modular home have an insulated precast foundation? Cost can be a significant factor. Getting the precast foundation installed is tedious for the pocket, but the cost has benefits of a shortened construction schedule and of efficient and high quality foundation.

While the initial cost of precast panels may be higher than other foundation walls, a detailed cost comparison may reveal that insulated precast foundation construction compares favorably with the other methods.

Insulated precast panels can be used for spans with little or no additional reinforcing. More and more jurisdictions are requiring taller parapets to screen rooftop equipment. At the same time, recent building codes have more than doubled the required design wind load on parapets. Structural precast panels are better able to handle these cantilevered loads.

Schedule of Constructing an Insulated Precast Foundation

The time savings can also be considered a cost benefit when considering an insulated precast foundation. A shortened construction schedule means a reduction in job-site overhead, such worker’s salaries, trailer and utility fees,that result in significant savings.

A cost comparison should include both short-term and long-term cost savings. By using integrally colored concrete panels in lieu of painted CMUs, both the costs for initially painting and then repainting every few years will be reduced. The increased thermal mass of precast walls also reduces temperature swings, which can reduce heating and cooling costs. These maintenance cost reductions may make the life-cycle comparison of using precast walls competitive even if the initial costs are higher.

In case you still have question about modular homes and insulated precast foundation, you may contact Legendary Homes Inc in Jackson, Michigan. A representative will be happy to assist you. Meanwhile you can check our modular home price sheets by signing up to our blog

Topic: Insulated Precast Foundation

Factors Affecting the Construction of Insulated Precast Foundation for Modular Homes

Posted by Legendary Homes on September 12, 2014 in Insulated Pre-Cast Foundations, Modular Homes with No Comments Yet

Many have been considering the installation of an insulated precast foundation for their modular homes for a number of reasons. From our experience, it boils down to quality and efficiency of construction as well as the affordability of the construction cost. Insulated precast foundation wall panels can be a very attractive design option for exterior walls. Yes, the quality and durability of the panels are important to a modular home owner, but the key deciding factors for using precast are reduced construction time and competitive costs.

With the demand for having an insulated precast foundation, several home buyers are looking for the factors that may delay or complete the construction faster. That is why we are presenting some of the known consideration in the erection of the precast foundation for modular homes;

Materials Used in Insulated Precast Foundation

Most precast companies have computer controlled batching and mixing plants. Complex mixes for a variety of different concrete products are stored in the batching plant systems. This is an important facility since accurate sand/cement/gravel/water mix is critical to the integrity and durability of precast components.

Schedule of Construction

The production of precast components is scheduled to meet the production program. Machine changes and mould alterations are kept to a minimum to achieve the most efficient batch production. This can only be achieved with the co-operation of the entire project team.

Competitive Cost of Insulated Precast Foundation

So why isn’t every home owner has insulated precast foundation? Cost can be a significant factor. Getting your retail store open earlier is desirable, but if the cost of the precast panels is more than CMU or tilt-up wall systems, it can eat into sales profits, and thus the benefits of a shortened construction schedule could be reduced or eliminated altogether.While the initial cost of insulated precast foundation panels may be higher than tilt-up or CMU walls, a detailed cost comparison may reveal that precast construction compares favorably with the other methods.

In case you still have question about modular homes and insulated precast foundation, you may contact Legendary Homes Inc in Jackson, Michigan. A representative will be happy to assist you. Meanwhile you can check our modular home price sheets by signing up to our blog

Topic: Insulated Precast Foundation

Tips to Install the Insulated Precast Foundation for Modular Homes in Allen, Michigan

Posted by Legendary Homes on September 11, 2014 in Insulated Pre-Cast Foundations with No Comments Yet

Insulated precast foundation can have several forms that effective strategies to install them are utilized by many manufacturers and contractors. Some consist of steel-reinforced concrete ribs that run vertically and horizontally in the panels. Others are solid precast concrete panels. Panels are precast and cured in a controlled factory environment so weather delays can be avoided. A typical panelized foundation can be erected in four to five hours, without the need to place concrete on site for the foundation. The result is a foundation that can be installed in any climate zone in one sixth of the time needed for a formed concrete wall.

The controlled temperature of the processing plant allows the manufacturer to work with concrete admixtures that focus on ultimate strength rather than cure time and temperature. Manufacturers and contractors of insulated precast foundation are able to produce mixes that harden to 5,000 psi, which is stronger than concrete block or concrete walls formed and cast in the field. Better control of the concrete mixture and curing environment allows the use of low water/cement ratios that result in a dense material that prevents water penetration.

Ways to Effectively Install the Insulated Precast Foundation

Take Advantage of the Thermal Mass and Insulation Capacity

The key benefit of the insulated precast foundation is attributed to its thermal capacity. It regulates the heat inside the modular home. The precast concrete has the ability to store heat and minimize daily temperature loss. When the materials used are sandwiched properly, the precast foundation can produce high insulation rate, lowering the HVAC needs.

Eliminate Non-essential Materials

Components of insulated precast foundation have the innate strength and capacity to multi-task in almost any project. Not only can wall panels be attractive building facades, they can be a load-bearing system that eliminates the need for other structural systems, often using materials harvested much further away. Those same wall panels can function as the interior surface of the structure. Efficient design allows for the elimination of additional framing and drywall, structural steel, and possibly some foundation work.

Reduce Construction Waste

By delivering components as they are needed with almost no additional “packaging” required contractors of insulated precast foundation help minimize site impact. And, by delivering large pieces that are “full service” structures — incorporating structural and aesthetic design – site disturbance can be decreased through conscientious use of precast.

In case you still have question about modular homes and insulated precast foundation, you may contact Legendary Homes Inc in Jackson, Michigan. A representative will be happy to assist you. Meanwhile you can check our modular home price sheets by signing up to our blog

Topic: Insulated Precast Foundation

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Legendary Homes Inc
10197 S Meridian Rd US 127
Clarklake, Mi 49234
(517)206-2435
http://LegendaryHomesInc.com
Todd_Rutledge@LegendaryHomesInc.com

Located in Jackson County Michigan