Space is not always easy to come by on a construction site. Tight property lines, existing utilities, active roadways, limited access points, and crowded jobsites can all make it difficult to fit the infrastructure a project requires.
For contractors, developers,and construction teams, these challenges can affect product selection, installation, scheduling, and the overall design of a project.
Precast concrete can provide a practical solution. Because many precast structures can be manufactured in specific dimensions and configurations before arriving at the jobsite, they can help make better use of available space while reducing the amount of construction that needs to take place on site.
Why Space Constraints Can Complicate Construction
A project may have plenty of room on paper but considerably less space once construction begins.
Existing buildings, property lines, roadways, underground utilities, and other site features can restrict where new structures can be installed. On commercial and municipal projects, there may also be limited room for equipment, material staging, and on-site concrete work.
These conditions can make traditional cast-in-place construction more challenging. Forms, reinforcement, concrete placement, curing time, and other field activities all require additional space and coordination.
Precast concrete moves much of that work away from the jobsite.
Instead of building an entire structure in a confined area, the structure or its components can be manufactured in a controlled facility and delivered to the project when they’re ready for installation.
Custom Precast Manholes for Tight Underground Layouts
Underground infrastructure is one area where space constraints can become especially challenging.
Stormwater and sanitary sewer systems often need to work around existing utilities and other site features. A standard structure may not fit the available footprint or accommodate the required pipe configuration.
Del Zotto Products of Texas manufactures storm manholes and sanitary manholes in standard and custom sizes. Storm manholes are available in various configurations, including base sections, extended bases, barrel or riser sections, covers, and transition sections. Sanitary manholes can also be configured with base sections, barrel sections, flat-top covers, and eccentric or concentric cone sections.
This flexibility can be particularly valuable when a project has limited space or a complex underground layout.
Rather than forcing a site to accommodate a standard structure, a custom precast manhole can be designed around the project’s requirements.
Utility Vaults and Distribution Boxes for Confined Sites
Electrical, water, and other utility infrastructure can create additional challenges on crowded jobsites.
Precast utility vaults and distribution boxes can be customized for project-specific requirements. Del Zotto’s distribution boxes are available in a wide range of sizes and can be constructed in sections to make them more manageable during installation.
They can be used for applications such as detector check valves, fire lines, pressure-reducing applications, large meter housing, flow control, and air or vacuum release.
For a project with limited access or a restricted installation area, sectional construction can provide another way to work within the site’s physical limitations.
Wet Wells and Lift Stations in Limited Spaces
Wastewater infrastructure presents another situation where space can be a major consideration.
Del Zotto manufactures precast concrete wet wells and lift stations in a variety of configurations. Available options include circular structures from 48 to 144 inches in diameter, as well as square and rectangular wet wells. Custom projects can also be accommodated.
That range of options gives construction teams more flexibility when a project needs wastewater infrastructure but has a constrained footprint.
Instead of approaching the site with a one-size-fits-all structure, project teams can select a configuration based on the available space and project requirements.
Precast Can Reduce the Amount of Work Required On Site
One of the biggest advantages of using precast concrete in a constrained area is that much of the manufacturing process happens before the product reaches the jobsite.
This can reduce the amount of space needed for:
- Formwork
- Concrete placement
- Reinforcement assembly
- On-site curing
- Material storage
- Extended field construction
Instead, the finished structure can be delivered to the project and installed according to the construction plan.
For crowded job sites, that can make coordination easier and help minimize conflicts with other trades and construction activities.
Find a Precast Solution for Your Project
A tight jobsite doesn’t necessarily mean a project has to compromise on its infrastructure. Custom precast concrete can provide contractors, developers, municipalities, and construction teams with more flexibility when working around limited space and challenging site conditions.
From storm and sanitary manholes to utility vaults, distribution boxes, wet wells, lift stations, reinforced concrete box culverts, and other custom precast structures, Del Zotto Products of Texas manufactures solutions for a wide range of applications.
If your project has limited space or unusual site requirements, contact Del Zotto Products of Texas to discuss your project and find the right precast solution.
