Aspects of dimensional control in the production of large precast concrete units

Abstract

The paper relates to a research project carried out in the Department of Building, UMIST in conjunction with the Building Research Station into the development of techniques for the measurement of dimensional inaccuracies of strong height precast concrete units up to 8 m long. This resulted in the design of new and inexpensive instrumentation based on that already commercially available, which was applied to determine the degree of deviation to be expected in the production of these units. Particular emphasis is given to the measurement of form deviation, or twist, and the problems concerned with its determination in the factory environment. The inherent dimensional inconsistencies resulting from the material used and manufacturing processes is briefly reviewed. The paper examines the validity of recognized metrological concepts in the context of the increasing emphasis upon prefabricated component assemblies as an integral part of the building process, and discusses the relationship between the requireme...