Press ReleasesPRECAST PANELS PROVIDE A COST-EFFECTIVE ALTERNATIVE TO COMBAT RISING STEEL PRICESFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- September 29, 2004 SAVAGE, Minn. ? September 29, 2004 ? During the past year, steel prices have increased significantly, causing budget constraints and downsized plans for many construction projects. But there is a cost-effective alternative to structural steel. Fabcon's load-bearing VersaCore? precast concrete wall panels reduce the amount of steel required, which decreases both steel and ancillary expenses. "Precast concrete panels can cut 8 to 10 percent of a project's steel costs by eliminating steel columns and other framing traditionally used in industrial and distribution buildings," said Charles Moore, regional sales manager, Fabcon. "Our VersaCore panels have the strength to take on the load the steel columns were supporting without affecting structural rigidity." Fabcon's precast panels are designed to eliminate the columns that would normally occur every 40 to 50 feet around the perimeter of the building. Load-bearing panels contribute to the horizontal stability of the building, minimize complex connection details and create load uniformity. Taking the load into the wall also helps increase the interior space of the building, allowing for more usable floor area. "When constructing a warehouse or industrial building that doesn't require steel columns and beams on the perimeter, building owners could save up to 15 to 20 cents per square foot," said Larry Longman, director of preconstruction for Lauth Property Group, Indianapolis, Ind. "For example, by using Fabcon's load-bearing panels on a 150,000-square-foot industrial building, an owner could potentially save $30,000." Many architects have realized the design flexibility, faster time-to-market and cost-effective nature of precast concrete wall panels as an alternative to structural steel. According to Paul Meier, senior project architect at JRA Architecture in Indianapolis, Ind., precast has alleviated a lot of the costs that rising steel prices have added to projects. "Once we are given the approval to proceed with a project, we have to complete the drawings as soon as possible so that we can get project bids confirmed," said Meier. "Right now, we're working with a client who has a very tight budget, so we're using Fabcon's precast panels to eliminate the perimeter steel package and minimize material costs." With a reduction in the supply of raw materials and an increase in demand, steel prices are expected to remain volatile for some time. "The market is under such pressure that even small issues, like a weak dollar or higher prices for raw materials, which by themselves would normally be insignificant, are causing disproportionate instability," said James G. Toscas, president, Precast Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI). Technically, he notes, there is excess capacity in American and world markets, but mills can't ramp up fast enough to meet the need. Company Background For Further Information Return to Press Releases |
