The application efficiency of precast monolithic frame systems in civil engineering

Introduction. The partial replacement of cast-in-situ concrete with precast concrete in the residential construction sector allows to reduce construction time and cost, increase labour productivity and cut CO2 emissions. Combinations of prefabricated and monolithic elements in precast monolithic frames are presented; they encompass 6 different structural options of precast monolithic frames and 2 types of monolithic frames. The co-authors compare production costs and integrated labor intensity for all frame design options, construction periods per 1,000 m3 of a residential building for various structural options of the frame, and assess potential reduction in carbon dioxide emissions due to a change in the amount of precast reinforced concrete in the building frame structure. Materials and methods. The co-authors have developed a method that employs weighted average to identify the optimal type of a precast monolithic frame. The method takes account of such factors as production costs, integrated labour intensity, construction time and reduction in carbon dioxide gas emissions (in per centum) per 1,000 m3 of the frame structure. Results. The optimal structure of a precast monolithic frame was selected and calculated using weighted average. Weighted average was used to identify the most effective structural frame. The calculation results have shown that ARKOS precast monolithic frame with precast columns is the leader in terms of weighted average; it best suits the construction of a residential building. If we consider each of the selected indicators separately, RECON frame with precast floors is to be selected; however, RECON is inferior to ARKOS in terms of weighted average due to different values of the weight coefficients attached to each of the assessment criteria. Conclusions. The co-authors have proven the efficiency of precast monolithic frame systems in comparison with monolithic frames if applied to construct a residential building. The proposed method was employed to select the optimal type of frame.