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order for the reader to derive maximum benefitfrom this manual, the concepts that guided its preparationare briefly outlined in this section.Concrete is material that has been used for centuriesbut its present qualities and usages characterize it asmodern and versatile. The color and texture possibilitiesalong with the infinite variety of forms and shapespossible with architectural precast concrete, as a resultof its plasticity, allows the designer to customizeelements and overcome the monotony of many proprietarysystems, the confining regularity of masonryunits, and the design limitations of materials subjectto the shortcomings of dies, brakes, and rollers. Withprecast concrete, the designer is in complete controlof the ultimate form of the faade and is free of anycompromise that might be traceable to a manufacturingprocess. Also, precast concrete has excellent inherentthermal, acoustical, fire resistive and blast resistantcharacteristics.Research and quality control of concrete componentshas led to a better understanding of the unique potentialsfor precast concrete. Improvements in proportioning,mixing, placing, finishing, and curing techniqueshave advanced concrete qualities. These improvements

have allowed design strength to be substantiallyincreased in the last few decades. Durability, appearance,and other important aspects, such as transportationand erection, have kept pace with thesedevelopments.By continuing to provide the designer with designfreedom, the precast concrete industry has experiencedsteady growth since the 1960s, particularly in the everwideningrange of precast concrete applications. Thewidespread availability of architectural precast concrete,the nearly universal geographic distribution ofthe necessary raw materials, and the high constructionefficiency of prefabricated components all add to the

appeal of architectural precast concrete construction.Precast concrete design engineers and precasters havea high level of craftsmanship and ingenuity along witha thorough knowledge of the material and its potentialin converting the designer s vision into a finishedstructure. Related to this knowledge must be an understandingby the designer of the important designconsiderations dictated by:1. Material characteristics;2. Wall analysis interrelationship with other materials;3. Weathering effects;4. Colors, finishes, and textures; and5. Manufacturing and erection efficiencies including

cost factors, quality-control standards, and localtrade practices.These design considerations are described in considerabledetail throughout this manual. It is importantthat the designer carefully evaluate the applicable designconsiderations when choosing the shape, color,and texture that will be emphasized on a project.Design considerations based upon manufacturing anderection factors are complex and varied. Because ofthe limitless expressions of precast concrete, such design

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considerations can rarely be stated in unqualifiedterms. It is important for the designer to know whichconsiderations are valid and to assess their influenceon a specific application. The design considerations forarchitectural precast concrete are not any more numerousor difficult than the ones associated with othermaterials. Optimum utilization of precast concrete willresult from a thorough understanding of the applicabledesign considerations. Consider, for example, theinterplay between the configuration of a precast concreteunit and its structural capacity, and between itsshape and available finishes. Add to this the availableoptions in reinforcement, including the possibility ofprestressing the unit to offset tensile stresses caused byhandling or service conditions