Precast concrete elements for sustainable and aesthetic construction

The days when using precast concrete elements meant little room for creativity are definitely over. Thanks to Waco, a Concrete Valley company, architects and designers now have the ability to think form-free. And the beauty of it is that it can also be done sustainably.

Ron van Boven, commercial director at Waco says: "Look at bridge construction, usually in precast concrete straight bridges are designed, but with our precast elements bridges with architectural value can be built. We can easily vary arch radii in the longitudinal profile and the edge elements can also be made in many shapes."

It is easy to vary arc radii in the longitudinal profile, and the edge elements can also be made in many shapes.

Reuse of concrete aggregate

A significant percentage of the fraction in the concrete mix consists of recycled concrete aggregate, rather than gravel. "In other words, sustainable. That our precast concrete is more sustainable due to its composition is obvious. What is important is the knowledge that working with precast elements puts significantly less strain on the immediate environment. Also, the total CO₂-emissions of a project are reduced by using precast concrete. That is a very weighty factor right now," Van Boven said.

Waco acts as a partner in projects. "We supply precast concrete for bridges. We can make entire precast bridges, including the abutments. A combination of in-situ casting and precast concrete is also possible, where we provide the engineering and precast part. In the construction of culverts, our concrete feels at home. We work as much as possible based on customer requirements with our standardized range in culverts. Work can be done faster thanks to the Drycast method with which we make culverts. By using this method fewer molds are needed. Making concrete to color? No problem. In addition, we can perform precast elements with various surface treatments. Waco takes as much work out of the customer's hands as possible."

As much as possible, work is done on the basis of customer requirements with the standardized range in divers.

"Dream it, we'll make it."

That is Waco's motto and certainly not a utopian statement. The examples are legion. "We like special projects and challenges. For example, we built with Mammoet on the New Bond Street Ticket Halls in London. The tube station has added two new 'ticket halls' constructed from concrete columns and beams. In terms of appearance, these integrate seamlessly with the existing architecture. Our system enables us to build an architectural building on a relatively small area. We can proudly attach the label 'Made in the Netherlands' to that."

Since 1888

Waco can build on more than 100 years of experience. "The company dates back to 1888. The knowledge built up was passed on generation after generation and will continue to be so. We are inquisitive, innovative and have more than ever the drive to arrive at new insights. We are therefore working continuously to renew and improve our production processes and products," Van Boven outlines. "You come across us in offshore, residential construction, industrial and civil construction. Different branches, but always true to the core values: as efficient, innovative and sustainable as possible." Waco is located on the grounds of a Concrete Valley where it serves the market along with other innovative companies in the industry.