What type of concrete is shaped before being placed in a structure?

Precast concrete is made in a controlled factory environment, where it is cast into specific shapes and forms before being transported to a construction site for installation. This method allows for better quality control, as the production conditions can be optimized, minimizing variables such as weather or site conditions that can affect the curing process. Precast concrete components can include beams, columns, walls, and slabs, which are all produced in advance and then assembled on-site, facilitating quicker construction schedules and reducing labor on-site.

In contrast, cast-in-place concrete is poured directly into the forms on the construction site and shaped during the process; it is not preformed prior to placement. Reinforced concrete refers to concrete that has been strengthened with steel bars or mesh, but this term does not specify when the concrete is shaped. Composite concrete typically involves materials combined with concrete to enhance its properties but also does not imply any specific shaping process prior to placement. Thus, precast concrete is distinct in its production methodology and its utility in streamlining construction.