QUOTES & BUILDING COSTS
The cost is dependent on a number of factors including the complexity and size of your project along with Akura’s scope of works. By engaging Akura, we can apply our experience to the design, construction and fabrication process; optimising it for steel and precast panel efficiencies, thereby allowing us the ability to pass on considerable cost savings to our customers.
- Site location
- Budget
- Intended use of building
- Building requirements and specifications
- Timeframe – when do you want to start, when do you want to move in
- Project Scope
PRE-CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN
Generally speaking, it takes approximately 5-8 months from concept to completion for a Turnkey project. However this largely depends on the complexity of the project.
For a U-Select™ Structural Package (footings, steel and panels), the turnaround can be from as little as 3 weeks.
A U-Select™ Lock-Up Package can be delivered from as little as 8-10 weeks.
WORKING WITH AKURA
- We are a family owned business with strong rural values, thus we have both a professional and personal interest in delivering high quality outcomes, underpinned by friendly and approachable staff.
- We have over 40 years’ experience in the construction industry and have worked across commercial, industrial, agricultural and residential projects
- We are supported by our ability to manufacture both structural steel and precast concrete panels which allows for shorter lead times, flexibility to make changes to the construction and cost efficiencies associated with dealing direct with the manufacturer – us!
- Our innovative design team work to ensure your project is as pleasing to the eye as it is functional.
- Expert Project Managers are involved from day one, helping to tailor the design, get it through Council and oversee its successful development to ensure it fully meets your needs.
- Because we own our trucks, mobile cranes and earthmoving equipment we have near complete control of construction.
- We have a team of highly experienced and skilled people, who are the best at what they do and are committed to achieving customer satisfaction.
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PRECAST CONCRETE PANELS
Precast concrete panels are manufactured off-site in a controlled environment such as plant or factory to remove weather related variables that could cause inaccuracies and disrupt quality finishes. This controlled environment is optimal for reduced curing times and the advanced mix ratios achieve superior strength to withstand transport and erection loads.
Tilt-up panels are manufactured on site and is a time and space consuming practice, whereby a number of variables such as weather and site can impact the quality assurance of the final product and curing times are longer. But it can be beneficial on small, hard to access sites that precast concrete panels would not be able to be transported into.
Structural Walling
The panel acts as a load-bearing structural element of the building.
Cladding (clip-on panels/dado panels)
The panels are clipped onto a structural steel frame and operate as cladding only – they do not act as a load-bearing structural element.
- Reduced lead times
- Flexibility to integrate any type of design or finish
- Flexibility to customise the panels specific to size and thickness
- Low Maintenance
- Durable
- Fast installation
- Cost efficient
- Can be used for structural walling or as a cladding/facade material
The technology in concrete mix design has advanced considerably over the last decade and continues to do so. The very specific mix ratio ensures the durability of precast concrete panels, which at present across the industry, have an anticipated lifespan of around 100 years.
Environmental factors, purpose and use will impact this, i.e. in the case of precast concrete panels used for a building which contains chemicals, heavy material and corrosive elements, the lifespan may be considerably reduced.
The demand for precast concrete to cure faster and provide high early compressive strengths only continues to drive advances in technology and analysis of chemicals and additives.
The compressive strength is also a major contributor to durability. As an industry standard, precast concrete panels are manufactured to achieve a strength of 40mPA at 28 days. Akura’s process exceeds this standard.
This means that precast concrete panels are denser, thus have low permeability – meaning panels have a high resistance to the penetration of fluids. Denser the panel – potential for a longer lifespan.
The use of additives help precast concrete panel manufacturers to produce products that contain low w/c rations and higher compressive strengths than many cast-in-place structures – like tilt panels.
One of the many benefits of precast over cast-in-place/tilt panels is the ability to produce quality products on a consistent basis using new advances in additive technology and ‘environments’.
There exists a lot of confusion regarding the different ‘types’ of precast concrete panels, with many believing that both precast panels and tilt-up panels are one and the same. However, these two types of concrete panel are very different; in both the way that they are manufactured along with their durability and cost.
Precast concrete panels are manufactured off-site, generally in a manufacturing plant which ensures a controlled environment for fast curing and consistent quality.
Tilt-up panels are manufactured on-site, where form-work is put together, concrete is poured on site and panels are lifted. The trend has moved away from site-cast (tilt panels) over the last decade, with many builders and architects appreciating the improved quality that factory cast, quality-tested precast panels can deliver.
STRUCTURAL STEEL
ENQUIRE NOW
Get a quote and/or have your questions answered by one of our project consultants.
Things that may help with your enquiry:
- Site location
- Intended use of building
- Project Scope
- Budget
