What material are precast slabs typically manufactured from?

Precast slabs are typically manufactured from normal-density or structural lightweight concrete. This material choice is essential because concrete provides significant compressive strength, durability, and the ability to be cast into various shapes and sizes, which are critical characteristics for structural elements.

Normal-density concrete is commonly used due to its strength and availability, while structural lightweight concrete can also be employed to reduce the overall weight of the precast elements, which can facilitate easier handling and lower transport costs. The versatility of concrete allows for the manufacture of slabs that can meet specific structural and architectural requirements.

Wood and steel, though used in other construction components, are not suitable for precast slabs because they do not provide the same level of structural integrity and durability as concrete. Aluminum and fiberglass are materials typically used for different applications in construction, such as fixtures and panels, rather than for load-bearing structural elements like precast slabs. Only using structural lightweight concrete is too restrictive, as precast slabs can also effectively utilize normal-density concrete depending on the design requirements.