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The demand for faster and more efficient housing development in Canada has created a need for innovative systems. Prefabricated precast concrete construction offers a practical solution that can shorten construction timelines by 20–50%. In addition to accelerating project delivery, prefabrication improves quality control, minimizes material waste, enhances site safety, and enables year-round construction independent of weather conditions.This session will present lessons learned from a 16-storey precast concrete building project in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Key topics will include the evolution of the design concept, structural and connection detailing, manufacturing considerations, transportation logistics, and installation sequencing.In addition, the session will highlight the sustainability benefits of precast concrete systems through findings from recently published life cycle assessment (LCA) studies on precast building solutions. Attendees will gain insight into how modern precast concrete systems can support accelerated project delivery while contributing to improved construction efficiency, reduced waste, and lower environmental impacts.
Val Sylaj, P.Eng., PhD, is President of the Canadian Precast Concrete Institute (CPCI), the national organization representing the Canadian precast concrete industry for more than sixty years. Val brings extensive technical expertise in the design, manufacturing, and implementation of precast concrete systems. In his role, he is committed to strengthening value for CPCI members and stakeholders while leading strategic initiatives that support innovation, sustainability, and the continued growth of the precast concrete industry in Canada.
The demand for faster and more efficient housing development in Canada has created a need for innovative systems. Prefabricated precast concrete construction offers a practical solution that can shorten construction timelines by 20–50%. In addition to accelerating project delivery, prefabrication improves quality control, minimizes material waste, enhances site safety, and enables year-round construction independent of weather conditions.This session will present lessons learned from a 16-storey precast concrete building project in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Key topics will include the evolution of the design concept, structural and connection detailing, manufacturing considerations, transportation logistics, and installation sequencing.In addition, the session will highlight the sustainability benefits of precast concrete systems through findings from recently published life cycle assessment (LCA) studies on precast building solutions. Attendees will gain insight into how modern precast concrete systems can support accelerated project delivery while contributing to improved construction efficiency, reduced waste, and lower environmental impacts.
