Home X’s current structural state is a concrete skeleton which is half fitted with metal stud walls. In the second image there is a concrete bucket that is able to be lifted by a crane – this makes it clear that the concrete that forms the skeleton was cast-in-place. Furthermore, given the scope of Home X the cast-in-place concrete would be reinforced with rebar.

Given Home X is located on Lewes Road, a relatively busy area, utilizing cast-on-site concrete is a more ideal choice compared to precast concrete. To deliver precast concrete to the site location would be unrealistic and strenuous, as the road would be congested with traffic, therefore aiding emissions and causing major disruption. The concrete would have to be lifted up to this is also unlikely due to the sweep radius of cranes. In addition, to purchase precast concrete pieces would be to expensive, to large, and would’ve gotten damaged during transportation to the site, hence why in situ concrete was chosen.

Despite in situ concrete being less taxing given the site location it has its disadvantages. As the concrete is having to be made and poured on site skilled laborer’s are required and this can be costly. The average cost of pouring concrete slab is about £150 – £200 per m3 (Checkatrade, 2022). Having this price coupled with labor and the amount of concrete needing to be cast results in a big bill. Formwork would also need to be made by hand to mold the concrete. Also, the concrete would be exposed to the elements and can take awhile to cure given the weather – this can also affect the quality of the concrete 5-7 days if the weather is favorable (Nitterhouse Concrete Products, 2020). Brighton is cold and windy and as a result curing time and concrete quality has most likely been affected. Waiting for the concrete to cure costs time and money as construction is delayed.

Concrete Creation:

1. On the construction site, the formwork is prepared with wood or steel.
2. Then the concrete is placed into the Formwork.
3. After 2-3 days depending on the weather, formworks are removed, and the concrete is ready for curing work.
4. The curing step is done by water curing, wet curing, moisture-retaining, and liquid membrane curing.

It is clear why cast-on-site concrete was chosen. In situ concrete is cheaper than precast concrete given the scope of Home X, however costs for skilled workers is very costly to lay the concrete.