The Architectural Precast Association is a national trade association organized in 1966 to advance the interests of architectural precast concrete in North America.
Membership in the Association is made up of highly qualified craftsmen whose commitment to quality and excellence is a long standing tradition. The membership collectively represents virtually hundreds of years of experience in precasting. This expertise is freely shared with fellow APA Members, thereby greatly reducing difficult production problems which can arise when innovative and original concepts are specified by creative design professionals who take advantage of the unequaled versatility of architectural precast concrete.
Leading suppliers to the architectural precast industry also comprise the membership, and their specialized expertise in areas of architectural precasting is a valuable resource to the producer membership.
The Architectural Precast Association, working through its six standing committees, has established many worthwhile programs that have benefitted not only APA Members and the architectural precast industry, but also the building industry in general.
Committees
The TECHNICAL COMMITTEE established a specification for architectural precast. This document has been endorsed by the Construction Specifications Institute and is identified as CSI03450 in the CSI specification series.
The AWARDS COMMITTEE, in cooperation with teams of judges made up of respected members of the design industry, annually recognizes outstanding design and production work of both APA Members and architects with the prestigious "APA Award of Manufacturing Excellence."
The CERTIFICATION COMMITTEE has developed and maintains a successful Plant Certification Program which has gained universal acceptance nationwide as an indicator of a plant's ability of producing high quality concrete.
Promotion of architectural precast concrete and the craftsmanship embraced by the APA Membership is the objective of the PROMOTION COMMITTEE. Advertising in national publications, direct mailings, development of brochures and news releases are just some of the many activities the Committee coordinates to promote architectural precast.
The EDUCATION COMMITTEE is charged with providing a source of continuing education for members as well as keeping design professionals educated to the advantages of architectural precast.
And as its name suggests, the MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE works to recruit new members and to retain current members.
Meetings
Two major annual meetings provide members with opportunities to monitor the progress of the Association. The APA Annual Convention emphasizes management-oriented programs. The Fall Training Seminar's program is geared to address production issues and is structured to provide an ideal forum for idea exchange about the latest techniques available to achieve product quality.
APA is blessed with members who contribute lavishly of their time and talents to ensure that the Association continues to meet the increasingly complex needs of the membership.
While APA strives to meet the changing needs of members, the primary objective of the Association remains the same as it was when it was founded over three decades ago to advance the interests of Architectural Precast Concrete in North America.
Plant Controlled Quality
Architectural Precast Concrete may be expressed in shapes and sizes, colors and textures, forms and functions which are virtually without limits. Produced in manufacturing plants where forms are painstakingly designed, constructed and prepared, Architectural Precast Concrete will faithfully reflect the architect's plans. The successful implementation of the design is enhanced by timely consultation with the producer of Architectural Precast Concrete before and during the design process.
Superior Materials
Excellence in Architectural Precast Concrete requires the selection of the highest quality materials which are transformed by the craftsmanship of the producer into the architectural components envisioned by the designer. White and gray portland cements, sand and stone of every hue, concrete admixtures, coloring pigments, surface retarders, each makes its unique contribution to the intended result in the skilled hands of the craftsmen of concrete, members of the Architectural Precast Association.
Expedient Construction
Site delays, labor shortages or inclement weather may slow progress with job site methods of construction. The early fabrication of Architectural Precast Concrete is accomplished independent of events in the field. Fast-track erection schedules become possible and the shortened construction time reduces financing costs. Delivered directly to the building site, thousands of square feet of Architectural Precast Concrete wall panels and decorative treatments can be positioned in a single day. Product can be easily maneuvered in to place directly from the delivery truck and secured into position. No environmental concerns. No obtrusive mixing operations or excessive construction noise. No delays. Savings continue to be achieved through earlier occupancy and quicker return on investment.
Unlimited Effects and Textures
A form liner finish can be created by the use of plaster, rubber, grained wood, rope or other material as a liner in the casting. The result, a wide range of effects or textures. Further variations may be achieved by mechanically or chemically etching the surface of a casting. Natural stone veneers, such as granite or marble, are often used to simulate a rich, striking exterior at a fraction of the cost of solid stone. Thin slices of expensive stone are placed in the forms; then concrete is cast behind them to achieve a large precast panel having the natural stone face. Thin brick or tile can also be set into a form and cast in a similar manner. Contact your local producer for additional innovative Architectural Precast finishes.
Architectural Precast Concrete's reputation for beauty, durability and economy is well established but its potential has barely been tapped. As more daring, more functional, more efficient and more beautiful structures are envisioned and created, the artistry and craftsmanship of Architectural Precast Concrete will continue to play its role as the designer's most versatile medium.
Architectural Support
The Finishes Guide is a condensed overview of the type and variety of finishes which are possible to achieve with Architectural Precast Concrete. Its main purpose is to indicate the various finishes available with Architectural Precast Concrete and to generate further questions. This guide is intended to answer most questions relating to these Architectural Precast Concrete finishes. The cost is $1.25 each plus postage and handling.
This eight-minute videotape entitled "Material of Choice" serves as an architect's introduction to the design advantages which can be achieved through the use of Architectural Precast Concrete. Architectural Precast Concrete is often recognized as the material of choice because it affords architects greater design freedom, results in significant cost-savings and provides superior structural durability. This video graphically illustrates these points, rendering an overview of the manufacturing process, construction methods, and the variety and type of finishes possible with decorative concrete panels. Cost of the video is $14.95, plus postage and handling.
The Color and Texture Selection Guide presents an expanded look into the myriad possibilities in surface appearance of precast concrete. The purpose of the Guide is to give decision-makers current information on the availability of various colors and textures. Represented are 236 color photos organized in a 3-ring binder with an identification of materials used to produce the samples displayed. No architect's library should be without this valuable specification tool. The cost is $60.00 plus postage and handling.