Overview of the precast concrete market in Brazil and presentation of landmark projects

Present in the Brazilian construction industry for over 60 years, precast concrete has become an essential element in the country’s current economic scenario. This is especially true as signs of a shortage of skilled labor become increasingly apparent. At the same time, the need for new investment grows, particularly in areas such as transportation infrastructure, logistics, and affordable housing. Proven through numerous projects, precast elements are widely used in the construction industry as structural components such as piles or columns, hollow-core slabs, and enclosure elements in buildings that have remained stable and functional for decades.

More specifically, over the past two decades, driven by the opportunities presented by international sporting events such as the FIFA Football World Cup and the Olympics, the extensive application of precast concrete structures in large-scale projects such as sports arenas and the expansion of infrastructure, including airports and road access, has ushered in a new phase of technological advancement in the industry.

Starting from the principle that standardization is the foundation for the sustainable development of a sector, institutional and academic activities were initiated to monitor international trends, to allow for the advancement of standardization, and to create a sectoral program that integrates quality, safety, and environmental aspects. Through this program, a third-party organization evaluates and certifies companies on a voluntary basis. In this context, Brazil’s participation and contribution to Commission 6 on prefabrication of the fib – The International Federation for Structural Concrete – has catalyzed the sector’s progress through collaboration with professionals from different countries and involvement in working groups. Today, the industry is strongly focused on two strategic themes: verticalization and sustainability.

This lecture aims to present this evolution through landmark case studies and activities developed to stimulate the sector’s growth.