Trends and developments in the use of precast reinforced concrete in New Zealand for floors, moment resisting frames and structural walls of buildings are described. Currently, almost all floors, most moment resisting frames and many one- to three-story structural walls in buildings are constructed incorporating precast concrete elements. Aspects of design and construction, particularly the means of forming connections between precast concrete elements, are discussed. The paper emphasizes seismic design since that is where the major difficulties exist in using precast concrete in New Zealand. Confidence in the use of precast concrete in an active seismic zone has required the use of an appropriate design philosophy and the development of satisfactory methods for connecting the precast elements together.
