Concrete

Concrete panels can be used either as cladding to the building, or as part of the loadbearing structure, supporting roof and wind loads.

Using panels as loadbearing elements generally reduces the overall cost due to a decrease in the weight of structural steelwork required. Even though more roof bracing is required, eliminating the columns usually provides greater savings. Also, in terms of the programming, the panels can be cast and erected prior to the delivery of steelwork, allowing time for fabrication of the steelwork. If the concrete panels are used as cladding, the steelwork is usually on the critical path for the project.

http://www.concrete.net.au/