Comparative Study of RCC and Prestressed Concrete Elements in Low Cost Housing

The increasing need for affordable, fast, and durable construction in developing nations like India has shifted the focus of the construction industry towards innovative structural systems. Among these, precast concrete has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) construction, especially for low-cost mass housing. This research presents a detailed comparative study between RCC and Precast (Prestressed) Concrete systems in the context of a G+3 low-cost housing structure, with a focus on evaluating structural performance, material optimization, and cost efficiency. The study involves the modeling and structural analysis of both RCC and precast systems using STAAD. Pro, adhering to Indian Standards such as IS 456:2000, IS 875 (Parts 1–3), IS 1893, and IRC guidelines. Parameters analyzed include bending moment, shear force, deflection, axial load capacity, and reinforcement consumption. The results demonstrate that precast systems outperform RCC across multiple performance metrics. Bending moments in precast beams and slabs were reduced by up to 68%, and deflections dropped by 54%, ensuring better serviceability. Shear forces were also significantly reduced, ranging from 10% to 68%, depending on the element location and loading condition. Moreover, axial load-carrying capacity in precast columns increased by up to 22%, enabling the potential for reduced cross-sectional dimensions and improved space utilization. Reinforcement requirements were notably lower in precast elements, with reductions ranging from 28% to 40%, due to internal prestressing and improved stress distribution. This translates into considerable material savings and simplified detailing. From a cost standpoint, while precast systems involve higher initial costs in molds, casting yards, and transportation, they substantially lower labor, formwork, and construction time. A comparative cost breakdown revealed a 15–25% reduction in total project cost for precast systems over the structure’s lifecycle, especially due to faster completion, quality consistency, and reduced maintenance. This study concludes that precast concrete systems provide superior structural behavior, faster construction timelines, and long-term economic benefits, making them ideal for large-scale housing projects, particularly under schemes like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and other urban development programs. Their modularity, quality control, and sustainability potential align with the modern construction demands of efficiency, safety, and scalability. The adoption of precast technology in low-cost housing can significantly contribute to meeting India’s growing urban housing demand while maintaining construction quality and affordability.