“In situ” is Latin for “in place” or “in its original position”. In construction it means that work is carried out at the final location instead of being prefabricated.
Application to concrete
The best-known example is in-situ concrete: concrete cast in place into the formwork, as opposed to prefab elements made in advance in the factory. The formwork gives the shape; once the concrete has hardened it is removed, leaving a seamless structure.
Application to measurements and investigation
The term is also used for measurements and investigation that take place in the ground or structure itself, rather than in a laboratory. Examples are in-situ cone penetration testing and in-situ ground investigation, where the properties are determined on location.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Advantage: custom work and continuity, because the work is matched to the final location.
- Disadvantage: dependence on conditions on the building site, such as weather and working space.
The choice between in situ and prefab depends on the design, the schedule and the conditions on location. The two are often combined within a single project.
Related terms
- In het werk (IHW)
- Cast-in-place construction
- Formwork
- Ready-mix concrete
- Ground investigation
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