During the erection of precast concrete structures, safety management for work at height must be integrated directly into the production, handling and installation phases of the elements. Beams, roof elements, panels and multi-storey structures require fall protection systems that can be installed before the element is lifted into its final position, without interfering with erection operations and while keeping working surfaces accessible.
In this context, the Elastico 10 system developed by B.S. Italia is designed to integrate directly into precast elements through a configuration consisting of a post, cable and Tubo Ancora. The system makes it possible to create a flexible fall protection line from the preliminary erection stages, improving operational control and maintaining continuous protection as site operations progress.
Table of contents
- Installation of the fall protection system before lifting
- Integration of the system with the Safelift embedded in the precast element
- Accessibility and reduced interference during erection
- Cable tensioning and system behaviour
- Applications of the system in precast structures
- Operational control and long-term system management
Installation of the fall protection system before lifting
One of the most significant features of the Elastico 10 system is the possibility of installing the fall protection line directly at ground level, before handling the precast element.
This configuration allows the safety system to be prepared during the element set-up phase, avoiding subsequent installation work at height and reducing interference during placement operations. The system is fixed directly to the precast element by means of the Tubo Ancora integrated into the concrete casting process, allowing the element to be lifted with the line already installed.
This approach ensures continuous protection during the different operational phases of the precast construction site:
- handling of the elements;
- placement of beams and roof elements;
- progression across spans;
- construction of roofs;
- erection of multi-storey structures.
The system can be used on L-shaped beams, I-shaped beams, double-T elements, precast trusses and multi-storey structures, allowing progressive installation of the line as erection proceeds.
Integration of the system with the Safelift embedded in the precast element
The Elastico 10 system is designed to work in combination with the Safelist system integrated into the precast element.
During the design phase, the following must be defined:
- number of inserts;
- position of the anchors;
- spacing between posts;
- local concrete confinement conditions.
The operating spacing of the system ranges from 3 to 10 metres, while the concrete must provide adequate strength for the use of the device. The Safelift is embedded in the concrete according to specific requirements concerning local reinforcement, edge distances and the geometry of the precast element.
The system configuration also makes it possible to compensate for possible insert rotation relative to the intended axis. The rotating sleeve integrated into the post ensures correct orientation of the line even in the presence of minor Safelift misalignments within the element.
This feature helps reduce operational issues during erection and improves control of installation on site.
Accessibility and reduced interference during erection
During the erection of precast elements, safety systems may interfere with operator movement and element placement operations.
The Elastico 10 configuration is designed to limit these issues through:
- absence of inclined cables;
- reduced post dimensions;
- flexible line positioned close to the working surface;
- possibility of offset installation relative to the beam axis.
Offsetting the line from the edge of the element improves operator access and increases the surface area that remains effectively usable during work.
For specific configurations, a side bracket is also available to position the post externally to the precast element. This solution is mainly used when the roof element occupies the entire width of the beam, keeping the walking surface clear.
The possibility of adapting the system to different precast geometries helps maintain operational continuity even in complex configurations.
Cable tensioning and system behaviour
The operational behaviour of Elastico 10 depends directly on the correct tensioning of the flexible line and on the control of system deformability.
The post configuration integrates an elastic system with a dual function:
- cable tensioning;
- energy absorption in the event of a fall.
During installation, the spring is preloaded within controlled values, while the cable must maintain limited sag relative to the horizontal line. This ensures a stable line configuration and controlled dynamic behaviour during use.
The integrated elasticity also limits the actions transferred to the structural anchors in the event of accidental loading, helping to control the forces acting on the precast element.
The system is designed to operate without line deviations and therefore requires straight configurations between anchor points, with the line interrupted and restarted near corners.
Applications of the system in precast structures
The Elastico 10 system can be integrated into different types of precast elements and structures intended for work at height.
The system can be used on:
- precast beams;
- panels;
- double-T elements;
- trusses;
- multi-storey structures;
- precast roofs;
- steel structures integrated into precast erection operations.
The possibility of quickly reusing posts and cables as erection progresses helps reduce operating times and maintain continuous protection across working areas.
This approach makes it possible to integrate the fall protection system into the operational cycle of the precast element without introducing unplanned additional work during erection.
Operational control and long-term system management
In addition to its performance during erection, the Elastico 10 system is designed to ensure operational control and allow component conditions to be verified over time.
To maintain system efficiency, the following must be checked periodically:
- cable condition;
- integrity of welds;
- condition of threads;
- flatness of bases;
- condition of galvanised and painted surfaces;
- correct operation of elastic components.
All the main system components are identifiable and traceable, allowing the operating condition of the equipment used for work at height to be monitored.
Within the operational cycle of systems for precast elements, this approach allows closer control of safety conditions and of the equipment used during erection.
Within the B.S. Italia safety systems range, Elastico 10 is designed to integrate directly into precast elements during erection and installation phases, allowing the creation of flexible fall protection lines with reduced dimensions and operational continuity as site operations progress.
