From the very beginning of the development of reinforced concrete, efforts have been made to produce thin-walled units. The achievements in the field of ferrocement pay tribute to this endeavour. However, mainly because of cost factors, technical progress has been slow. In the 1970s, the development of fibre reinforcement from various materials revived interest in thin-walled units. Several technologies were developed, and some of these have been used commercially.

At the time of the FIP Congress in London in 1978, the subject of thin-walled concrete units was taken up by the FIP Commission on Prefabrication, and it was agreed that there was a great need for thin-walled concrete units possessing improved concrete properties. They clearly had a place in future material and technological development.

A Working Party was formed to prepare a state-of-the-art report on prefabricated thin-walled concrete units. It was generally felt that such a document, setting out to describe the units, materials and technologies, would be of value. Importance was also attached to drawing attention to the risks that might accompany their development.

This is the final report prepared by the Working Party under the leadership of Mr Markku Vesa (Finland), and discussed at length by the Commission at its regular meetings. The other members of the Working Group were Mr E. Juva, Mr H. Kaitila, Professor P. Kanerva, Mr M. Pyysalo and Mr A. Koponen. Mr Koponen has been largely responsible for the text; valuable contributions have been made by individuals and companies worldwide.

This report is intended for all those interested in thin-walled concrete units.