U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Using Precast Modular Units To Combat Prison Crowding

NCJ Number
122987
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 52 Issue: 2 Dated: (April 1990) Pages: 152-154
Author(s)
P O'Neal
Date Published
1990
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The precast module system of constructing prison cells, as used in the construction of the Greensville Correctional Center (Virginia), is a relatively fast, inexpensive means of reducing prison overcrowding.
Abstract
Each module is monolithically cast and consists of two 70-square-foot cells with a mechanical chase between them for utilities connections. The 4-inch ceiling slab of each module is the floor for the module stacked on top of it. Electrical conduit for junction boxes and lights is cast into the cell as are openings for plumbing and ductwork for heating and airconditioning. Door and window openings are also precast, along with mounting plates for bunks, a seat, and a desk. The cells are constructed with cantilevered interior balconies between floors and between elevators and stair towers; roofs are prestressed double-tee concrete panels. Other trades complete the installation of furniture and fixtures, doors, plumbing, electrical connections, and railings along the balconies of the upper floors. The Greensville Center will open in phases. The total construction time of all buildings will be just under a year, approximately half the time of conventional construction.