"The second edition of this publication followed the release of the revised New Zealand Concrete Structures Design Standard NZS 3101 in 1995, and is intended to not only reflect the requirements of the new code, but also incorporate appropriate developments of accepted 'good practice' within the design and construction industry, and include some of the relevant research that has been produced since the first edition was published. Generally, the emphasis is on buildings rather than civil engineering structures. Although there is a particular focus on the seismic aspects of precast concrete construction, many sections refer to gravity loads as well as volume changes such as creep, shrinkage and thermal actions. The principal aspects of the uses of structural precast concrete covered are: • Precast beams (both shell and solid), precast columns and their jointing; • Beam-column joints, especially if cast-in-place between precast elements; • Support and continuity of floor slabs; • Jointing techniques and connectors, constructability and tolerances; • Diaphragm actions; and • Behaviour of certain precast concrete wall systems."