Houses with Prefabricated Slabs

Houses with prefabricated slabs, also known as prefabricated slab houses, are structures built using factory-prefabricated cement slabs and have numerous drawbacks. The current disposal approach follows the principle of 'adapting measures to local conditions and implementing strategies based on classification,' rather than a blanket demolition.

Basic Information on Prefabricated Slab Houses

Prefabricated slab houses were primarily constructed in the 1970s and 1980s, funded by state-owned enterprises, government agencies, and other institutions to address the housing needs of their employees. The main building materials are factory-prefabricated concrete slabs, available in both solid and hollow types, with steel bars inserted inside. The primary advantage of this construction method is its low cost and rapid construction speed, enabling it to meet a large demand for housing in a short period.

Drawbacks of Prefabricated Slab Houses

• Poor Earthquake Resistance: Composed of cement components joined together, these houses have poor integrity and struggle to withstand natural disasters such as earthquakes. Even slight vibrations can loosen the joints between floor slabs, leading to an increase in cracks over time and potentially causing the entire building to collapse.
• Short Service Life: Typically lasting 30 to 40 years, which is significantly shorter than modern commercial housing. Over time, issues such as wall cracks, ceiling leaks, and structural instability may arise, with many older prefabricated slab houses being classified as 'dangerous buildings.'
• Wall Cracks and Water Leakage: The components are prone to cracking, and the joints between them are susceptible to water leakage. During rainy days, water may pour into the house from outside, and dripping may continue even after the rain stops.
• Poor Thermal Insulation: There is little difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, making the houses cold in winter and hot in summer. In extreme weather conditions, the walls may feel as thin as paper.
• Poor Sound Insulation: Loud voices in one room can be heard in adjacent rooms.
• Lack of Human-Centric Design: The floor plans are poorly designed. For example, kitchen windows may face stairwells, causing cooking fumes to fill the corridors; living rooms may be small and windowless, requiring light from other rooms.

Disposal Principles for Prefabricated Slab Houses

In 2023, Chinese authorities prohibited the construction, renovation, and expansion of prefabricated slab houses and other buildings that do not comply with current standards within urban construction land areas. The current disposal of prefabricated slab houses follows the principle of 'adapting measures to local conditions and implementing strategies based on classification,' rather than a blanket demolition. Priority for demolition is given to those with structural damage, inability to withstand natural disasters, impact on municipal planning, or located in prime urban areas. Compensation and resettlement for demolition follow the 'Regulations on the Expropriation and Compensation of Houses on State-Owned Land,' with resettlement methods primarily including monetary compensation, physical resettlement, housing vouchers, and in-situ reconstruction.