How Are Prefabricated Houses Connected

The connection methods for prefabricated houses are centered around factory prefabrication and on-site assembly, achieving structural integrity through mechanical connections, high-precision positioning, and cast-in-place processes. These methods can be categorized into the following three types:

1. Connection Between Prefabricated Floor Slabs and Supporting Structures

The connection between prefabricated floor slabs (such as double-T slabs and prestressed concrete hollow slabs) and supporting structures like beams and walls must meet strength and ductility requirements to transfer vertical and horizontal loads.

• Double-T Slabs:
  • Rib-Bottom Connection: Ensures rigid integration between the floor slab and supporting structure through embedded steel plate welding or bolt fixation.
  • Tongue-and-Groove Connection: Creates a recessed and protruding joint at the contact surface between the double-T slab and supporting structure, enhancing shear resistance.
• Prestressed Concrete Hollow Slabs: Similar to double-T slabs in connection methods, with a focus on preventing separation from the supporting structure under seismic action, typically using bolts or welding to reinforce joints.
• Key Requirements: Connection joints must possess sufficient strength to bear loads while incorporating ductile design (e.g., flexible connectors) to mitigate the impact of dynamic forces like earthquakes on the structure.

2. Connection of Modular Buildings

Modular buildings are formed by factory-prefabricated independent modules (such as ceilings, floors, and walls) that are lifted and assembled on-site. The connection methods emphasize precision and integrity.

• Overall Assembly: Modules are fixed together through mechanical connections (e.g., bolts, clasps) or welding, similar to a “building block” approach, ensuring matching interface dimensions.
• Precision Control: Each module is labeled with project name, model, production date, and other information. During connection, reinforcement positions are located with millimeter-level precision to avoid structural weaknesses due to errors.
• Cast-in-Place Connection: After module assembly, concrete is poured on-site to fill interface gaps, strengthening connection integrity and enhancing overall seismic performance. For example, vertical joints between modules often use cast-in-place columns or walls to improve stability.

3. Connection of Other Prefabricated Components

Although not detailed extensively, the connection of prefabricated wall panels and other components must adhere to structural stability principles, referencing dry connection methods used in floor slab connections.

• Prefabricated Wall Panels: Typically connected to floor slabs, foundations, and other components through embedded steel plate welding, high-strength bolt fixation, or reserved reinforcement cast-in-place connections to ensure reliable integration.
• Joint Design: Connection joints must consider load transfer paths. For example, angle steel or connecting plates are installed at the junction of wall panels and floor slabs, forming rigid joints through bolts or welding.

Summary: The connection technology for prefabricated houses integrates mechanical connections (welding, bolts), high-precision positioning (millimeter-level error control), and cast-in-place processes. By combining dry and wet connections, it ensures the overall integrity and safety of the structure under both static and dynamic loads.