How to Prefabricate Light Steel Houses

The prefabrication process of light steel houses achieves efficient construction through industrial and modular processes, with the following core steps:

1. Design and Detailed Design (Application of BIM Technology)

Designers use professional software to complete architectural design based on customer needs and site conditions, integrating models from various disciplines such as architecture, structure, plumbing, and HVAC through BIM technology to generate precise component processing drawings. The drawings clearly indicate the length, hole positions, and connector models of light steel studs (such as C-shaped and U-shaped steel). The typical wall thickness of the studs ranges from 1.5mm to 3.0mm, with a yield strength of at least Q235 grade, ensuring structural safety and processing precision.

2. Automated Cutting and Punching

The reviewed design data is directly transmitted to the factory's automated production line. The CNC cold-forming machine integrates automatic uncoiling, leveling, cold-forming, cutting, and punching functions to cold-form galvanized steel strips (width 120mm-200mm, double-sided galvanization ≥180g/m²) into the required stud shapes and punch out bolt holes, wire conduit holes, and positioning holes at high speed. The cutting accuracy is controlled within ±0.5mm, providing a fundamental guarantee for subsequent assembly.

3. Component Pre-assembly and Welding

Workers preliminarily connect the cut components (such as columns and top beams) into 'structural units' (such as wall modules) using bolts or self-tapping screws on dedicated jigs, based on the 3D assembly drawings generated by BIM. Load-bearing joints (such as beam-column connections) are welded using carbon dioxide gas shielded welding or manual arc welding, with the weld height required to be at least 0.7 times the thickness of the thin plate. Non-destructive testing such as magnetic particle inspection is conducted to ensure welding quality, avoiding defects such as undercutting and porosity.

4. Modular Production and Enclosure Structure Installation

The structural units are further assembled into independent modules (such as floor slabs and roof trusses), with each module weighing less than 200kg for easy lifting. Enclosure structures are installed within the modules:

• Interior wall panels: 12mm thick fire-resistant gypsum boards are laid;
• Exterior wall panels: 9mm/11mm oriented strand boards (OSB boards) are installed, with a waterproof breathable membrane laid on the outside, and finally, exterior decorative panels (such as metal carved panels) are installed;
• Insulation materials: glass wool or rock wool is filled in between to achieve thermal and acoustic insulation effects.

5. Quality Inspection and Packaging for Transportation

The prefabricated components must pass inspections for dimensional accuracy, welding quality, and hole position deviation, with a factory prefabrication error of ≤2mm. After passing inspection, they are classified and packaged, then transported to the construction site for rapid assembly. This process significantly improves construction efficiency, reduces material waste, and achieves the goal of industrialized construction of light steel houses.