How to Use Prefabricated House Panels
The use of prefabricated house panels should be determined based on the span of the house, typically opting for horizontal installation in the direction of the smaller span. Specific considerations include base treatment, panel bottom support, and panel joint treatment.
Base Treatment: Base treatment is a fundamental step in the installation of prefabricated panels. Before placing the panels, the top surface of the supporting wall must be leveled. An uneven base can lead to uneven stress distribution on the panels, compromising structural safety. The day before lifting, the wall top should be watered to facilitate the bonding of cement mortar with the wall. Subsequently, high-grade cement mortar should be used to carefully level the surface, ensuring full and even coverage. The use of dry bricks or crushed stones for leveling is strictly prohibited, as these materials cannot provide stable support and may lead to settlement or cracking of the panels after installation.
Panel Bottom Support: During the installation and cement pouring of prefabricated panels, panel bottom support is crucial. Due to insufficient strength in the initial stages of installation, panels may bend or crack under upper loads without adequate support. Therefore, temporary supports, such as wooden beams or steel pipes, should be installed at the panel bottom to ensure stability during hardening. The spacing and quantity of supports should be calculated based on the panel size and load requirements to ensure the support system can withstand all loads during construction.
Panel Joint Treatment: Panel joint treatment is key to preventing issues such as water leakage in the later stages. If the joints between prefabricated panels are not properly treated, rainwater may seep into the interior, affecting functionality. Therefore, when installing the panels, an appropriate joint width should be reserved, and waterproof materials, such as waterproof mortar or sealant, should be filled into the joints. Before filling, debris within the joints should be cleaned to ensure tight bonding between the filling material and the panels. Additionally, a drainage slope can be set at the panel joints to guide rainwater outward, further reducing the risk of water leakage.
Furthermore, prefabricated panels come in both solid and hollow varieties, with common dimensions including a maximum span of 4.2 meters (for residential use), widths of 500mm or 600mm, and thicknesses of 120mm or 150mm. The live load capacity is classified into Grade I (1kN/m²), Grade II (2kN/m²), with a minimum requirement of Grade IV (4kN/m²) specified in the southwest region. Selection should be based on actual needs.
