Handling of Prefabricated Building Components

The handling of prefabricated building components requires systematic implementation, combining handling methods, preparatory work, operational procedures, and safety measures. The specific key points are as follows:

Selection of Handling Methods

• Long-distance transportation: Priority should be given to using specialized semi-trailers, such as construction panel transport vehicles. Their truss-shaped racks can secure the components, and the customized automobile chassis modification design reduces empty-load fuel consumption and ensures stability during high-speed transportation, making it particularly suitable for cross-regional transportation of large components like floor slabs and wall panels.
• Short-distance handling: The roller method is employed, reducing frictional resistance through rollers, skids, and crowbars to achieve horizontal or vertical movement. This method is simple to operate but less efficient, suitable for on-site transfer of small to medium-sized components (such as transformers and stone monuments).
• On-site installation: It relies on lifting technology, using cranes to hoist prefabricated components to their designed positions. For example, prefabricated beams can only be transported after their strength reaches 75% of the design value and are fixed through bolts or welding during installation. Intelligent lifting combined with BIM technology can improve positioning accuracy and reduce on-site wet work.

Preparatory Work Before Handling

• Site assessment: Check the terrain, road conditions, and spatial layout to ensure the lifting area is free of obstacles and plan the storage location of components to avoid damage or safety hazards due to improper stacking.
• Equipment selection: Select tower cranes, truck cranes, or crawler cranes based on the weight and size of the components. The equipment should undergo regular maintenance and inspection to ensure stable performance and avoid the risk of malfunctions.
• Personnel training: Operators (including crane operators, signalers, and handlers) should receive professional training, be familiar with the lifting process and safety regulations, hold relevant certificates, and participate in regular drills to enhance emergency response capabilities.

Basic Operational Procedures

• Lifting: Check the firmness of the lifting points and use appropriate lifting tools such as steel wire ropes or slings. Lift slowly and uniformly to avoid sudden acceleration or deceleration that may cause the components to swing or fall off.
• Movement: The crane operator controls the travel path according to the instructions of the signaler, ensuring the movement area is free of obstacles and paying attention to environmental factors such as wind speed. If necessary, suspend operations.
• Positioning: After the component reaches the designated position, lower it slowly. Installation personnel use tools to fine-tune the alignment to ensure tight connection with other parts of the structure. Immediately perform temporary fixation after positioning to prevent displacement.

Safety Precautions

• Load calculation: Accurately calculate the weight of the components before lifting to ensure the rated load of the crane and other equipment meets the requirements. Overloading is strictly prohibited.
• Site isolation: Set up conspicuous warning signs to isolate non-workers and check the weather conditions. Suspend operations in case of strong winds, heavy rain, or other severe weather.
• Personal protection: All participants should wear safety helmets and safety belts. For high-altitude work, additional safety nets or guardrails should be used to prevent falls.
• Emergency plan: Develop emergency plans for sudden situations such as equipment failures and component falls and conduct regular drills to ensure a rapid response.