Identification Methods for Prefabricated Panel Houses

You can identify prefabricated panel houses through the following methods without relying on an identification chart:

1. Judge based on the construction year of the house The peak construction period of prefabricated panel houses was concentrated in the early stages of architectural technology development. Generally, houses built about 15 years ago mostly adopted prefabricated panel structures, while after 15 years, with the upgrading of building codes, cast-in-place panels gradually became the mainstream. This time point can serve as a preliminary screening criterion, but it needs to be comprehensively verified in combination with other methods because there may be exceptions in some regions or for houses with special requirements.

2. Observe the structural features at the locations where pipes are laid Prefabricated panels are pre-fabricated components that require columns or pre-reserved holes for pipe laying and structural connections. If obvious column supports or regularly arranged pre-reserved holes (such as in areas where pipes are concentrated like bathrooms and kitchens) are found inside the house, it is highly likely to be a prefabricated panel structure. In contrast, for cast-in-place panels, since they are formed by integral pouring, pipes are usually directly embedded in the concrete without the need for additional pre-reserved holes or columns.

3. Check the relationship between the interior walls and beams and columns of the house The load-bearing system of a prefabricated panel house relies on the strength of the prefabricated components themselves, and the walls only serve as partitions. Therefore, there are usually no crossbeams above the walls, and there are no columns at the intersections of walls. If it is observed that the walls are in direct contact with the floor slab without beam and column support, it can be preliminarily determined to be a prefabricated panel house. Conversely, if there are obvious crossbeams above the walls or column structures at the corners of the walls, it is more likely to be a cast-in-place panel house.

4. Verify by drilling holes in the floor slab (requires professional operation) When manufacturing prefabricated panels, regular holes with a diameter of about 8 centimeters (used to reduce weight or for threading) are pre-reserved, with a spacing of about 3 centimeters between holes. Use an impact drill to drill three holes at intervals of 5 centimeters at a concealed location on the floor slab (such as the top of a wardrobe). If the drill bit enters a hollow space or the resistance suddenly decreases, it indicates a prefabricated panel. This method requires careful operation to avoid damaging the floor slab structure, and it is recommended to be carried out by professionals.

Precautions:

• The above methods should be used comprehensively. A single feature may have errors (for example, some cast-in-place panels may have pre-reserved holes due to design requirements).
• The hole-drilling verification method may involve house safety. It is not recommended to operate it on your own unless necessary.
• If the house has been renovated or decorated, the original structural features may be covered up, and further confirmation is required in combination with the original design drawings or professional inspections.