Identification of Prefabricated Panel Houses

There are several methods to identify prefabricated panel houses without relying on images:

1. Check the Construction Year Prefabricated panel houses are typically constructed during specific historical periods. Generally, houses built more than 15 years ago often use prefabricated panels, while those built after 15 years commonly use cast-in-place slabs. This time point can serve as a preliminary basis for judgment, but it should be combined with other methods for comprehensive verification, as some older houses may have undergone renovations, and there may be exceptions in certain regions due to differences in technical conditions.

2. Observe the Pipe Installation Areas Prefabricated panel houses leave distinct structural features in areas where pipes are installed. Since prefabricated panels require pre-drilled holes for pipes, if columns or regularly arranged pre-drilled holes are found inside the house, it can be identified as a prefabricated panel structure. In contrast, pipes in cast-in-place slab houses are usually directly cast into the concrete, with no obvious holes or column supports on the surface. For example, if circular or square holes are present where pipes pass through the floor in areas such as bathrooms and kitchens, it is likely a feature of prefabricated panels.

3. Examine the Internal Structure of the House The connection method between walls and floor slabs is key to distinguishing between the two. In prefabricated panel houses, there are usually no beams above the walls, and no column supports where walls intersect; the floor slab rests directly on the walls. In contrast, cast-in-place slab houses have obvious concrete beams above the walls, and columns are set where walls intersect, forming a complete frame structure. By observing the junction between the ceiling and the walls, if there are horizontally protruding beams or square columns at the corners, it belongs to a cast-in-place structure.

4. Drilling Detection Method Prefabricated panels have regularly spaced holes reserved during manufacturing, typically with a hole about 8 centimeters in diameter every 3 centimeters or so. Use an impact drill to drill three holes at 5-centimeter intervals on the floor slab. If the drill bit enters and there is a sense of emptiness, or if the drilled concrete fragments contain hollow structures, it can be confirmed as a prefabricated panel. Note: This method may damage the house structure and is only recommended to be carried out by professionals in necessary situations, with priority given to non-load-bearing areas for detection.

Precautions:

• A single method may have errors, and it is recommended to combine 2-3 methods for comprehensive judgment.
• Renovated houses may conceal original structural features, and interference from later decorations should be excluded.
• If uncertain, contact a professional agency for structural testing to avoid safety hazards caused by misjudgment.