Prefabricated Building Assembly Technology
Prefabricated building assembly technology is a construction form centered on the industrial production of building components and their on-site assembly, characterized by high efficiency, environmental friendliness, and strong controllability.
Technical Types and Components
Prefabricated assembly technology encompasses various types, with panel-based, box-based, and frame-based assembly being the primary forms. The technical systems include prefabricated concrete structures and steel structures. The range of components is extensive, covering prefabricated products such as beams, slabs, walls, and columns, achieved through standardized design for modular production. For example, in the construction of prefabricated houses in rural South Korea, components like foundation piles and crossbeams are all prefabricated, with on-site assembly completed through processes such as nut fixation and foam filler for gaps.
Construction Process and Advantages
Taking rural prefabricated houses in South Korea as an example, the construction process is divided into three steps:
- Foundation Treatment: After leveling the foundation, a non-reinforced concrete pad is poured, and a plastic sheet is laid for moisture prevention;
- Component Installation: After the concrete sets, sole plates are installed, and prefabricated foundation piles are lifted into place using cranes. Crossbeams are then spliced and horizontally adjusted;
- Backfilling and Sealing: The foundation frame is completed by backfilling soil, and the nut fixation points are sealed with cement.
Modular construction, as a more integrated model, breaks down buildings into independent modules, completing all processes such as ceilings, floors, and plumbing in the factory, significantly improving on-site assembly efficiency. Its advantages include:
- Short Construction Period: Parallel operations in the factory and automated production lines reduce the construction cycle by more than 60%;
- Controllable Quality: Standardized production reduces human errors, ensuring better quality stability than traditional methods;
- Energy Efficiency and Environmental Protection: Reduces on-site wet operations, lowering dust and noise pollution, and improving material utilization;
- Convenient Maintenance: Modular design facilitates later inspection and upgrades.
Development History and Market Prospects
China's prefabricated concrete technology began in the 1950s, initially used for factory and residential construction. By the 1970s, technical systems such as large-panel structures had formed, but growth stalled in the 1980s due to cost issues. It has since revived in the 21st century due to environmental demands. Companies like Vanke Group have developed prefabricated shear wall residential structural systems and applied pre-stressed prefabricated concrete integrated frame technology in projects like Nanjing Jindi Yufang.
Globally, it is predicted that the global modular construction market will exceed $142.8 billion by 2030. China's exports of prefabricated houses have grown significantly, with Guangzhou Customs reporting RMB 1.4 billion in exports of mobile homes in the first four months of 2026, a 38.1% year-on-year increase, indicating international recognition of prefabricated technology.
Challenges and Limitations
Modular construction places extremely high demands on industrial infrastructure, requiring a complete technical system, production system, and industrial cluster for support. Additionally, initial investment costs are high, and strict coordination is required across design, transportation, and installation processes, necessitating cost reductions through large-scale production.
