Prefabricated Concrete House

Prefabricated concrete houses are a form of architecture where building components are industrially produced and assembled on-site, characterized by fast construction speed and diverse technical types, with differences in application between domestic and international contexts.

Definition and Characteristics

Prefabricated concrete houses, also known as prefabricated assembled buildings, have their main structures pre-cast into various concrete components in factories. During construction, these components are connected like building blocks, significantly reducing on-site wet work and enabling rapid construction. For example, a two-story reinforced concrete shell house can be completed in approximately two weeks.

Main Types and Technologies

• Main Types: These include panel-assembled, box-assembled, and frame-assembled types. Panel-assembled types use pre-cast wall panels and floor slabs as core components, allowing for expanded usable area but limited design flexibility. Box-assembled types combine pre-fabricated functional units, increasing construction speed by 50%-70%, but requiring higher transportation and lifting equipment. Modular buildings represent a more integrated model.
• Technologies Involved: These encompass both prefabricated concrete and steel structures, with components including pre-cast beams, slabs, walls, and columns.

Construction Process

Factory workers first assemble molds, apply release agents, place and bind steel bars into a mesh framework, and insert connectors inside. Concrete is then poured and vibrated to remove air bubbles. After pouring and smoothing, the components are covered with plastic sheds and heating devices are installed to promote cement hydration. Once cast, the components are transported to the construction site. Before assembly, foundations must be laid by digging pits about 1 meter deep, laying moisture-proof PE film at the bottom, and pouring "discarded concrete" as a base. After solidification, guide plates for positioning pre-cast concrete piles are installed, and large pre-cast concrete slabs are placed on these plates for house construction.

Development History and Application

China's prefabricated concrete technology originated in the 1950s, initially applied in factory and residential construction. It experienced a resurgence in the 21st century due to production efficiency and environmental advantages. Companies like Vanke Group have developed prefabricated shear wall residential structural systems and applied prefabricated frame technologies in engineering projects. Regions like Fujian Province have established industrial bases through policy support, achieving over 70% reduction in construction waste, with Chinese-made prefabricated houses selling well overseas.

Differences in Domestic and International Application

Prefabricated houses have not become widely popular in rural China, where locals prefer to build their own homes for peace of mind. They believe prefabricated houses are of lower quality compared to well-built self-constructed homes, with less stable structures and prone to cracking and water leakage at module connections, often used as temporary housing. However, in European and American countries, prefabricated houses are popular due to their cost-effectiveness and ability to meet certain living needs.