Prefabricated House Frame Structure
The frame structures in prefabricated houses can be divided into four types based on construction methods: fully cast-in-place, semi-cast-in-place, prefabricated, and prefabricated-integral types.
Fully cast-in-place frame: In this type, the beams, columns, and floor slabs are all made of cast-in-place reinforced concrete. This structural form offers strong integrity and good seismic performance because all components are cast on-site, ensuring tight connections that enable them to jointly bear loads and resist external forces. However, the construction process is relatively complex, requiring multiple steps such as on-site formwork installation, steel bar tying, concrete pouring, and curing. This results in a longer construction period and higher demands on construction techniques and on-site management.
Semi-cast-in-place frame: There are two scenarios. One is where the beams and columns are cast-in-place while the floor slab is prefabricated; the other is where the columns are cast-in-place and the beam-slab is prefabricated. This structure combines the characteristics of cast-in-place and prefabricated construction, improving construction efficiency to some extent. The cast-in-place parts ensure the overall integrity and strength of key areas, while the prefabricated floor slabs or beam-slabs reduce the workload of on-site pouring and shorten part of the construction time. However, special attention must be paid to the construction quality at the connections between different components to ensure structural stability and safety.
Prefabricated frame: The beams, columns, and floor slabs are all prefabricated and then connected into an integral frame structure through welding and assembly. Its greatest advantage is fast construction speed. Prefabricated components can be produced in advance in factories, making quality control easier, reducing on-site wet work, and lowering the environmental impact. However, the welding and assembly connection method imposes strict requirements on welding techniques and quality control; otherwise, it may affect the overall performance and durability of the structure.
Prefabricated-integral frame: After the prefabricated beams, columns, and slabs are installed on-site, additional concrete is poured at the top of the beams and at the beam-column joints to form an integral structure. This structure combines the fast construction speed of the prefabricated frame and enhances overall integrity and seismic performance through the post-poured concrete. However, the quality and curing of the post-poured concrete are crucial to the structural performance, requiring strict control over the construction process.
Frame-structured residential buildings use reinforced concrete beams, slabs, and columns as the load-bearing framework, combined with lightweight partition panels for assembly. They use prefabricated lightweight materials to divide spaces, offering high construction efficiency and flexible layouts, making them suitable for high-rise buildings.
