Prefabricated House Precast Slabs
Prefabricated houses and precast slab houses are closely related, but they differ significantly in terms of concept, structure, performance, application, and development trends.
Concept and Structure: Precast slab houses are constructed using precast slabs as the main components. Precast slabs are factory-made concrete elements, created by nailing wooden molds, arranging steel bars, and pouring concrete. They come in two types: solid and hollow. The structure involves first building brick walls, then pouring ring beams, and finally placing the precast slabs on the ring beams. Prefabricated houses, also known as pre-cast houses, refer to a construction method where building components are industrially produced and assembled on-site. The main types include panel-type, box-type, and frame-type prefabricated houses, with technologies covering prefabricated concrete structures and steel structures, and components including prefabricated beams, slabs, walls, and columns.
Performance: From an earthquake resistance perspective, precast slab houses have weak seismic performance, while prefabricated houses have improved earthquake resistance, such as the more stable composite slabs. Existing precast slab houses generally suffer from poor sound insulation and thermal insulation, with a service life of about 30-50 years. Prefabricated houses, on the other hand, offer advantages such as shorter construction periods and reduced pollution. Contemporary prefabricated buildings embody a systematic approach, not merely repeating the concept of 'prefabrication' but representing technological advancements, making them superior in performance.
Application and Development Trends: Precast slab houses originated in the early 20th century and were mainly used for floor slabs and roof insulation layers. In China, residential buildings constructed before 1985 often adopted this structure. Some existing areas have initiated demolition work. Since 2022, China has implemented renovation policies, focusing on repairing and upgrading precast slab houses and only demolishing those that meet the criteria for dangerous buildings. Prefabricated houses have regained attention in the 21st century due to their high production efficiency and good product quality of prefabricated components. Research and application have shown a resurgence, and export volumes are also increasing. For example, in the first four months of 2026, enterprises in the Guangzhou Customs area exported movable houses worth 1.4 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 38.1%. In the same period, the Shenzhen port exported movable houses worth 1.68 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 19.6%.
