Rapid Construction of Prefabricated Building Structures

The rapid construction of prefabricated building structures is primarily achieved through modular construction methods, with the core being the decomposition of buildings into independent modules, which are manufactured in factories and then transported to the site for assembly.

1. Factory Prefabrication Stage: Standardization and Automation in Parallel

The construction of prefabricated houses begins with modular production in factories. The building's main structure, enclosure structures (such as walls and roofs), equipment pipelines (water, electricity, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), and interior decoration are all completed through assembly lines in factories, forming standardized prefabricated assembled spatial modules. For example, components like ceilings and walls are produced using highly automated equipment, while details such as bathroom waterproof layers are assembled using welding robots. The prefabrication rate of modules can reach over 90%, with manufacturing precision at the millimeter level. Each module comes with a detailed 'ID card' recording information such as the project name, product model, and production date, ensuring traceable quality. This standardized production model not only improves efficiency but also reduces human errors through factory environmental control.

2. On-site Assembly Stage: Efficient Connection and Structural Stability

After being transported to the construction site, prefabricated modules are quickly assembled using equipment such as tower cranes. Taking prefabricated houses in rural South Korea as an example, they use 5-ton foundation piles fixed with base plates, with tenon-and-mortise joints between beams. Stairs are hoisted and then a 5-centimeter-thick floor slab is laid, followed by grouting of component gaps. Connection methods include nut fixation, filling gaps with foam glue, and sealing nuts with cement, which enhance structural stability and extend service life. The on-site assembly process is similar to 'building with blocks' but requires strict adherence to design specifications to ensure matching mechanical properties between modules.

3. Technological Advantages: Balancing Construction Period, Quality, and Environmental Protection

Modular construction offers significant advantages over traditional construction:

• Shorter Construction Period: The total cycle can be shortened by about 50%, with a maximum reduction in construction time of 30%. For example, a public housing project in Shenzhen, Guangdong, assembled from 6,028 concrete modules, had its completion and delivery time reduced from 2.5-3 years to 1 year.
• Controllable Quality: Parallel operations in factories and automated production lines reduce errors. The seismic performance of modules is achieved through overall structural design and dedicated connection systems, enabling 'box-like' energy dispersion.
• Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency: On-site labor is reduced by about 50%, construction waste emissions are reduced by 80%, and carbon emissions are reduced by over 75%.

4. Application Scenarios: Expansion from Temporary to Permanent

Modular construction has expanded from temporary buildings (such as Fangcang hospitals and quarantine sites) to permanent residences, schools, commercial facilities, and other fields. For example, the 2026 Canton Fair will establish an 'Integrated Housing Zone' to showcase a variety of products such as steel structure cottages and high-tech space capsules, reflecting the breakthroughs in flexibility and functionality of modular construction.