Prefabricated Panel Houses

Prefabricated panel houses are structures primarily built using prefabricated panels, characterized by low construction costs and short construction periods, but they also have drawbacks such as weak earthquake resistance and short service lives. The current disposal approach follows the principle of 'adapting measures to local conditions and implementing strategies based on classification'.

Basic Characteristics

The prefabricated panels used in these houses are cement components manufactured in factories. During production, wooden models are nailed together, steel bars are arranged, and cement is poured to form the panels, which come in solid and hollow types. These houses are relatively inexpensive to build and have short construction periods. They originated in the early 20th century and were mainly used for floor slabs and roof insulation layers. In China, most residential buildings constructed before 1985 adopted this structural type, primarily built in the 1970s and 1980s by state-owned enterprises and government institutions to address housing needs for their employees.

Drawbacks

• Weak Earthquake Resistance: Assembled from cement components, these houses have poor integrity and generally have lower earthquake resistance levels than cast-in-place structures. Even slight vibrations can loosen the joints between floor slabs, making it difficult to withstand natural disasters such as earthquakes.
• Short Service Life: The typical service life is 30 to 50 years, with some poorly constructed ones lasting only 20 to 30 years. Over time, issues such as wall cracks and ceiling leaks frequently occur, and many older prefabricated panel houses have been identified as 'dangerous buildings'.
• Wall Cracks and Water Leakage: The components are prone to cracking, and the joints between them can easily lead to water leakage, affecting the living experience.
• Poor Thermal Insulation: These houses have poor thermal insulation performance, being hot in summer and cold in winter. In extreme weather, the walls can feel as thin as paper.
• Poor Sound Insulation: The sound insulation is not good, affecting the privacy and comfort of living.
• Limited Structural Modifications: The structure is difficult to modify, with load-bearing walls that cannot be removed. Additionally, the housing design lacks humanization, such as kitchens or bathrooms that may have no windows.

Disposal Principles

With the development of construction technology, cast-in-place concrete and prefabricated buildings are gradually replacing traditional prefabricated panel houses. In 2023, relevant Chinese authorities stipulated that the construction, renovation, and expansion of prefabricated panel houses and other buildings that do not comply with current standards are prohibited within urban construction land areas. Since 2022, China has been implementing a policy of urban renewal, focusing on the repair and renovation of prefabricated panel houses and only demolishing those that meet the criteria for dangerous buildings. The current disposal of prefabricated panel houses follows the principle of 'adapting measures to local conditions and implementing strategies based on classification', rather than a blanket demolition approach. Priority for demolition is given to prefabricated panel houses with damaged main structures, inability to withstand natural disasters, impact on municipal planning, or located in prime urban areas. Demolition compensation and resettlement follow the 'Regulations on the Expropriation of Houses on State-owned Land and Compensation', with resettlement methods mainly including monetary compensation, physical resettlement, housing vouchers, and in-situ reconstruction.