Use of Prefabricated Panels in Single-Story Houses

Prefabricated panels can be used in single-story rural houses, but their suitability must be strictly evaluated and relevant limitations noted. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Suitable Scenarios

1. Temporary Buildings: If rapid completion of the main structure is required (3-7 days), prefabricated panels can shorten the construction period, making them suitable for temporary housing or transitional accommodations.
2. Limited Budget: Costs are 30%-50% lower than those of cast-in-place structures, making them suitable for housing needs with financial constraints.
3. Poor Geological Conditions: Soft soil foundations are prone to settlement. Prefabricated panels, being lighter in weight, can reduce settlement risks, but foundation treatment is still necessary.

Limitations and Issues

1. Lower Safety:
   • Poor seismic performance: The connections between prefabricated panels are prone to damage during earthquakes, leading to detachment or structural instability. In seismic fortification zones of intensity 7 or higher, steel reinforcement is required.
   • Short service life: Problems such as aging, cracking, and leakage are likely to occur after about 10 years. The overall structural integrity is poor, and joint gaps tend to widen.
2. Legal and Regulatory Restrictions:
   • According to the Construction Law and the Regulations on the Administration of Construction Project Quality, prefabricated panels must meet quality standards. If there are safety hazards or quality issues, they may fail acceptance inspections and are prohibited from being used in permanent housing.

Key Considerations

1. Load-Bearing Limitations: The load-bearing capacity of a single panel is ≤200kg/㎡. It is prohibited for use in heavy roofs or second-story additions, as this can easily lead to collapse.
2. Joint Treatment: Gaps between panels must be filled with C20 fine aggregate concrete to prevent water leakage or structural loosening.
3. Waterproofing: An additional SBS modified bitumen waterproof layer must be laid on the roof to prevent leakage.

Construction Points

1. Foundation Requirements: A minimum of a 30cm thick crushed stone bedding layer and a 15cm plain concrete leveling layer must be constructed to ensure a flat and stable foundation.
2. Installation Sequence: Panels should be installed from the corners of the house towards the center, using a staggered joint method to enhance overall integrity.
3. Material Selection:
   • Specifications: Length 3-6m × Width 0.5-1.2m × Thickness 12-18cm.
   • Strength: The concrete grade should be no less than C30, with main reinforcement bars having a diameter of ≥8mm and a spacing of ≤15cm to ensure load-bearing capacity.

Alternative Suggestions: For long-term safety, brick-concrete or frame structures can be chosen. These have moderate costs and mature construction techniques, providing better assurance of housing stability.