Collapse of Prefabricated Houses in the US

The United States has indeed experienced apartment building collapses, but it has not been explicitly stated that these were complete collapses of prefabricated houses. However, there have been related collapse cases involving buildings with prefabricated panel structures. Here are the details:

Partial Collapse of an Apartment Building in Miami-Dade County, Florida

In 2021, a high-rise apartment building in Miami-Dade County, Florida, experienced a partial collapse. Some professionals analyzed that the building was constructed using prefabricated panel structures. Prefabricated panel structures are a common construction method, offering advantages such as rapid construction and cost savings. During construction, the prefabricated panels can be manufactured in advance at a factory and then transported to the construction site for assembly, significantly shortening the construction period and reducing labor and material costs.

However, this construction method may also bring some issues. One notable concern is the potential for inadequate joint tightness. Since the prefabricated panels are produced at different times and locations, during on-site assembly, if the construction techniques are subpar or quality control is lax, gaps may exist at the joints, affecting the overall structural stability of the building. Nevertheless, it should be clarified that although the prefabricated panel structure may be a potential factor contributing to the accident, the ultimate cause of the apartment's collapse remains to be further investigated. Other factors may also be involved, such as the aging of building materials, long-term wear and tear, and the impact of geological changes on the building's foundation.

Structural Deformation Incident of a High-Rise Building in Manhattan, New York

A 37-story high-rise building undergoing renovation in Manhattan, New York, once experienced severe structural deformation, posing a risk of collapse. In this incident, the support columns inside the building bent and deformed, and multiple floors collapsed. This incident was primarily related to the building's structural renovation and support system. Although it did not explicitly mention prefabricated structures, it reflects the critical importance of structural safety in the construction and renovation of high-rise buildings. Once issues arise in the support system, it can trigger severe structural deformation and collapse risks.