WOLLO UNIVERSITY
KOMBOLCHA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
SCHOOL OF CIVIL, WATER RESOURCE & IRRIGATION ENGINEERING AND
ARCHITECTURE
DEPARTMENT OF
CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
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CHAPTER-2
PREFABRICATION
2.1. Introduction
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CAST IN SITU, PRECAST, AND PREFABRICATION
Cast-in-situ: is construction method in which all the structure parts are formed and erected in
the site.
Precast would be specifically applicable to anything that could be formed in a mold (concrete,
perhaps glass, metal, etc.).
Prefabrication (Prefab): General term for anything that is assembled in a factory rather than on-
site.
2.2. PREFABRICATION
• Prefabrication is a construction of components of structures, the majority of which are standardized
and produced either at the construction site, or (much more often) in plants in a location away from
the building, and then transported to the site for assembly.
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2.2. PREFABRICATION CONT…
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2.2. PREFABRICATION CONT…
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2.2. PREFABRICATION CONT…
Fabricating items in a factory is always faster and cheaper than on site. This is because there is not
always a good supply of shelter, materials, specialized machinery and labor on site.
Prefabrication can range from individual components, right up to a totally prefabricated home.
In a building the foundation, walls, doors , windows, floors and roofs are the most important
components, which can be analyzed individually based on the needs thus, improving the speed of
construction and reducing the construction cost.
In general, pre-cast building systems are more economical when compared to conventional
multifamily residential construction (apartment buildings) in many countries.
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2.2. PREFABRICATION CONT…
COMPONENTS OF PRECAST APPLICATION OF PREFABRICATED
Columns and Beams ELEMENTS
Floors Industrial Building
Walls Commercial Building
Roofing Elements Residential Building
Accessories(Stair ,Balconies) Music /Sport Fields
Bridge beams. Hospitals
Culverts Energy /Power generation
Pipes
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2.2. PREFABRICATION CONT…
BENEFITS OF PREFABRICATION
DISADVANTAGE OF PREFABRICATION
Comfort (allow constant temperature both in
cold & hot region) Less flexible in its design,
Safety (Resist impacts, blasts and natural Design & contractual problems. In structural
catastrophes, fire ) connection
Versatility (wide choice of surface finishing, Size of the units
color range & special shapes). Limited variety in location of window
Healthy (does not need chemical treatment) openings
Optimized( improved quality product or Less Site access & storage capacity.
reduced tolerances, thinner sections)
Durability (Lasts for years)
Environment friendly(Fully recycled)
Fast (shorten the project time table)
Affordable (Relatively cheap)
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2.2. PREFABRICATION CONT…
2.2.1. TYPES OF PREFABRICATION OR PRECAST
Depending on the load-bearing structure, pre-cast systems can be divided into the following categories:
1. Large-panel systems 2. Frame systems
3. Slab-column systems with walls 4. Mixed systems
1. Large-Panel Systems
The designation “large-panel system” refers to multistory structures composed of large wall and floor
concrete panels connected in the vertical and horizontal directions so that the wall panels enclose
appropriate spaces for the rooms within a building.
These panels form a box-like structure. Both vertical and horizontal panels resist gravity load. Wall
panels are usually one story high. Horizontal floor and roof panels span either as one-way or two way
slabs. When properly joined together, these horizontal elements act as diaphragms that transfer the
lateral loads to the walls.
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TYPES OF PREFABRICATION OR PRECAST
2. Frame Systems
• Pre-cast frames can be constructed using either linear elements or spatial beam-column sub-
assemblages.
• Precast beam-column sub-assemblages have the
advantage that the connecting faces between the
sub-assemblages can be placed away from the
critical frame regions; however, linear elements
are generally preferred because of the difficulties
associated with forming, handling, and erecting
spatial elements.
• The use of linear elements generally means
placing the connecting faces at the beam-column
junctions. The beams can be seated on corbels at
the columns, for ease of construction.
• The beam-column joints accomplished in this way are hinged. However, rigid beam-column
connections are used in some cases, when the continuity of longitudinal reinforcement through the
beam-column joint needs to be ensured. 9
2.2.1.TYPES OF PREFABRICATION OR PRECAST CONT…
3. Slab-Column Systems with Shear Walls
These systems rely on shear walls to sustain lateral load effects, whereas the slab-column structure resists
mainly gravity loads. There are two main systems in this category:
• Lift-slab system with walls
• Pre-stressed slab-column system
• In the Lift –slab system: It is a load-bearing structure consisting of pre-cast reinforced concrete
columns and slab. Pre-cast columns are usually two stories high. All pre-cast structural elements are
assembled by means of special joints. Reinforced concrete slabs are poured on the ground in forms, one
on top of the other. Pre-cast concrete floor slabs are lifted from the ground up to the final height by
lifting cranes. The slab panels are lifted to the top of the column and then moved downwards to the
final position. Temporary supports are used to keep the slabs in the position until the connection with
the columns has been achieved.
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2. PRECAST CONCRETE STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
1. Precast Slabs 4. Precast Walls
2. Precast beam & Girder
5. Other Elements
3. Precast Columns
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3. TYPICAL CONNECTION OF PRECAST CONCRETE ELEMENTS
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3. TYPICAL CONNECTION OF PRECAST CONCRETE ELEMENTS
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THE CONSTRUCTION PRECESS OF PREFABRICATION
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A COMPRISION BETWEEN PREFABRICATION AND ON SITE CONSTRUCTION
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2.4. MODULAR COORDINATION (MC)
2.4.1. Modular Construction
• Modular Coordination is a concept for coordinating dimension and space for which buildings and
components are dimensionalised and positioned in basic units or modules.
The standard specifies that the module basic M = 100mm as the basic unit to be used in a square of M.
The introduction of MC in the industry is to improve productivity and quality in building construction as well
as to act as a tool towards rationalisation and industrialisation of the building industry.
The main factors limiting the uses of MC in building industries is lack of knowledge on MC concept and it
requires precision dimensioning and proper planning.
– reduce time of production and installation of components,
– achieving repeatability and
– able to construct building at lower cost.
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2.4. MODULAR COORDINATION (MC) CONT…
ADVANTAGES OF MODULAR COORDINATION OF CONSTRUCTION (Detail)
Modular building construction has many advantages over traditional construction. Modular buildings and
portable buildings offer significant advantages compared to conventional buildings, including:
• Shorter Construction Time
• Reduced Site Disruption
• More Consistent Quality
• Financial Savings
• and Flexibility of Use
The benefits of temporary buildings, portable buildings and permanent modular buildings have resulted in
widespread acceptance of modular construction as a better alternative than conventional construction.
Today, individual modular building components can be built in state-of-the-art facilities at the same time
as site preparation, saving time and money. Once on site, architectural details can be added, making the
modular project indistinguishable from conventional construction. 17
MODULAR COORDINATION (MC)
SPEED: DECREASES CONSTRUCTION TIME
By employing an accelerated production method, the building can be constructed in less time than most
architectural drawings take to get approved. Modular construction eliminates bottlenecks and site related
delays. Contract to occupancy can be as much as 60% less than conventional site built construction.
Modular construction decreases design and construction time by up to 50%, with fewer change orders,
earlier occupancy and improved cash flow.
QUALITY: STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES
Universal Modular Building Solutions, Inc. utilizes state-of-the-art facilities that integrate best practices in
design and workflow. Modular buildings are required to meet the same building codes as traditional
construction. That means that you get the same quality, durability, and longevity with modular buildings as
you would with conventional construction.
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MODULAR COORDINATION (MC)
SCHEDULING: RELIABLE TIME FRAME
Modular buildings are completed in manufacturing plants, so the modular building construction is never
delayed by weather conditions and always occurs within a set time frame. Because site preparation can
take place while the modular building is being constructed, you’ll be operating in your new facility faster
than ever.
FINANCING: VALUABLE SAVINGS
Modular buildings save money because of reduced labor and material cost savings. Off-site construction
maximizes labor efforts and quality while minimizing material purchases and waste. Modular buildings
give you great financial options; you can lease your portable building, purchase it outright, or select a
lease-to-own plan or guaranteed buy-back option. Modular design and building techniques are an excellent
solution to meet the needs of all types of industries to deliver state-of-the-art, cost effective services in a
timely manner.
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MODULAR COORDINATION (MC)
FLEXIBILITY: TEMPORARY OR PERMANENT
Flexibility and re-locatability of modular components add to the cost-effectiveness over time. Universal
Modular builds both temporary (portable buildings) and permanent modular buildings. Their durable,
secure and relocatable characteristics make them ideal for both temporary and permanent applications
that will meet the requirements of any industry.
QUALITY CONTROL: TOTAL ENGAGEMENT
Quality control is built into every step of the modular building process. Each component is inspected at
every phase and approved by third-party inspectors, complying with precise specifications and codes.
Streamlined scheduling, trade coordination and construction sequences optimize quality control on the
jobsite. Universal Modular provides the benefits of standardization and quality control of all product
components and installation labor.
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Cont….
Thank You !!!
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