e-ISSN: 2582-5208

International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering Technology and Science

Volume:02/Issue:07/July-2020 www.irjmets.com

EFFECTIVE & SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION BY PREFABRICATION

METHOD
Jayesh Magar*1
*1
Department of Civil Engineering, Datta Meghe College of Engineering, Airoli, Navi Mumbai, India.

ABSTRACT
The construction activity in which the building components are made offsite in a factory and then transported to the
location for assembling process is Prefabrication construction. This type of construction is already been practiced in
developed countries but for developing and underdeveloped countries this type of construction methodology is still
unknown. Prefabrication construction is carried out in many different ways depending according on the
methodology, structure, materials etc. We will be discussing about Prefabrication and dividing it based on its
structure and materials used. As there are many advantages of the modern Prefabrication construction technique it
also has a few drawbacks. The aim of Prefabrication technique is to built a well design house without spending
much money and time. This construction technique has been proven to the best technique in saving the cost and
money. In this paper we are going to discuss about how prefabrication is a effective construction technique, its
application areas, its advantages and disadvantages.
KEYWORDS: Prefabrication, technique, construction, methodology, structure.

I. INTRODUCTION
Prefabrication construction technique is a process of gathering the required parts from the factory and then
transporting these components or sub components to the required location. Prefabrication is most conventional
construction process as compared to the traditional method. The making of required parts for construction is called
as off-site construction or off- site fabrication. It involves manufacturing and building the required housing panels,
walls, glass frames etc.
In the developed countries where prefabrication is taken into practice have various technology to use prefabrication
method, and most of them try to focus on reducing duration, produce less waste, and costing. As compared to the
traditional method, prefabrication gives us a wide range of designs to make the house look more attractive.
Most of the architects prefer Prefabrication construction as it gives them wide range of materials to use in
construction, but most of them prefer light weight materials. Designers prefer wood and steel materials in
construction. To do prefabrication it is very important to have a deep knowledge about the subject and also many
years of on site experience.
Apart from glass and wood we can also use Glass fiber reinforced polymer(GRFP) as a material in construction.
GRFP is a cost effective material and it is also resistant to corrosion and also a light weight material. However these
construction methods and technologies requires deep and massive knowledge about the materials, and also its
application on site which requires skilled labours.
In many countries these methods are still unknown as they are not developed or under development state. Because of
this the upcoming future of the country the students are unaware of such modernization techniques and also they do
not get any experience. This has caused decrease in prefabrication construction.
In many countries which experience earthquakes or floods more often do not tend to use prefabrication construction
as it is more dangerous for the countries and people in that country. Where as in many developed countries have
start using prefabrication and started importing its skills and techniques. In today‟s date prefabrication has a

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important part in many developing structures and buildings. By adapting prefabrication technique, the countries
development will get a boast.
The main aim of this article started with a local survey on different construction site location where even now a days
old construction techniques are used. And through this article I wanted to give prefabrication construction a start to
step forward towards faster development. The main work of this article is to discuss about various methods of
prefabrication construction based on there materials and structures.
Concept of prefabrication construction:
In this word prefabrication, prefab itself means “made beforehand”, in which things are made in sections and then
assembled. Similarly in construction the houses are also build in prefab manner and hence this technique is called as
prefabrication construction. This construction technique is not some random method, not only houses, bungalows or
buildings but the world famous, one of the tallest building in Dubai Burj Khalifa, was also made by using
prefabrication technique. The sky city building in Changsha, China was also build by using prefabrication method.
These prefab buildings and houses are made in accordance with International Building Code (IBC).
In prefabricated houses the on site work is less. It just involves assembling the parts, connecting plumbing lines and
electric lines and then sealing that part. Manufactured houses are typically build on a permanent foundation, and
cannot be distinguished differently if designed correctly.
These prefab homes are purchased from a construction sales company, assembled by the contract company available
in locality, and necessary repairs are made to build the home. It is important to keep in mind to repair plumbing
before the warranty expires or else it might cost you more than usual. It is also important to do the roof repair before
rain comes or else it will lead to leakage problems.

II. METHODOLOGY
The work on this research paper started with a general survey on several construction sites who had old construction
type work which lead us to find a modern way to do construction effectively and sustainablely. Then prefabrication
method came to our light. To get some knowledge and see if is it really proved to be effective and long lasting as
compared to the traditional method I took a look at its historical backround. The main purpose behind all this
research was to gain some knowledge about different methods of prefabrication that are used in developed countries.
To get the main objectives gratified by this research, it is classified into two parts:
1. Literature review of related work in prefabrication and its definition, methods, techniques, systems.
2. Materials in building construction, and its advantages, disadvantages and its role in future construction process
and market.
There were two categories for this research:
1. Empirical studies: To investigate appropriate prefabrication systems used for building construction.
2. Prefabrication systems assembling behavior: Recognizing relationship between prefabrication systems and its
assembling process.
The paper consist of advantages and disadvantages of prefabrication construction, and from this we got to know that
prefabrication is the future. To prove the point that prefabrication is the future, in Mohali, Punjab, India, a
entrepreneur named Harpal Singh constructed a 10 storey building in just 48 hours in 2012. The building created a
history in the construction field. No bricks and sand were used in the construction of this building the outside walls
of the building contained PUF panels (polyurethane panels). No compromise was made in the quality materials used
in the building. Over 200 skilled engineers and workers were appointed for this project who worked day and night.

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Prefabricated structural systems:

Prefabricated structural systems are divided into several types depending upon the methodology of construction,
type of materials used in building, type of structure built, types of designs of building etc. According to this work the
prefabrication construction is displayed based on structural configuration. The various possible structures of
prefabrication are explained in detail below.
Using the framework in building saves a lot of money and time in construction.

Method of prefabrication construction:

Panelized wood framing:
Measured fragments of lamented timber are transformed into solid frames, which later with the help of plywood, are
transformed into panels. This frames cover all the area as they are 72 feet long, and they also act as excellent roofing
panels. Constructing these roofing panels saves lot of time and apart from that it also provides safety to the house.
The main advantage of wood framing is it provides extra space, excellent and acoustic insulation.

Fig-1: Panelized wood framing

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Timber framing
Timber framing is very popular construction technique as timber houses are always in demand as it provides more
convenience then other homes. The timber frame itself is so well protected that it does not allow any wet or dry rot
to appear on the frame. Timber framing is so sustainable as it produces less waste. If local timber is used it requires
low embodied energy. A prefabricated timber frame is usually erected faster when on site as compared to brick and
block work. The designers also can give any design they feel without any hesitation. Also we can achieve higher
quality if we do off site fabrication.

Fig-2: Timber Framing

Concrete System
Concrete frame is a type of concrete which is prepared at first, casted and then cured off-site, mostly in a factory
environment with the help of moulds. Then these precast concrete frames are joined to each others to make a
complete structure. It is basically used for the construction of components like columns, beams, floors, wall panels,
tunnels pipes etc. It improves the durability and also improves aesthetics of the components.

Fig-3: Prefabricated Concrete Building

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International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering Technology and Science
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Steel Framing
Using steel frames are very beneficial when it comes to customization, speed od construction, and decreased
maintenance and insurance cost. The main advantage of steel buildings is it can last for decades, remains useful for
entire life. Steel structures can withstand high winds, earthquakes, and other events. It always remains the go-to
material and also very trusted by all companies as steel is very durable and has high strength. The main advantage is
the steel is 100 percent eco friendly and also can be recycled and reused. Also it saves enough time.

Fig-4: Prefabricated steel house

Standardization and Customization

Both the terminologies are of very importance in the prefab construction. Standardization and customization holds a
very important place in prefab construction. Standardization means a standard set up by a system to measure the
quality, quantity, weight etc. In short standardization is a sort of expectation which the person is supposed to fulfill.
Standardization is set up by bringing various associations like customers, regulators manufacturers to discuss about
the materials, services. Customization is actually inverse of standardization. Customization enables the customers to
customize and personalized there house according to there expectations to meet there needs. Customization not only
reduces the cost but also minimize the duration in making the house. Many benefits are seen in both product and
process of standardization. In 2001, research scholors Alistair Gibb and Frank Isack stated that standardization has a
great impact on reducing the cost. Standardization processes allows the project associates to acknowledge what is
needed, from whom and by when.

Fig-5: Prefabricated panel

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Modular Vs. Traditional Construction
If we compare modular and traditional way of construction then there is a huge marginal difference. Modular
construction is way more effective in terms of time, cost, sustainability, site waste, structural integrity. The main
thing is the wastage of water on site. While my visit to a construction site, I noticed a huge amount wastage of water
for curing process. A wall needs a curing of 14 days, means 14 days regular water supply to just one wall and where
are so many no of walls means a lot of liters of water is wasted. And not just water wastage of many things happen
on site which no one notices. In accordance to that modular construction is way better in saving water and many
resources and much more effective and sustainable. Also after making a wall or a slab or column it requires a certain
amount of settling time which in a aspect is a waste of time. Also the traditional construction lot of time , during
which rainy season comes which again leads to closing of site because of heavy rainfall and many difficulties arise
like transport delays etc on other site in modular construction does not has any such kind of difficulties and is much
more effective and sustainable. Funding is also a main aspect in construction, traditional construction requires a
smooth flow of money, in case if the cast flow is stopped it leads to a blockage in construction and the site work is
stopped. Where as in modular construction it just requires a one time investment and in that particular amount the
structure is made in less time. So as a result in all aspect modular construction is more beneficial than traditional.

Advantages:
 Durability
Durability of prefab houses is very much better than traditional houses. The modern houses are made by modern
equipment which gives more protection to the walls from damaging. Modular houses are build with superior quality
materials which takes care of the environment and makes the house more durable.
 Less Mess
Since the product is pre-manufactured in the factory, there is no need to cover machinery or adjacent offices from
dust and noise when erecting.
 Fast Installations
A typical 12‟ x 16‟ building is installed in less than a day. Hence quicker occupancy is achieved.
 Expandability
With the fast paced growth of today's business, change is inevitable. This system gives the flexibility to adapt and
accommodate. Modular construction lets you upsize or downsize with minimal down time.

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 Sound Quality
As compared to the traditional construction, modular prefabrication construction has more sound insulating value.
Modular construction has almost zero sound attenuation value.
 Reusable
With the use of prefabrication construction you can easily relocate the house from one place to another as it is, or
you can dismantle the components, transport them and assemble them as they were with the help of local
contractors.
 Cost Savings
Prefabricated buildings have lower initial cost and faster delivery as compared to conventional buildings, especially
when it comes to low rise buildings. Prefabrication modular construction on an average saves upto 20 to 30 percent
of the cost which is actually beneficial.
 Tax Benefits
The depreciation period for modular houses is 7 years as compared to conventional construction which is 39 and
half years. As we can accelerate the construction we can also regain the money faster and hence save the money.
 Time Saving
No need to schedule and manage dozens of subcontractors going in and out of your facility with little or no
accountability. Our staff can take care of all your needs.

Disadvantages:
 The components might break while transporting so extra care has to be taken while transporting .
 Skilled labours who have on site experience are required for this work for connecting the precast units.
 Each member component should be of accurate size and strength or else it may cause unbalancing of structure.
 There is a lot of paper work involved for getting prefabricated structure approved and soil testing and land
surveying also needs to be done accurately.
 Selling a prefab house is a big problem as the people do not prefer to buy the prefab houses thinking it is of
cheap quality.
 The land you are purchasing should be suitable for prefabrication construction or else it will lead to waste of
money.
III. CONCLUSION
Comparing the overall aspects prefabrication modular system is better option in today‟s world. It will give birth to a
new industries too for prefab construction giving many people employment. The main reason which makes prefab
houses more attractive is the cost. Many people do not buy houses because of its high cost but prefab houses are
very cheaper for the poor and middle class people and much more affordable. Prefabrication is called the future of
the world as it is improves the economy of that nation. Today prefabrication construction is not just a development
plan of action but it has also entered into the colossal market. Now a days the entrepreneurs and business person are
also funding and encouraging to built prefabricated houses as they are more affordable and attracted by many people
by its advantages. Because of its remarkable characteristics prefabrication system can be the future of the upcoming
construction world.

IV. REFERENCES
[1] Limthongtang, R. “Comparison between prefabrication construction and normal construction” Thesis,
Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand, 2oo5.

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[2] Fetters, T. „‟The Lustron home. Jefferson‟‟, N.C.: McFarland, 2002.
[3] Best, R., and De Valence, G. „‟Design and construction: Building in value. Routledge‟‟. USA, 2002.
[4] Harris, F., McCaffer, R. „‟Modern Construction Management‟‟, Blackwell Science, 5th Edition, London,
2001.
[5] Koskela, L., Howell, G., Ballard, G., and Tommelein, I. “The Foundations of Lean Construction.” Elsevier,
Oxford, UK, 2002.
[6] Applied Technology Council, Seismic Evaluation and Retrofit of Concrete Buildings. Vol. 1, Report No.
SSC 96-01, 1996.
[7] Baghchesaraei, A and Baghchesaraei, O.R. „‟Essential words for Architects and Structural Engineers‟‟,
Naghoos Publication. Tehran, 2014.
[8] Best, R., and De Valence, G. (2002). Design and construction: Building in value. Routledge. USA.
[9] Kim, T. „‟Comparison of prefab homes and a sitebuilt home: Quantitative evaluation of four different types
of prefab homes and a site-built home‟‟, Southern California University. USA, 2009.
[10] Tam, M. “Impact on structure of labour market resulting from large-scale implementation of prefabrication”
Advanced in Building Technology. Vol. 1. Hong Kong, 2002.

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