Prefabrication is most suitable for large-scale housing programmes. Prefabrication technique is used as a cost-effective measure. As the components of any structure can be manufactured under controlled conditions, there is vast improvement in quality. It helps to use the locally available materials with required characteristics. The speed of construction is generally fast compared to cast-in-situ constructions.
Materials that are used for prefabrication have to satisfy one or more of the following characteristics:
- They should be available easily without any constraint.
- Light-weight materials are preferred since they are easy to handle and transport.
- They should preferably have a high thermal insulation property.
- Workability of the material should be simple and easy.
- Evidently the durability should be high and withstand all weather conditions.
- Materials should preferably be non-combustible so as to prevent any problem during transit.
- The overall economy should be given high importance.
As a matter of fact, materials to be used as prefabricated components are plenty. The latest trend is to use concrete, steel, treated wood, aluminium, cellular concrete, light-weight concrete, ceramic products, etc.
Further discussions are confined to prefabricated concrete elements.
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