Prefabrication. The Way Forward

Transcription

1 Prefabrication The Way Forward

2 Origins Today in the construction industry, prefabrication is synonymous with panelised building systems and modular building systems. It can be part of an off site fabrication process whereby combinations of elements can be assembled off site and simply installed on site. High capacity prefabrication methods are also possible enabling the realisation and assurance of deadlines for important commercial projects. The peak year for the importation of portable kit buildings to Australia was 1853 Prefabricated construction is nothing new. The peak year for the importation of portable kit buildings to Australia was 1853, when several hundred arrived during the Gold Rush, enabling prospectors to quickly construct accommodation. Pre WWI advances in the assembly line processes were capitalised on after the war when the need for standardisation in mass production became paramount. Prefabricated housing was popular during WW2 due to the need for military accommodation. Prefab design is also an integral part of the history of the 20th C modern architecture movement. The first glass curtain wall was constructed in 1917 and early examples of prefab steel frames date from After each World War, prefabs provided low-cost quality buildings to quickly replace those that were destroyed. During the 1950s large-scale use of prefabricated aluminum cladding was achieved and Australian architect Harry Seidler created a prototype prefabricated building with extremely flexible floor plans. Prefabrication / any part of a building that has been fabricated at a place other than its final location prefabaus.org.au

3 Advantages What the users of prefabrication and modularisation say Prefabrication is on government and commercial sector agendas across Europe, Japan, the US, New Zealand and Australia, where it is seen as an important way of improving quality and value within the slow changing construction industry prefabaus.org.au Prefabrication is a cost-effective construction process as it offers design flexibility, lower cost, improved safety, faster construction times, enhanced quality and sustainable construction process compared with traditional building. Design Flexibility 66% report that project schedules are decreased - 35% by four weeks or more Survey undertaken by Mc-Graw Hill Construction. Source: Prefabrication and Modularization: Increasing Productivity in the Construction Industry pg 1 Prefabricated elements form part of a lightweight structural envelope. These can incorporate a range of materials including light gauge steel, aluminum or cladding components and facilitates flexible design of both floor plans and facade openings. Floor plans and surface finishes can be easily adjusted to suit client requirements without compromising the structural design. Prefabrication enables the manufacture of complex and intricate features, saving on expensive construction and on site labour. 65% report that project budgets are decreased - 41% by 6% or more 77% report that construction site waste is decreased - 44% by 5% or more Reduced Time In many instances, prefabrication can reduce construction time by half when compared with conventional on site construction methods. It can reduce engineering time where there is repetition and reduces the need for subcontractor coordination as electrical, ductwork and the like can be integrated within prefabricated elements. Performed off site delays due to inclement weather conditions and RDO s are reduced and 24 hour shift work can be carried out off site. Temporary prefabrication locations can reduce transport delivery time and once on site, elements can be quickly assembled or installed.

4 Improved Safety Improved Quality A controlled off site factory construction environment gives a dry working environment independent of prevailing weather conditions and associated hazards. Prefabrication reduces the risk of labourers coming into contact with unsafe electrical connections, trip hazards or working from dangerous heights. It allows the supply of components and equipment where needed and significantly reduces the need for on site handling and associated risks. Mass production allows prefabricated components to be produced and in some instances, pre-assembled in an automated factory environment, using computer-controlled equipment that transfers cutting instructions directly from computer aided design (CAD) drawings in precise engineering processes. Controlled factory environments keeps contaminants out of prefabrication systems and allow for surveillance of each process step for greater quality control. Once elements or pre-assembled systems arrive on site, surveying devices can be used to locate installation points, allowing skilled labourers to then quickly connect and install the elements or systems. Lower Cost Sustainable Construction As many elements are prefabricated, the need for traditional skilled labour on site is reduced. Prefabricated elements and systems require fewer off site workers to complete a task with skilled labour only required on site for the final connection and installation of systems and elements. Prefabricating steel sections reduces on site cutting and welding costs as well as other associated hazards. Prefabricated construction gives a low carbon footprint, reduces energy consumption, optimises the use of materials, allows for waste recycling and creates less environmental nuisances such as noise and dust. Prefabricated elements can include integral insulation for enhanced thermal efficiency.

5 There are a vast number of different prefabrication systems on the market and with recent advances such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), the task of integrating these systems into construction projects is fast becoming a cost effective, digitised prefabrication process. Mary Bon RIBA for SBS Group Vic. Pre-Fabricated Lightweight Architectural Framing Solutions - A Smarter Building Approach Pre-Finished Aluminium Framing Complex Architectural Framing Pre-Fabricated External Framing Pre-Fabricated Bulkhead Framing Pre-Fabricated Balustrade Framing Pre-Fabricated Fascia Framing General Sheet Metal, Brackets & Fabrication Smart Hob Formwork Framing REQUEST A FREE BROCHURE 2015 SBS Group T: F: W: sbsgroup.com.au E: sales@sbsgroup.com.au 25 Brunsdon St, Bayswater VIC 3153