2. Prefabrication

With the increasing demand for efficient, adaptable and higher quality buildings, people have looked at aspects of the construction process that can improve quality and encourage innovation.

Traditional craft and trade construction techniques have changed little in past decades. These trades are normally performed on a construction site in all types of weather; consequently, the quality and accuracy of this type of construction is quite variable.

To minimise variation and increase quality many constructors are increasingly looking to construction techniques that have various degrees of prefabrication. This technique shifts some activities to a factory floor where the process is not weather dependent, working conditions and safety is improved and the quality of the assembly is greater than could be achieved outdoors.

Prefabricated assemblies are then transported to the site, and assembled on preformed foundations. Construction is far more rapid as larger elements are used in assembly and trades overlapping of can occur as activities are performed at different locations.

Chart 1 - Flow of materials, components and pre-fabricated elements

Light Steel Framing (Cold rolled)

Light steel framing components comprise C and Z sections in cold-formed steel that are very efficient use of material and are well suited to construct houses and medium-rise apartments.  The steel is only 1.2 to 2 mm thick depending on its load application.  Wall panels and floor cassettes can be pre-fabricated and easily lifted into place.  The same technology is also extended to modular construction.  Many companies offer light steel framing solutions, which comply with local house building standards or certification systems.

The light steel member sizes and depth vary depending upon building type and size, however, generally the size of studs used in dwelling wall constructions begin at 75mm deep C sections for the walls and 150mm deep sigma shaped floor joists. On larger floor spans or constructions requiring light services, steel lattice girders can be constructed up to 300mm deep. 

External insulation is placed outside the frame to create a warm frame.

Stick build system | LSF field-factory operation | Light guage steel frame panel system

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