Prefabricated materials reduce construction times in a number of ways. Factory tools provide additional quality assurance. Sub-assemblies are built in weather-controlled settings that follow specified standards, resulting in uniform quality.
The use of prefabricated materials also reduces the amount of time that skilled workers need to spend at a construction site. This helps to alleviate the constraints of limited human resources.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is a common material used in construction because it is strong, durable and easy to work with. It also can be molded into many different shapes and sizes, which allows for a wide range of applications. It can be found in everything from architectural elements to building columns. The material has high tensile strength and is available in many color options, making it an excellent choice for creating unique designs.
Unlike traditional materials, fiberglass can be made to a specific shape using a process called pultrusion. This method combines fiberglass mat and strands with a resin to create a strong and lightweight composite. This type of manufacturing allows for a greater level of customization than other methods, which can result in reduced labor costs.
Another advantage of prefabricated components is energy efficiency. Because windows are large surface areas and a significant source of heat loss, using fiberglass in window frames can greatly reduce heating costs. This makes fiberglass a great material for prefabricated insulation panels and window frames.
Prefabricated fiberglass is an affordable alternative to more expensive materials, such as steel and concrete. It is also more environmentally friendly than other materials, as it is made from recycled materials and produces fewer emissions during production. Additionally, the use of fiberglass can help project engineers, builders and developers save time on-site because there is less material to transport.
Steel
Steel has become one of the most popular construction materials in modern buildings and structures. Its versatility enables architects to explore their imaginations, making structures that are both functional and appealing. It is also extremely durable, allowing the structure to remain in good condition for years after it’s been erected. Additionally, steel is very malleable and can be shaped in a variety of ways. This has been a significant factor in speeding up steel construction, as it eliminates the need for on-site cutting and measurements.
Another benefit of using prefabricated steel is that it reduces overall project costs. Since most of the work is done in a factory, there are no weather delays or other factors that can slow down or disrupt construction. Furthermore, fewer workers are needed to complete the construction process. This helps to lower labor costs and reduce the risk of accidents or injuries.
In addition, the prefabricated steel building process is a more environmentally friendly method of construction. It uses less energy to construct, and it can also be reused. This is particularly helpful if the building is demolished, as the existing components can be sold to other companies as parts or raw alloy for use in new projects. It is an excellent option for commercial and industrial buildings that require a quick turnaround time, as it can be fabricated and erected in just weeks.
Structural Insulation Panels (SIPs)
Structural insulated panels (SIPs) are a highly efficient, cost effective building solution. They are used for floors, walls and roofs in homes and commercial structures. They are fabricated by sandwiching expanded polystyrene (EPS) or polyisocyanurate rigid foam insulation between two structural skins of oriented strand board. They are also compatible with a wide range of framing systems including conventional stud and timber frame and can accommodate a variety of foundation materials.
Constructing with SIPs is typically faster than traditional framing techniques. This is primarily because the entire panel is fabricated offsite, which reduces on site labor and waste and allows for more control of the construction process. In addition, the weather is not as much of a factor, as SIPs are able to be constructed in virtually any conditions.
SIP walls provide excellent sound resistance and do not suffer from the thermal bridging that can occur in cavity wall construction. In addition, the solid core of a SIP panel eliminates the voids that can lead to condensation which causes mold and mildew. The airtightness of a SIP wall also makes it easier to maintain indoor air quality by restricting incoming air to controlled ventilation that can filter out harmful contaminants and allergens. SIPs are fire safe and have passed rigorous testing for structural integrity, dimensional stability and moisture protection.
Aluminum
Using prefabricated materials to build modern structures is more than just about saving time and money. The ecological demands placed on building projects today also require a certain degree of sustainability, with material choice playing an important role. Aluminum has become an integral component of the modern construction process for a variety of reasons.
The versatility of aluminium means that architects can experiment with its form and shape, allowing them to create unique structures that may not be possible with other materials. For example, Danish design studio Bjarke Ingels Group recently completed a distinctive art gallery within Kistefos Sculpture Park in Jevnaker, Norway, using aluminium panels laid out in a twisting accordion-like form to give the structure its flowing appearance over the Randselva river.
Aluminium can also be prefabricated for a wide variety of buildings and applications, from residential housing to modular military hospitals. A modular hospital built from aluminium can be airlifted to any destination and quickly snapped together to provide a major upgrade over tents for wounded soldiers or civilians during disaster relief efforts.
The efficiency of prefabrication helps reduce a building’s overall environmental footprint, with minimal waste on the construction site. Prefabricated elements are manufactured in a controlled environment, which allows for more precise measurements and prevents wasted materials. Additionally, using prefabricated components such as window frames and trusses can cut the amount of time it takes to assemble the elements on the job site.