What is Prefabrication?

The aim is to create an optimal building system that can adequately meet the necessary standards in terms of durability, architectural design, compliance with living standards, comfort, construction time, and minimum maintenance requirements, depending on the intended use of the building. For this reason, there is a need for prefabrication methods.

A prefabricated structure is a type of building constructed by assembling pre-manufactured structural elements in the field according to a pre-planned layout, i.e., by completing the assembly process. Prefabricated structures can be single-story or multi-story.

The primary objective of prefabricated construction is to minimize the amount of work required at the assembly site, maintain a certain level of quality control over materials in the factory, and ensure standardization.

The systems that make up a prefabricated structure can consist of bar elements such as beams, columns, frames, and arches, as well as planar elements called panels or boards used for flooring and walls, and shell elements consisting of shell sections.

What is Prefabrication?

Prefabrication refers to a system in which building elements are produced in a factory environment using modern industrial methods, undergo serial and relevant quality control processes, and are then transported to the construction site and assembled using various methods.

With the advancement of prefabrication technology, a project can be easily analyzed and scaled by considering the functionality, availability, and ease of assembly of the elements.

Prefabrication provides the opportunity for faster and higher quality production than traditional construction techniques due to the intensive use of machinery. Prefabrication allows construction to be carried out regardless of the season, enabling workers to continue working, thus providing economic advantages for both the public and the state. The production of prefabricated building elements in a controlled environment is not affected by seasonal conditions. While the necessary infrastructure work for the project is ongoing at the construction site, load-bearing elements can be produced in the factory. The consistency of production allows for a more precise determination of the work schedule and the anticipation of potential delays, significantly reducing the project construction time. Specialization is achieved through the continuity of production. Production at the factory can begin and continue even if the construction site is not ready, without causing any damage.

Quality controls and inspections in prefabrication are applied more effectively than in traditional methods. Controls at every stage of production and in stock enable high-quality production. In terms of quality, prefabrication can provide high quality due to its structure that is conducive to planning, programming, and control, and is ultimately economical. In prefabrication, construction quality is ensured by machines, while in traditional construction, it is ensured by workmanship.

Prefabricated elements produced under effective supervision in factory conditions are of higher quality than traditional methods in terms of both strength and durability.

By considering the challenging weather and environmental conditions that are difficult to control in traditional construction methods, it is possible to enhance the quality level of prefabricated elements. Quality control enables production to meet desired standards. Thanks to the ability to achieve the desired quality in factory production, the structural elements produced are more durable and resilient.

History of Prefabricated Structures

During the Industrial Revolution, England began using steam power in factories and sought to lead the way in industrialization by establishing numerous factories. It believed that this could be achieved through prefabrication construction methods, as prefabricated structures offered significantly higher speed compared to traditional construction methods. As a result, England made substantial investments in the prefabricated sector, establishing itself as a key player in the industry.

The first patent was obtained in England by Frederick Ranson in 1844 for “Prefabricated Concrete Building Elements.” The first scientific article related to prefabricated structures was published in England in 1936 by George Godwin. Godwin’s article was the first technical publication to encourage the use of prefabrication methods.

The first prefabricated structure is known to be a paneled wooden house manufactured in England in 1624 and sent to a fishing fleet in Massachusetts, USA, for housing purposes. One of the most concrete and pioneering examples of prefabrication technology is the Eiffel Tower, completed in 1889. This structure, which is one of Paris’ most iconic symbols, owes its 324-meter height and relatively short construction time of approximately two years in part to this construction technique.

By the early 1900s, we encounter the world’s first precast concrete panel prefabricated building, an apartment building in Liverpool. Undoubtedly, the industrial revolution was quite effective in demonstrating the power of iron in the two structures mentioned above and in meeting the growing demand for housing due to population growth.

In addition, it is known that between 1908 and 1940, the American Sears company sold approximately 75,000 prefabricated houses of 400 different types.

Nevertheless, prefabricated structures had not yet become widespread in housing construction. By the end of World War II, which began in 1939 and lasted six years, an urgent need for shelter arose, and it was decided to address this need swiftly. During this period, the ideal conditions for prefabrication applications emerged, and the prefabricated construction sector continued to develop.