Steel's role in disaster-resilient prefabricated buildings

Prefabrication construction, the process of manufacturing building components off-site and assembling them on-site, has gained traction for its efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and, its ability to create disaster-resilient structures. Steel is a significant material for several reasons regarding prefab buildings.

Steel, known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, provides unparalleled durability. Prefab steel buildings offer robustness against various environmental hazards, including earthquakes, hurricanes, and fires. Let's break down the significance of steel structure design.

Flexibility and adaptability
Portable houses allow for high levels of customisation and flexibility in design. This adaptability is crucial in disaster-prone areas, where prefabricated construction needs to meet specific safety standards while accommodating diverse architectural requirements. Steel's versatility enables architects and engineers to create portable houses that are aesthetically pleasing and resilient to disasters.

Speed of construction
Manufacturing prefab structures off-site significantly reduces on-site construction time. This rapid assembly minimises workers' exposure to potential hazards and ensures quicker recovery and reconstruction in the aftermath of a disaster.

Sustainability and recyclability
Steel is inherently sustainable and can be recycled without losing quality or strength. This recyclability reduces construction's environmental impact and aligns with sustainable development principles. Additionally, prefab structures often integrate other sustainable practices, such as energy-efficient designs and materials, further contributing to ecological resilience.

What are the materials used in prefabricated components?

Structural steel: It's characterised by its strength, durability, and versatility. Carbon steel (with carbon content of 0.15%-0.30%) is easily fabricated and often used for beams, columns, and structural components due to its weldability and cost-effectiveness.

Cold-formed steel: This type of steel is shaped by bending or pressing flat steel sheets at room temperature. Cold-formed steel is often used in prefab homes components like wall panels, roofing systems, and partitions due to its ease of manufacturing and assembly.

Alloyed structural steel: Alloyed steel contains various alloying elements like manganese, silicon, copper, or chromium. They are used in specialised structural applications requiring specific properties such as increased strength, hardness, or resistance to wear and tear.

Galvanised steel: Galvanised steel, coated with a layer of zinc, is often used to prevent corrosion and rust, ensuring the longevity of the prefab homes.

Metal roofing sheets: Steel roofing sheets made from galvalume are used for durability, weather resistance, and ease of installation and are commonly employed in prefab houses.

Steel bolts and fasteners: These are used to join various steel components securely, ensuring structural stability and resistance to external forces.

Metal insulation panels: These panels, made of galvanised steel sheets with insulating materials like foam or mineral wool sandwiched between them, are used for walls and roofs to enhance energy efficiency and thermal regulation.

Steel panels: Exterior cladding and finishing often involve steel panels in various profiles and colours, providing aesthetics and protection against the elements.

Cost of steel in prefabricated buildings

Steel structures can be cost-effective due to its durability and minimal maintenance requirements. While initial costs might be higher than some materials, the long-term benefits often outweigh these expenses. The price of steel in prefabricated buildings can vary significantly depending on the design complexity, size, and intended use of the building. Larger steel structures with intricate designs might require more steel, affecting the overall cost. Furthermore, the fabrication method—whether it's traditional fabrication or the use of pre-engineered components—can influence expenses. However, despite fluctuations in steel prices, prefabricated buildings often offer cost advantages due to reduced construction time, efficient assembly processes, and minimised on-site labour.