Pre-Fabrication: Process, Uses, Advantages, and Disadvantages

Which statement best defines prefabrication in construction?

• On-site assembly of raw materials into final structures

• Factory assembly of components transported as complete assemblies to the construction site

• Modular design without off-site manufacturing

• Temporary structures built only for staging equipment

In a conventional house-building method, which list correctly identifies materials typically transported to the site before on-site construction?

• Bricks, timber, cement, sand, steel, and construction aggregate

• Precast wall panels, preassembled roofs, and window frames

• Only foundations and fasteners

• Light gauge aluminum cladding and glass curtain walls

According to the described prefabricated construction process, which part is usually built on-site before installing prefabricated sections?

• Complete roof structure

• External cladding

• Foundations

• Internal partitions

During prefabricated construction for houses, which set of building sections is transported and lifted into place for bolting together?

• Foundations only

• Walls, floors, and roof with window and door frames included

• Electrical and plumbing systems only

• Brick facades and timber framing only

Which advantage is associated with pouring concrete sections in a factory rather than at a congested site?

• Eliminates the need for moulds entirely

• Allows reuse of moulds and avoids transporting and pumping wet concrete on site

• Requires more site labor but faster curing

• Prevents quality control of mix proportions

What is a commonly used form of prefabrication in building and civil engineering?

• Prefabricated timber shingles

• Prefabricated concrete and prefabricated steel sections where parts are repeatedly formed

• Prefabricated glass-only load-bearing columns

• Prefabricated earthen walls

Prefabricating steel sections primarily reduces which combination of on-site demands?

• Painting and insulation costs

• Cutting and welding costs along with associated hazards

• Land acquisition and permitting

• Electrical and mechanical installation time

Prefabrication techniques are used in the construction of apartment blocks and housing developments. What characteristic of these projects makes prefabrication suitable?

• Highly custom, one-off designs

• Repeated housing units enabling standardized sections

• Primarily subterranean construction

• Exclusive use of glass facades

Which statement correctly describes the use of prefabricated steel and glass sections?

• They are mainly used for small sheds and kiosks

• They are widely used for the exterior of large buildings

• They are restricted to temporary site offices

• They are only applied to interior partitions

Prefabricated bridge elements and systems offer which combined advantages to designers and contractors?

• Longer construction time but lower cost

• Benefits in construction time, safety, environmental impact, construct liability, and cost

• Higher environmental impact with improved aesthetics only

• Reduced safety with marginal cost savings