ANALYSIS OF THE STATE OF LOW-RISE PREFABRICATED BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

Abstract

This study investigates the current landscape of low-rise prefabricated buildings (PFBs), emphasizing their swift expansion and the challenges that come with it. The popularity of prefabricated technologies is on the rise due to their efficiency, economic benefits, and flexibility in meeting modern needs. However, their widespread acceptance is hindered by regulatory, technical, and perceptual obstacles. This research utilizes a structured literature review to classify issues into four categories: technological, legal, social, and environmental. Important data were gathered from technical documents, reports, and industry publications. Findings reveal that although PFBs provide advantages such as decreased construction time and cost savings, they encounter significant challenges. These include rising temperatures during summer, inadequate sound insulation, variable material quality, a lack of comprehensive standards (particularly for light steel thin-walled structures, LSTK), and a public perception associating PFBs primarily with temporary housing. The analysis highlights that many of these challenges are interconnected, with regulatory deficiencies exacerbating design and construction mistakes. Suggested remedies involve improved regulations, innovative materials, stringent quality control, and enhanced professional training. It is crucial to tackle aesthetic limitations and shifting public perceptions for wider acceptance. The study concludes that addressing these challenges through integrated reforms can position PFBs as a sustainable and resilient option in the global construction industry, especially in light of climate change and urban housing shortages.