Steel-framed residential buildings are a common construction model today, while prefabricated steel-framed housing represents a new type of building approach. In recent years, the government has been vigorously promoting prefabricated construction to drive the transformation and upgrading of the construction industry. While many may have some understanding of prefabricated buildings, are prefabricated steel structures the same as traditional steel structures? Let’s take a closer look below.
I. Differences Between Prefabricated Steel Structures and Traditional Steel Structures
When discussing prefabricated steel structures, many might wonder: Aren’t steel structures inherently prefabricated? So what exactly distinguishes prefabricated steel structures from traditional ones?
1. System Functionality: Prefabricated buildings comprise four major systems
the primary structural system, the exterior envelope system, the interior finishing system, and the equipment and piping system. Prefabricated construction is characterized by six key features: standardized design, factory production, modular construction, integrated finishing, information-based management, and smart applications. Prefabricated steel structures are no exception. Their component connection nodes are optimized for on-site installation, with bolted connections being the preferred method. Not only the main structure but also components like the envelope system, floor slabs, and staircases are prefabricated in factories and assembled on-site.
2. From the perspective of the main structural system
Superficially, traditional steel structures and prefabricated steel structures appear largely similar, as both main structures are assembled. However, prefabricated steel structures, particularly residential products, place greater emphasis on resolving conflicts and achieving compatibility between the structural system and unit layouts. They also prioritize standardized design for both unit layouts and components.
3. Regarding the envelope system
Traditional steel structures typically employ secondary wet-process masonry block walls for exterior and interior partitions. Prefabricated steel structures, however, predominantly utilize materials such as PC exterior wall panels, integrated insulation and decoration panels, UHPC cladding panels, ALC panels, and light steel stud walls.
4. Regarding interior finishing and MEP systems
Traditional steel structures typically employ rough-finished interiors where the finishing system remains integrated with the structural system, and MEP systems are also non-separated. Prefabricated steel structures, however, predominantly adopt an integrated interior system (SI system) that separates the supporting structure from the infill elements. This approach enables modularization, integration, and standardized interfaces for interior components.
5. Regarding the industrialization of steel structures (prefabricated steel structures)
This encompasses not only structural engineering but all disciplines including architecture, structural engineering, MEP, equipment, building materials, components, and finishing. It extends beyond production and construction to cover the entire building lifecycle—design, manufacturing, construction, acceptance, and operational maintenance.
II. What are the characteristics of prefabricated steel structures?
1. Prefabricated steel structures eliminate on-site cast-in-place joints, relying instead on extensive bolted connections during installation. This ensures excellent assembly properties and significantly faster installation speeds, shortening construction timelines while making it easier to guarantee construction quality.
2. As a ductile material, prefabricated steel structures exhibit superior seismic resistance.
3. Compared to concrete structures, steel structures are lighter in weight and require lower foundation costs.
4. Steel is a recyclable material, making it more environmentally friendly.
5. Compared to prefabricated concrete buildings, prefabricated steel structures offer higher strength, lighter weight, and better economic performance.
6. Prefabricated steel structures utilize smaller beam and column cross-sections, allowing flexible layout according to occupant needs while increasing usable floor area.
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