PREFABRICATION

INTRODUCTION:
Prefabrication is the production of housing or housing components , using factory
mechanization.
It enhances the affordability through a combination of quantity , purchasing of material ,
mass-production , assembly techniques ant the use of less skilled labour.
Prefabrication may take three forms- prefabricated components , modular housing ,
manufactured housing.

Prefabrication, in architectural construction, is a technique whereby large units of

a building are produced in factories to be assembled, ready-made, on the building
site.

The technique permits the speedy erection of very large structures. It has been
applied to urban housing for more than a century.

Major architects, including Walter Gropius, Konrad Wachsmann, and Buckminster

Fuller, have been involved significantly in the development of prefabrication.
FACTORS AFFECTING THE CHOICE OF MATERIALS
Dimensional coordination of the components governs the choice of material to be used.
An accurate tie-up between the respective dimensions of structure and cladding units is
essential and thus a material with a higher degree of tolerance shall be used.
Materials that allow a large span construction shall be used.
Actual manufactured components vary slightly when made from the specified dimensions
, thus a material shall be used which gives minimum variation.
Economic and cost effective materials.
aesthetically sound material shall be used to improve the appearance of building.
material must be able to take the structural loads and stresses.
a material that can be moulded to variety of shapes shall be used.
ease of maintenance.
AIMS OF PREFABRICATION
to speed up the construction time.
to lower the labour cost .
to allow the year round construction.
to ensure precise conformity to building codes , standards and greater quality
assurance.
to allow less wastage of materials than n in site- built construction.
to ensure higher worker safety and comfort level than in site- built construction

THE LIMITATIONS OF PREFABRICATION ARE:

A small number of units required may prove to be uneconomical
Special connections, such as special bearings to transmit the vertical and horizontal
loads, can add cost to the system
Waterproofing at joints
Transportation difficulties
Need for cranes
ADVANTAGES OF PREFABRICATED CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION
OVER CAST IN SITU CONSTRUCTION

Mass production of units:

Manual in-situ
automation of manufacturing process can save labour and reduce price.
designers can get used to the standard units and have ready access to details.

Reduction of costs and construction time on site:

less work to be done on site.
saving in the use of formwork on site
precast units can be erected in bad weather.
Prefabricated
off-site
Effective use of formwork:
steel formwork is normally used and increases
the number of use to 200 times .
 precast unit can be shaped so that they are self- stripping and this means the reduction
in labour and wear on moulds.

Improved quality of units.

factory production under strict quality control.
precast units can be closely checked after manufacture.
units can be cast in any position, such as upside down, on their sides, etc.
colored concrete can be produced by using white cement and the color pigments.

Casting under cover.

protection from drying winds.

Demountable structures
bolted connections can be easily dismantled and re- erected in other places.

Construction over and under water

no or little formwork is required.
false work is not required.
minimal disruption to traffic.

Casting of units before the site becomes available

units can be casted and stocked up before the site becomes available which can shorten
the construction time.
Built-in services and insulation.
services and insulation can be built in to precast units accurately in the factory
Use of semi-skilled labour
Accelerated curing techniques.
higher turnover per mould and plant.
controlled curing results in more durable units.
Solution to the problem of lack of local resources and labour.
units can be produced thousands of kilometers away from the site.
COMPONENTS AND JOINTING

1. Components are manufactured units, made to pre-determined sizes, to be used in

building.
- Dimensional co-ordination governs their design and use and forms the necessary
discipline for industrialized, "system" or "component" building.
- For example a prefabricated standard staircase component to rise 2660 mm will govern
the floor to floor height of the building in which it is to be fixed.

Prefabricated staircase staircase

2. Prefabricated wall cladding panels will closely govern the storey heights and the length
of the building, or part of a building where they are used.
- The structural frame is usually erected by site work methods, e.g. insitu reinforced concrete,
and the prefabricated units, whether mass produced to standard sizes or specially made for the
particular building project, are fitted to it.
- An accurate tie-up between the respective dimensions of structure and cladding units is
essential, and only a certain degree of tolerance my subsequently be allowed for either.

Prefabricated concrete panels.

3.Standardised components are joined together to form building elements.
-The dimensional co-ordination between all the components concerned is essential, and
for this method of building it is necessary that this co-ordination shall be based upon a
suitable module.
- That is a certain unit length which shall form the increment of change of size, and so the
overall dimensions of the building will be a multiple of these modules or units of length.
4. Actual manufactured components will vary slightly when made from the specified
dimensions and may be subject to further movement
Both variation in size and shape are to be allowed within acceptable limits.
Max.size limit
component
Min. size limit
The difference between these two limits represents the tolerance allowed.
-The variations in size and shape, and space necessary to move the component into
position and fix it, are allowed for in the width of the joint between components.
-The joint width will vary with the work size (size specified for its manufacture) +
deviation (variation in size and shape) for each component.
5. THE JOINT:-The greater the accuracy of the components to be joined, the less width
will the joint require.
-The joint between components is the major problem in industrialized system
building. If external, problems weather exclusion, thermal insulation, and fire
resistance.
-All joints have a need for adequate strength and security. The aesthetic problem of
large joints exposed is a serious one.
-Weather exclusion designing the joint to be self draining (i.e. water which
gets in will run out without penetrating to the inside surface) or rely upon some form
of sealant, usually bitumen, rubber or plastic based.
 In order to remain attached to the two faces of a joint, the sealant has to be able to
accommodate movement due to thermal or other factors.

"movement accommodation factor" (MAF)

(varies between different sealant materials. )

Long experience has shown that a good estimate can be made from the following:
Joint width (in mm) = total length of the adjacent panels (in m)
Thus for a joint between two panels of length 7m and 8m, the total is 15m, giving a joint
width of 15mm.
'joggle' joint :In practice it
should be avoided as :
The simplest profile is a straight
square joint. This has several It is more difficult to cast; it
advantages: does not provide enough
space for a double seal; it
it is easier to cast; it gives full
prohibits inspection;; it
space for the sealants; it allows
could collect moisture and
inspection of the inner seal; it does
cause problems with
not interfere with other aspects.
freezing.
APPLICATIONS:
In India, Pre-engineered building systems find application primary in the
construction of rural as well as urban, individual & mass housing projects,
farmhouses, slum reorganization projects and rehabilitation projects, amenity
structures like health centres, kiosks, primary schools, panchayat ghars, etc.
The recent focus has also shifted to cover composite construction for R&D
facilities, the pharmacy industry and exhibition centres, and functional
requirements like offices, seminar halls, call centres supermarkets, showrooms,
etc.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PRE-ENGINEERED BUILDINGS:

The Rigid Frame Assembly:
-This is the most common frame used in pre-engineered buildings. Basically, the rigid frame
consists of a structural steel column and beam assembly that carries the roof purlins (usually
Z shaped) and wall girts (usually C shaped).
-In addition,diagonal rod bracing is required in the walls to resist horizontal loading on the
building (i.e., wind and/or seismic loads).
-Rod bracing is also provided within the roof framing to resist racking, or twisting of the
building.
Purlins
Bearing Frame

Purlin Ridgc
Bridging Clip

: Endwall Column.
PREFABRICATED PANELS
used for exterior walls
framed with wood or light weight steel framing clad in exterior or interior finishes.
contains insulation , wiring, or pre-cut opening for windows and doors
construction of panelized homes includes whole walls with windows , doors, wires or outside
siding prepared in factory and erected on site.
Precast concrete cladding
Precast concrete panels are reinforced concrete units available in a wide range of mixes, colours
and finishes.
Finishes can include acid-etched, smooth or coarse ground, grit or sand-blasted, rubbed or
polished. Mixes designed to resemble natural stone can also be produced .
Highly articulated designs can be accommodated by the mouldable concrete mix.

Pouring of
concrete
PREFAB CONCRETE PANEL SYSTEM
There are areas where good quality bricks are not available for roofing.
The prefab concrete panel system provides the advantage of prefabrication for increasing
speed in construction and in situ concrete to develop monolithically structure.
In this concrete 3.5cm thk and partially precast concrete joists of length are prefabricated
on the ground with proper reinforcement. the concrete panels are supported on the joist and
3cm thk cement concrete is laid over the roof.
The roof is economical and within the capabilities of the local skilled and unskilled labour.

Process:
Precast concrete panels are cast face-downwards in purpose-built moulds, usually made of
either timber or fibre glass.
A steel reinforcement cage is placed in the mould prior to the concrete being poured.
Timber moulds can be easily adjusted so that maximum use can be made of each basic
mould, further contributing to cost efficiencies.
By inserting mats or rods in the base of the mould different designs and effects can be
created - from false joints to intricate leaf patterns.
Increasingly, maximum use of off-site fabrication is being made by fixing other elements,
from insulation to entire windows, during manufacture of precast panels.
Once de-moulded, the exposed surface of the unit can be treated in a variety of ways -
acid-etched, smooth or coarse ground, grit or sand-blasted, rubbed or polished.

Assembly line production of

prefabricated concrete panels

Moulds

Different designs and effects

can be created
 Joint with the double Cast-in s/s
silicon seal socket

Detail at A

Mild steel plate

welded or bolted
to face of column

Column section

Large hole formed

Detail at A in steel sections

Cast in s/s
Detail at B socket

Detail at B
Cast in s/s
socket
S/s restraint
angle
Brick-faced precast cladding

Description
Brick-faced precast concrete panels are concrete units faced with traditional brickwork.
Brick-facing works equally well on structural elements, such as spandrels and columns, as
on flat cladding panels.
Benefits:Brick-faced precast
-Combines a traditional, unpanelised appearance with the durability and other benefits of
precast concrete panels.
-Speeds up construction time - not affected by weather or labour shortages.
-Improves buildability - no need for scaffolding.
-Alleviates challenges of bricklaying in hazardous places - reduces potential for accidents.
-Produces a high standard of workmanship in factory conditions.
Brick-faced precast
Brick Selection
1. Colour
It's important to choose a brick with good uniformity of colour.
2. Type
Bricks have to be anchored securely into the panel. When '3 hole' type bricks are
cut the resulting shape provides an excellent anchor.Frogged bricks should be
avoided.
A three hole brick.

Panel Design
3. Panel size
Panels can be sized in normal brick modules as with any wall. There is no limit to
the size of panel other than practicality of transport - for instance at The Trafford
Centre some panels were over 12.5m long.

Brick faced parapet panels at the Trafford centre

4. Panel thickness
When designing the panel to take loads, including self-weight, the thickness of the bricks
isn't taken into account. Larger units will require greater thickness - for instance, at the
Trafford Centre, the panels were 210mm thick overall.

100mm 60mm
concrete bricks

Minimum thickness of
panels
5. Brick layout

joint

10mm joint may be positioned at works or recessed for pointing on the side
Any normal brick bond pattern can be provided .Try to avoid excessive use of headers, and
ensure that no unfinished faces are visible on the edges of panels, particularly at returns and
reveals.

6. Finishing
They are usually finished with a
gunned-in sealant to provide a fully
weathertight envelope.
 Natural stone-faced precast cladding

Description
Natural stone-faced precast concrete panels are concrete units faced with any type of
natural stonework. Stone-facing works equally well on structural elements, such as
spandrels and columns, as on flat cladding panels.
Benefits :-Natural stone-faced precast
Combines a traditional natural stone appearance with the durability and other benefits of
precast concrete panels.
Alleviates challenges of in-situ stonework in hazardous places - produces a high standard
of workmanship in factory conditions, reduces potential for accidents, addresses on-site
skill shortage.
Enables faster programme times - not affected by weather or labour shortages.
Improves buildability - early enclosure of dry envelope enables follow-on trades to start
sooner.
Has a high quality finish that can be left exposed - concrete's thermal properties can be
exploited in low-energy buildings.
Process
-Natural stone-faced units are produced by laying the natural stone face-down in the
bottom of the mould prior to casting the concrete backing mix around the stone.
-Hard stone, such as granite, should be a minimum of 30mm thick whereas other stones,
such as Portland and Bath, should be a minimum of 50mm thick.
-A debonding agent is applied to the back of the stone, and stainless steel pins are arranged
at the ratio of 11 per square metre, so that the stone can move relative to the backing panel
to accommodate thermal movement.
GLASS REINFORCED CEMENT CLADDING
Description
-Glass Reinforced Cement (GRC) is formulated with a cement and fine aggregate mix
containing 5% of 25mm-long glass fibre strands.
-The glass fibre has a tensile strength three to four times greater than the equivalent steel
fibre, making GRC a material with high impact resistance.
-Typically manufactured to a thickness of 10mm, GRC cladding panels are much lighter
weight than their precast equivalents.
a series of
distinctive
bathroom units for
a new luxury hotel

Benefits:
-Provides the same durability and quality of finish as reconstructed stone
-Is ideal where limited access means small, lightweight panels are required
-Improves buildability - no need for scaffolding or heavy crane capacity
-Speeds up construction time - not affected by weather or labour shortages
Process
-GRC is cast in timber moulds which are very similar to, though can be lighter than,
those used for precast concrete.
-The GRC is sprayed into the mould in layers, the first layer being a pure
cement/aggregate mix to form the seen surfaces and subsequent layers containing the
chopped glass fibres.
-The spray gun contains both the grout nozzle and a glass chopping gun, so both grout
and glass fibres are sprayed simultaneously.
-Each layer is compacted with rollers before the next is sprayed, to a total thickness of
10mm.
-The production cycle is 24 hours with the GRC unit being de-moulded around 16-18
hours after casting.
STRUCTURAL INSULATED PANELS
Most common form of prefab building envelope systems.
Composed of 2 exterior skins such as orients strand board , wafer board , plywood,
gypsum board, adhered to rigid casting insulating foam core usually polystyrene .
Available in variety of thicknesses , depending upon application requirements and
sizes.
primary application is for exterior walls , roofs with conventional wood or steel stud
framing for interior partitions.
 THE JUMP FORM SYSTEM
A frame is constructed from structural steel members over the central core.
Steel formwork panels are hung from this frame, some supported on rollers.
After the concrete walls are poured, the formwork is released and rolled back
from the concrete face.
Jacks then lift or climb the whole frame up one
level. All the formwork panels are attached to the
frame.
This process takes approximately one and
a half hours.
Once the climbing formwork is in position,
the formwork panels are closed and
the next concrete wall is poured.
The cycle continues, which is normally four days.
Faster times have been achieved.
 The use of climbing formwork (jump form)
to construct the cores.
i. the use of a climbing formwork system
(sometimes referred to as self-climbing or self-
lifting) to construct the central core walls,
ii. precast facades and steel panel formwork (or
alternatively climbing formwork) to construct
the residential wings, The use of climbing formwork (jump
form) to construct the cores. Precast
iii. aluminium system soffit formwork to construct facades and steel panel formwork are
the floor slabs. used in the construction of residential
wings.
What is Modular?
-It is just a different method of building offices, health care centers, schools and almost any
other type of building you can imagine.
-Modular construction employs factory techniques to improve quality, shorten
manufacturing time, and reduce cost.
-While it is not quite an assembly line approach to manufacturing buildings, the economies
of scale, increased worker efficiencies, and reduction of delays from weather or vandalism
add up to greater speed at less cost.
-A modular building is constructed to be quickly assembled and easily disassembled. That
is unlikely with a standard brick and mortar facility.
-In fact, with modular, you can disassemble and move the entire building to another
location and be back in business within a relatively short period of time.

Interior Details
The interior of a modular building gives style and personality to an organization. Modular
buildings offer the widest array of colors, carpets, wall coverings and trim details to set
your building apart and to achieve the mood you have in mind for your environment.
Denim charcoal mushroom

Fortress White Sterling

Tile
Floors
Taupe Blue Cloud
Description: This is
a 42'x70' building
(2,940 s/ft).It has
large wide open
space that can be
used for work areas,
copiers, etc..

Modular office

Isometric view
 Composite Steel and Concrete Structures
Description
Composite structures involve the combined use of precast concrete and structural steel
sections. This is particularly relevant for structurally complex projects, such as
Paddington Station, where the resulting structure was very slender in relation to its
purpose.
Benefits
Can produce very elegant solutions to complex structural engineering challenges.
Enable faster programme times - not affected by weather or labour shortages.
Improve buildability - early enclosure of dry envelope enables follow-on trades to
start sooner.
Produce a high standard of workmanship in factory conditions - reduces potential for
accidents, addresses on-site skill shortage.
Have a high quality finish that can be left exposed - concrete's thermal properties can
be exploited in low-energy buildings.
Process
Steel sections are pre-encased into the concrete, and though the steel may only be
required at the ends to form joints, it is better to have the steel running full length rather
than in two isolated pieces. The benefits of this are: end-to-end tolerances can be
determined before the concrete is cast, the section has full strength almost immediately
allowing early handling and transport and no intermediate reinforcement is needed to
connect the two ends together.
 Hardwall Structures
Description
Hardwall structures involve an insulated sandwich panel system that uses composite
fibre rods to tie the two leaves of the wall together. These rods are stronger, less
thermally conductive, less corrosive and more elastic than the traditional steel
connectors.The panels are turned vertically, so that the inner wall is used as a structural
load-bearing member to support the roof in a column-free solution. In addition, hardwall
cladding can serve a structural purpose, such as bracing a frame or combining with a
roof structure as a diaphragm to transfer wind forces.
Benefits
Enable life-time energy costs to be reduced.
Provide high levels of fire and impact residence - safer and more durable.
Keep inner and outer faces clean as there is no requirement for columns, sheeting rails
or sag rods.
High-quality finish can be left untreated, further contributing to energy efficiency and
requiring low maintenance.
Speeds up construction time - not affected by weather or labour shortages; large panels
result in quick build time.
Improves buildability - no need for scaffolding.
Process
The outer wall is cast first at the bottom of the mould around the necessary
reinforcement. The styrofoam insulation layer is then compacted on top of this, and the
rods are inserted into the polystyrene before the reinforcement for the inner wall is
placed above. The inner wall is then cast, forming the last layer of the sandwich.
 Hybrid Concrete Structures
Description
Hybrid concrete construction is the combined use of precast and in-situ concrete.
Recent research, undertaken for the Reinforced Concrete Council, showed the benefits
of hybrid construction in several key performance areas: aesthetics, function, speed,
safety and buildability.

Benefits
Achieve a more pleasing aesthetic appearance - in-situ elements, which are important
structurally but cannot achieve the same quality of finish as precast.
Save time by work taking place in parallel on site and in the precast factory.
Enable faster programme times - not affected by weather or labour shortages.
Improve buildability - early enclosure of dry envelope enables follow-on trades to start
sooner.
Produce a high standard of workmanship in factory conditions - reduces potential for
accidents, addresses on-site skill shortage.
Have a high quality finish that can be left exposed - concrete's thermal properties can
be exploited in low-energy buildings.

Process
The precast concrete elements of the structure are produced in the same way as other
precast frames - the combination of structural precast and in-situ concrete will vary from
project to project.
 Precast Concrete Frames
Description
Precast concrete frames involve an entire structure being
fabricated off-site. In addition, structural components can be
supplied for incorporation into a structure on-site. Frames can
simultaneously achieve both structural and decorative design
requirements - a wide variety of mixes, colors and finishes can
be accommodated. Architecturally-finished precast structures
can be left exposed to exploit concrete's high thermal capacity
in a building.
Benefits
Enable faster programme times - not affected by weather or labour shortages.
Improve buildability - structure is fabricated off-site for rapid erection on-site
Produce a high standard of workmanship in factory conditions - reduces potential for
accidents, addresses on-site skill shortage.
Have a high quality finish that can be left exposed - concrete's thermal properties can
be exploited in low-energy buildings.
Process
Precast concrete frames are cast in the same way as precast concrete cladding, but as
they are designed as structural elements have heavier reinforcement than is required for
non-structural cladding. Elegant connections are required between columns and beams
to transfer considerable forces without adversely affecting the visual appearance of the
frame.
 Street Furniture
D-Form Street Furniture

Applying its expertise and experience in the production of high-quality

reconstructed stone for commercial buildings.

Exclusive range of precast concrete architectural street furniture called D-Form

(Trent Concrete).

D-Form offers the landscape architect a unique range of street furniture that is
contemporary, robust and adaptable.

The D-Form range currently includes a bench, planter, bollard and waste bin, and
a range of standard finishes - including sparkling white stone, terracotta and grey -
are held in stock.

Each item is cast in precision fibre-glass moulds and has a light acid-etched finish
to expose the attractive fine aggregates in the mix.

Maintenance is minimal, and external surfaces have an anti-graffiti treatment.

The D-Form range
Planter
The D-Form Planter weighs 362kg with an internal
volume of 232 litres and integral drainage. The inner
surface has a chemically inert treatment to allow easy
cleaning.
Measurements: Height 455mm, Width 1020mm, Depth 730mm

Bench
The D-Form bench is available in two types of solid
natural hardwood - American Light Oak and Teak - from
certified sustainable resources. Treatment of the timber,
and the use of Grade 316 stainless steel for the
supporting chassis, ensure excellent outdoor
performance.
Measurements: Height 825mm, Width 2730mm, Depth 590mm
 Waste bin

The D-Form Waste bin weighs 251kg with the capacity to

hold 200 litres of litter. Standard refuse bags are held
securely by an internal stainless steel wire cage. The Grade
316 stainless steel self-closing lid has a radial polished
finish.
Measurements: Height 820mm, Width 585mm, Depth 405mm

Bollard
The D-Form Bollard weighs 54kg. Optional versions
incorporate a plinth or plinth and uplighter. The uplighter
produces even more dramatic effects by enhancing the
bollard's sculptural form and highlighting the spectacular
effects of the fine aggregates.
Measurements: Height 820mm, Width 260mm, Depth 155mm
 Structural Components
Description
Precast concrete structural components are items which are supplied and incorporated
into the overall structure, rather than forming the complete structure in themselves. Trent
has supplied a wide variety of precast structural components from special,
architecturally-finished floor slabs to columns and cantilevered balconies in precast
concrete, reconstructed stone, natural stone-faced or brick-faced precast.

Benefits
Precast concrete structural elements are used when the
form required would be difficult, costly or too time-
consuming to produce on site. In addition, precasting
the elements overcomes the requirement for scarce,
highly-skilled site labour.
Process
Precast concrete structural components are produced
in a similar way to precast concrete frames.
WHAT ARE PRE-FABRICATED STRUCTURES(PFS)?
Structures which are used repeatedly and can be standardized such as
mass housing, storage sheds, godowns, shelters, bus stands, security
cabins, site offices, foot over bridges, road bridges, tubular structures,
concrete building blocks etc., are prefabricated structures

WHEN ARE PRE-FABRICATED STRUCTURES USEFUL?

PFS are useful for sites,
not suitable for normal construction methods such as hilly regions.
normal construction materials are not easily available.
PFS facilities can also be created at or near a site as is done to make
concrete blocks used in place of conventional bricks
EXAMPLE
The Army uses a PFS bridge known as a 'Bailey' bridge. When an
advancing army faces a river or similar hurdle in its path, a 'Bailey' bridge is
air dropped.
Hindustan Housing Factory near New Delhi manufactured pre cast concrete
elements.
In Mumbai, Bombay Chemicals manufactured concrete beams, lintels and
slab units for structures under repairs by MHADA
WHAT ARE PRE-FABRICATED HOMES / HOUSING UNITS ?

Prefabricated homes are houses where the components are built and
pre-assembled at a factory, then shipped to the building site by truck,
lowered onto its foundation by crane, and then the structure is finished
by connecting all the wiring and plumbing.

Advantage:
once workers build and create the foundation, the actual house
can be constructed in a matter of days.
Disadvantage:
typically there are limitations to changes in the design of the house.

TYPES OF PREFAB TECHNIQUES FOR MANUFACTURING

HOUSING UNITS
1) Large panel fully prefab system.
2) Composite roofing system using precast beams and other elements
3) Partial prefab system using cast-in-site walls and precast roofs
TYPES OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS HAVE BEEN CONSTRUCTED
BY USING THESE TECHNIQUES
FOR EXAMPLE:
One of the prestigious projects executed by HPL is the 60 Nos. Type VI houses
and 24 Nos. Transit Flats, at Andrews Ganj, New Delhi.
These competed buildings meant for the residence
of senior Government Officers were
constructed with materials
unknown traditionally
in the Indian context. The buildings feature
such newly introduced materials as
machine made red clay bricks,
white sand-lime bricks,
medium density fiber board doors
and cup-boards, pressed steel window

sections and UPVC sanitary pipes .

 Large paneled buildings put up in Sadiq Nagar,
New Delhi, house Government officials
and have been in existence for more
than two decades. These buildings
do not require elaborate up-keep
expenditure and a huge saving in
maintenance cost has been possible.

HPL was the first Construction Company to introduce the use of large panel
technique of construction in 336 Nos. fully prefabricated large panel, 4 storied
middle Income group houses for Delhi Development Authority at Hauz Khas,
New Delhi, way back in 1965.
PREFABRICATED HOUSING UNITS FOR DISASTER MANAGEMENT

Invented by Dante Bini,

the BiniShelter is a super-low-cost self-erecting prefab housing unit
used for disaster relief that can be easily moved from location to
location, and takes less than a half-hour to build.
The Binishelter requires only
three workers and can be
constructed out of bamboo, clay,
wood, Sheetrock, bark
whatever material is at hand.
The unit can also be
customized into large two-story
buildings that could be house
schools, or into to single-family
homes, or even combined into
massive housing projects, depending on the needs of the community.
 Customizable Components:
BiniShelters consist of 8 basic paneled components assembled around a
central special automatic lifting and locking equipment unit (CLU robot).
components and fixtures have been designed to accept any number of
diverse structural and/or building material (durock, sheetrock, concrete,
bricks, wood, bamboo, clay etc.) depending on locally available and
traditionally used ingredients.
The central special lifting equipment (CLU robot) is the only piece that is
needed to be provided ready made. It is easy to transport and move on site
and it can be used hundreds of times

Customizable design:
The BiniShelter floor plan is totally flexible.
The empty, but completely finished and waterproofed shelter has been
designed to be easily customized internally in accordance to the needs of
any person(s), family or school requirements in accordance to any local
custom, local regulations and/or special projects
 Easy development:
The BiniShelter automatic construction system has been thoroughly
developed to allow for its immediate use under the most adverse conditions
and it has been studied with the aim to use the minimum consumption of
energy and, essentially, employing no building contractors nor skilled labor

Low Cost:
It uses pre-fabricated,
inexpensive, mass produced
structural components made of
locally available material.
These components are easily
assembled around a pre-fabricated
footing.