Rapid site construction

The great thing about the off-site “flat-pack” method of prefabrication is that the erection on the site can be chieved in a matter of days. In fact, the system could be developed to complete construction in only a few hours. First of all, the site is surveyed, the location of the columns (the “stilts”) is precisely marked on the surface and the levels of the column-bases is precisely recorded so that the columns can be cut to exact heights. A service trench needs to be cut across the site to take the service cables and pipes and the sewage.

When construction is ready to proceed the columns and beams are delivered and erected, including temporary diagonal bracing to withstand lateral wind loads. The lower columns will incorporate impact protection. For economic reasons it would be best to do this for several flats at a time. Safety scaffolding is erected to first floor level.

The next day the panels for the first flat are delivered. A single flat-bed wagon can carry a complete flat. The telescopic hoist on the wagon lifts each panel straight from the vehicle onto the fixing location where it is immediately fixed to the existing structure. Temporary props may be needed in some cases. It should be possible to fix an average panel in about fifteen minutes and a complete flat will take about six/seven hours. Over-night weather protection will be needed for the ceiling panels. Lining materials, such as plasterboards, will be loaded as the work proceeds.

Scaffolding will then be raised to the next level before the roof panels will be fixed the following day, making the building weather-tight for the following trades and finishes. I attach a photo-montage showing one end of a typical two-storey development.

Next week I will discuss the potential of the system. If you wish to get in touch with me about any of the matters I raise in my blogs, you can contact me through my website or at mike@mikehillier.co.uk.

Mike.