Prefabricated buildings (also known as prefabs) are the building structures manufactured offsite and are transported to the location for on-site assembly. Prefabricated construction materials can be classified into two types – concrete-based and metal prefabricated products. Some of the metal prefabricated components that have high market demand are: frames, partition panels, door and window frames, metallic roof systems, formworks at different levels of construction, precast beams and façades, tunnel linings, girders for bridges, platforms for metro works, sewage discharge units and underground facilities, etc. Prefabs are gaining popularity not only in the commercial buildings sector but also in the area of residential living spaces. Prefabricated buildings came into limelight during the world war periods as they were the fastest and affordable way to restore houses that were destroyed during the war. Prefabricated houses played a key role in eastern European countries, as well as the United Kingdom to reduce the housing shortages during the 20th century. However, prefabricated buildings are expected to become increasingly common in future due to the sustainability benefits they offer with their modern housing solutions.
Prefabricated construction is one of the more modern types of construction methods which principally involves deploying a majority of structural components, such as columns, beams, trusses, wall panels and floor panels pre-produced and standardised in factory for assembly readily at the work site. It has a wide range of applications, including residential housing, commercial buildings, industrial buildings, factory premises, public facilities, etc.. By using the prefabricated construction method, the completion schedule for a construction could be shortened as compared to traditional construction method and given this advantage, there is an increasing trend of using such construction method.