Abstract

This paper presents a method for the optimal determination of dimensions for prefabricated housing components. The method is based on architectural possibilities on the one hand, and the economic analysis of its implication on the other. The method is demonstrated as a practical application to the determination of span length between transverse bearing walls in prefabricated row housing. Three types of span length are chosen for the investigation. They are : small (one room), medium (group of rooms) and large (apartment) sizes. The use of these sizes and their combinations are further analysed. It is concluded that from architectural considerations two possible solutions can be used: (1) The use of small, medium and large span length together in the same apartment, which enables maximum flexibility in design and in use. (2) The use of small and medium combination which provides high flexibility in design of building and apartment and also flexibility in the future; in use, alternation and expansion. It is also found that the cost of building increases with the increase of span length. If the relative total cost of building construction is 100% for the small span length, medium and large span lengths are 103% and 117%, respectively. The use of span length combination (in the same building or apartment) has definite architectural advantages. However, it creates technological problems, which result from the use of different floor slab technology, relating to the different spans. Also, the combination of the different spans requires the use of the same floor slab thickness for the different spans, which does not always comply with the structural needs. The economic effects of this are secondary (increase of only 2.5%, with respect to small span only) with the use of small and medium span combination; but quite significant with respect to the cost of the use of small, medium and large floor slab combinations.

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