Eco-friendly, low cost prefabrication of buildings
The key objective was to produce innovative modular interlocking composite construction panels that would be easily assembled for low cost housing. The project exploited waste raw materials that were consolidated within an innovative polymeric matrix. The reduced use of expensive polymers in combination with the application of secondary quarry products offers considerable cost reduction in building construction. On the basis of extensive and detailed studies on different materials, complete drawings of separate panels and panel assemblies for a potential prefabricated structure were developed. These included technical specifications for their design and significant features to be applied in different types of lightweight panels. The designed panels for the construction of the potential unit dwelling also involved architectural studies that included door panel, corner, tee and crosses, wall and roof assembly. Detailed descriptions of different participating materials included size and humidity specifications. Estimations for the average weights of the overall participating secondary materials and specific polymer per unit along with envisaged costs were provided. The properties of the structure were measured and tested against existing regulations and applications. These included structural norms, weather and fire resistance.
