Development of sustainable prefabricated housing system by small-scale experimental model

Utilisation of unused industrial wastes and need for rapid volumetric construction led to the evolution of sustainable prefabricated housing elements, particularly for urban slums. An agro-industrial by-product as raw material and waste expanded polystyrene beads as the insulation material are chosen to develop a lightweight prefabricated construction element. This bio-ash is used as a partial replacement, 20% and 10% for the fine aggregates to prepare concrete and lightweight mix respectively. A small-scale model of one-third scale is conceptualised as per standards that include precast columns and beams as framed structure, and prefab panels as walling and roofing elements. These elements are developed as per the desired mix proportions of the identified raw materials. The respective laboratory specimens are evaluated for the physico-mechanical, durability, and thermal properties. The developed walling end-product is found to be 27% lighter, 8% stronger, 24% less water-absorbent, and 62% less conductive when compared with the properties of commercially available fly-ash brick. A solar photovoltaic panel is embedded into the model’s pitch roof that accommodates 71% of its generated energy to necessary electrical appliances. The material properties are found to be satisfactory for its on-site application and its final erection being 20% faster than conventional method.