CHAPTER 2
Prefabricated Buildings
TODAY, ARMY installations all over the world are using
outward appearance similar to the building shown in
prefabricated buildings. These buildings are used mostly
figure 28. The vertical strips used to cover the joints
in localities where materials cannot be purchased locally.
between the exterior wall panels distinguish this building
To save time and material, as well as to simplify erection,
as a panel type prefab. Look at figure 29 and then
prefabricated buildings are standardized and available for
compare it with figure 28. Figure 29 shows a partially
use in Temperate, Tropic and Arctic regions.
assembled panel type prefab building, while figure 28
2. As a carpentry specialist, you will be erecting
shows a completed building. Note the distinct lines made
prefabricated buildings. Like other structures, they must
by the joints between the panels. Also, note in figure 29
start with a good foundation.
As we follow the
that the framework is a part of the panel and that no
procedures for the erection of one of these buildings, you
separate framing is required.
4-3. Floors. The floor of a panel prefab building
will see that its construction is similar to that of any
frame building.
consists of flooring, joists, and girders. The boards are
3. Besides constructing buildings, prefabricated or
fastened to two or three joists to form a panel 4 feet
otherwise, much of your time will be spent in keeping the
wide and 8 feet long. The panels are placed on girders
buildings good repair. This is your work in maintenance
that are supported by posts or column. The panels are
and repair. Maintenance and repair work will challenge
fastened in place with screws, and the joints between the
all of your building skill. You will inspect work done by
panels are covered with a T-shaped metal strip. When
others, some of it done a long time ago. Whether it was
plywood is used for the floor, the edges are protected by
poorly done or is just wearing out so that it could require
an H-shaped metal strip that is inserted between two
expensive repairs, you will be able to correct the trouble.
panels. This strip also prevents dust and small objects
4. This chapter discusses erecting, maintaining, and
from collecting in the joint. The panels are easily
repairing prefabricated buildings. It also discusses the
removed without damaging the edge or the metal strip.
requirements for constructing these buildings in
If you remove the end or side panels first.
Temperate, Tropic and Arctic regions.
4-4. Repairs can be made to individual floor panels in
the same manner repairs are made to floors in other
buildings. Also, the panels are interchangeable. Repaired
4. Prefabricated Wooden Buildings
or weak panels may be moved from the main path of
traffic and exchanged with stronger panels located in
4-1. A prefabricated (prefab) wooden building is
other parts of the building.
assembled of precut members. The joists, plates, studs,
4-5. There is a variety of floor panels for this type of
rafters, etc., are ready for assembly when they are
building, but only one type should be used on your post.
delivered to the building site. In some cases the precut
Some panels have a subfloor, insulation, or both. The type
pieces may be partially assembled into standard size
you use will depend on the particular use to which panels
panels. These pane may be designed for use with a
will be put and the climate in which they will be used. For
frame or they may be shaped in such a manner that the
example, flooring which must have heavy equipment must
can be bolted together to form floors, walls, and roofs.
obviously be much stronger than that which will bear light
Let's look at the construction of each type and the
equipment. Again, panels intended for use in hot, humid
method of making repairs.
climates, such as are common in the Trop-
4-2. Paneled Prefabricated Buildings. A wood
prefab that is assembled of panels will have an
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