How can seismic supports be efficiently integrated with prefabricated components?
Publish Time: 2025-10-08
With the rapid development of prefabricated buildings, building structures are undergoing a profound transformation from traditional "cast-in-place" construction to a "factory-based, on-site assembly" model. This transformation places higher demands on mechanical and electrical engineering—not only must functional integrity be guaranteed, but also the uninterrupted operation of these "lifeline projects" during sudden disasters like earthquakes. As key components protecting mechanical and electrical facilities such as plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and fire protection, seismic supports, when efficiently integrated with precast concrete components and steel structural modules, have become a key component in improving the overall seismic performance and construction efficiency of prefabricated buildings.1. Finished-product design aligns with the principles of prefabricationSeismic supports inherently require the use of standardized, modular, finished components, which aligns closely with the principle of "factory-based, on-site assembly" for prefabricated components. At the factory stage, connection sleeves, anchor plates, or runners can be precisely embedded in prefabricated beams, slabs, and walls based on the BIM model, preserving installation interfaces compatible with seismic supports. During on-site construction, workers simply fasten the prefabricated seismic supports to pre-embedded locations using bolts, T-nuts, or specialized clips. No welding, drilling, or temporary reinforcement is required, achieving true "install-and-use" status. This standardized "prefabricated + prefabricated" approach significantly reduces on-site cross-operation and shortens construction time by over 30%.2. Precise Pre-embedding Ensures Reliable Load TransferThe core function of seismic supports is to effectively transfer horizontal loads from earthquakes to the building's main structure. Randomly drilling and anchoring holes on-site can damage the steel or prestressed tendons within the prefabricated components, weakening the structural integrity. However, through BIM-based collaborative design, the load-bearing points of each support are precisely located during the prefabrication detailing phase, and high-strength anchors are pre-embedded in the factory to ensure a continuous and reliable load path. For example, C-shaped steel runners are embedded in the prefabricated composite slabs, allowing the seismic braces to slide and secure at any desired location. Threaded sleeves are embedded in the prefabricated columns, facilitating flexible connection of vertical and horizontal supports later. This "design first, prefabrication second, assembly final" process fundamentally ensures the mechanical effectiveness of the seismic support system.3. Modular interfaces enhance installation convenienceThe seismic support system generally utilizes universal connectors, such as quick-lock nuts, tool-free clips, and three-dimensional adjustable points. Combined with standardized interfaces on prefabricated components, these fasteners can be installed quickly even by non-professional workers. The ease of installation of these fasteners is particularly important in high-altitude, narrow, or complex areas with dense pipelines, significantly reducing construction difficulty and safety risks. Furthermore, the modular design supports future expansion or modification of the mechanical and electrical systems, with removable and adjustable brackets to avoid secondary damage to the prefabricated structure.4. Ensuring building safety and resilience throughout the entire lifecycleThe efficient integration of seismic support and prefabricated components not only improves construction efficiency but also enhances the building's resilience during earthquakes. During an earthquake, the mechanical and electrical equipment is effectively restrained, preventing significant swinging, falling, or rupture, thereby preventing secondary disasters such as fire, flooding, and power outages. In critical locations such as airports, train stations, hospitals, and data centers, this integrated seismic support system can maximize post-earthquake operational continuity, safeguarding personnel safety and social order.5. Promoting Green Construction and Intelligent Operation and MaintenanceFactory prefabrication reduces on-site noise, dust, and construction waste, aligning with green construction principles. Standardized interfaces also pave the way for future intelligent monitoring—for example, installing displacement sensors at key support nodes to monitor structural health in real time, enabling an upgrade from "passive seismic support" to "active early warning."The efficient integration of seismic support and prefabricated components is the inevitable path for prefabricated buildings to achieve high quality, high safety, and high efficiency. Through pre-design, pre-embedded components in the factory, finished assembly, and intelligent collaboration, it not only overcomes installation challenges inherent in traditional construction but also establishes a robust electromechanical safety barrier throughout the building's lifecycle, providing solid support for the seismic resilience of modern urban infrastructure.
