Fabrication
|
In construction, a ‘fabrication’ is an item that is manufactured by a fabricator for installation on a building site as part of an ongoing construction project, for example, a window, door, steel member, staircase and so on that is typically made off-site to the specification required for the project.
A building’s windows are normally fabricated off-site to special dimensions that the fabricator has either taken off the drawings or specification, or else has visited the site and measured for the item to be supplied. The fabricator can then proceed to manufacture. It should be noted that a fabrication can be termed ‘prefabricated’ if it is made off site. Delivered to site ready to install means that these items can help reduce waste and time and cut emissions.
For more information see: Prefabrication.
In theory, it is possible for fabrications to be made on site (or in a flying factory) as opposed to off site, assuming the process is simple enough (e.g timber windows) and there is enough space on site to allow the fabrication process to take place. In most circumstances however, fabricating building elements can require complex machinery that requires the controlled conditions, accuracy and space offered by a manufacturing plant.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Concrete frame.
- Construction problems avoided by using a modular approach.
- Crosswall construction.
- Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA).
- Modular buildings.
- Offsite manufacturing.
- Off-site construction.
- Off site, on track.
- Prefabrication.
- Stainless steel.
- Steel frame.
- Structure relocation.
- The overlooked secret of off-site fabrication.
Featured articles and news
A briefing on fall protection systems for designers
A legal requirement and an ethical must.
CIOB Ireland launches manifesto for 2024 General Election
A vision for a sustainable, high-quality built environment that benefits all members of society.
Local leaders gain new powers to support local high streets
High Street Rental Auctions to be introduced from December.
Infrastructure sector posts second gain for October
With a boost for housebuilder and commercial developer contract awards.
Sustainable construction design teams survey
Shaping the Future of Sustainable Design: Your Voice Matters.
COP29; impacts of construction and updates
Amid criticism, open letters and calls for reform.
The properties of conservation rooflights
Things to consider when choosing the right product.
Adapting to meet changing needs.
London Build: A festival of construction
Co-located with the London Build Fire & Security Expo.
Tasked with locating groups of 10,000 homes with opportunity.
Delivering radical reform in the UK energy market
What are the benefits, barriers and underlying principles.
Information Management Initiative IMI
Building sector-transforming capabilities in emerging technologies.
Recent study of UK households reveals chilling home truths
Poor insulation, EPC knowledge and lack of understanding as to what retrofit might offer.
Embodied Carbon in the Built Environment
Overview, regulations, detail calculations and much more.
Why the construction sector must embrace workplace mental health support
Let’s talk; more importantly now, than ever.
Ensuring the trustworthiness of AI systems
A key growth area, including impacts for construction.