Prefabrication of substructures for single-detached dwellings on reactive soils: a review of existing systems and design challenges

The possible thriving Australian construction industry for residential structures has been hindered by skilled labour shortage and eventually triggered housing shortage and affordability crisis. Prefabrication is a promising method to alleviate issues related to housing shortage and affordability by reducing material wastage, construction delays, weather impacts, unexpected costs, skilled labour dependence and construction risks. The full potential of prefabricated construction is yet to be realised in part due to most of developments being focused on its superstructure. Prefabricated substructures should conform with the Ultimate Limit State (i.e. strength capacity) and the Serviceability Limit State (i.e. allowable deformation and damage) stated in the Australian Standards. Due to the initiatives to alleviate issues of housing crisis, skilled labour shortage and unpredictable house damage, it is necessary to review the existing available substructures suitable for single-detached dwellings on reactive soils and to evaluate the necessary considerations and challenges in developing prefabricated substructures. This review will help understand the present state of the design and construction industry and the efforts of inventors and designers to reduce damages due to the shrinking and swelling ground movements. This review also guides product developers to design systems having robust performance without compromising practicality.