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
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Government approach could undermine delivery and regeneration.
World's first mass timber data centre.
The overlooked environmental aspect of data centre development.
Introduction to radon awareness
New technical information sheet published by CIOB.
Updated supplier guide can help electrical contractors engage with NHP.
CIAT confirm the winners of the 2026 architectural technology awards.
Government launches a one stop shop for flood preparedness.
Sir Edwin Lutyens: Britain's greatest architect? Book review.
CIOB publishes free template to help assess and manage risks.
ECA's reflections on Party Conference season
Burnham wants to be confident of winning before asking for a fresh mandate.
New Chief Construction and Scientific Adviser
Sergio Cavalaro, Professor of Infrastructure Systems at Loughborough University.
Building safety levy for England
CIAT publish estimator tool for members.
Water sector faces a growing crisis that could slow the delivery of vital infrastructure.