Pre-fabricated wall panels have recently emerged as a popular solution in mid-rise structures (3-6 stories) where
the cold formed wall framing is the primary load supporting element for the structure. The move to pre-fabricated
panels on this type of project has been driven by two major factors:
Compression Table Assembly:
Compressing the panel while it is being assembled ensures the studs are set completely into the track when the stud
to track connections are made. This allows the finished panel to bear gravity loads without straining the stud to
track connection. If the panel is not compressed in this way, gravity loads will be at least partially borne by
the stud to track connection and making such a connection becomes impractical when you're dealing with the loads
of a mid-rise structure.
Expedited Schedules:
When the walls are assembled ahead of time, the amount of labor that needs to happen on site is greatly reduced.
This means lower travel and lodging costs for contractors (especially in remote locations) and faster erection times.