Comparison of low rise residential industrialized building systems in Turkey

Industrialized building systems came into the agenda in response to requirements of earthquake resistance and rapid construction in Turkey after 1999 Izmit earthquake. CFS (cold-formed steel) framing system is able to meet the existing requirements in the field of low rise residential. But, objective comparison is required for the selection of structural systems used in low rise residentials. CFS system is compared with timber frame and reinforced concrete building systems in terms of design and applicability criterion in circumstances of Turkey, and the results of this comparison are presented in this study. In order to compare building systems objectively, a sample project, has been designed and studied on it. Three structural systems have been separately applied over this project designed in consideration of existing housing stock and preferences of the construction industry of Turkey. Evaluation method with different values is selected in comparison and properties of three different structural systems are graded according to evaluation method. As a result of comparison, the CFS system is the most advantageous low rise residential prefabricated construction system in terms of design and applicability