3.

PRECAST CONCRETE
VOLUMETRIC SYSTEM PBU

Precast concrete volumetric prefabricated bathroom unit (PBU) is one of the most commonly used PBU systems in
Singapore. Its main advantage is its robustness and readiness to accommodate repair and maintenance, which far
outweighs the disadvantages posed by its heavier weight and the top down installation method (critical path).

This chapter outlines the considerations in design, production, installation and maintenance of precast concrete
volumetric PBU including architectural and M&E work sequence, transportation, lifting and protection, installation and
replacement.

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3.1 Design Considerations
Design parameters are critical for any construction work. In the case of PBU, design parameters such as
structural, architectural, M&E works, installation, and subsequent maintenance challenges must be determined
early to ensure that the PBU system is integrated and can be incorporated in the overall building design. A good
PBU design should provide practical solutions to address potential issues arising in different stages of PBU’s
life cycle including future renovation. It is also important the design meets the requirements in the Code on
Accessibility in the Built Environment.

3.1.1 Architectural Design Considerations

a. Dimension b. Location of Service Ducts and Access
for Maintenance
Gap between PBU and
structural slab above
can be covered by
drywall board.

It is a good practice
to locate services
near to the edge of
PBU for ease of future
maintenance.

Example of vertical soil stack accessible from within dwelling unit

An efficient volumetric system requires careful The routing and connection of services should be
consideration and confirmation of the overall predetermined and coordinated with the PBU manufacturer
dimensions. The overall dimensions and design should during the design stage.
take into consideration space/floor area taken up by
the double wall/floor systems, structural drop slab and
storage heater (if any) to ensure effective use of space.
The types of bathrooms should be standardized to
achieve economy of scale production while providing
sufficient design variation.
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 c. Layout

The locations of door and window openings and layout

of fixtures and M&E services should be functional and
practical. The formwork mould for volumetric PBU production
is dependent on the locations of these openings. It is
recommended that the general layout of the prefabricated
bathroom unit be provided in the homeowner user manual.

Door Window

Sanitary Wares
Architectural Fixtures M&E Services

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The location of the service shaft is critical to the maintenance of the precast concrete PBU.

The service shaft is not

Î
accessible once PBU is
installed into position.

Drywall Partition

The orientation of this vertical service shaft
makes repair and maintenance works
more accessible.

It is important to make the vertical service shaft accessible for future repair and maintenance works of the PBU.

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 3.1.2 Structural Design Considerations
As precast concrete PUB typically weighs up to 9 tons, it is necessary to ensure that the structural strength
of different types of receiving platforms are adequately designed. Use of different types of concrete, such as
lightweight concrete or high strength concrete can reduce the overall weight of PBU. The design of the hoisting
and lifting devices placed within the precast elements is also crucial to facilitate the installation process. The
choice of structural system may have an impact on the buildability score of the project.

a. Double Slab System

Structural design of the secondary slab has to incorporate a gradient to an outlet at the lowest point for drainage.

b. Single Slab System

Perimeter beams for seating PBU Corbels for seating PBU

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c. Lifting and Hoisting Devices

Different types of lifting and hoisting devices

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 3.1.3 M & E Design Considerations
The design considerations for M&E services will determine the placement and routing methods of these services.

Embedded services within PBU Recesses/block-outs provided for services

Shallow floor trap Conventional S or P trap

Cast-in air-con drain pipe Air-con drain pipe connecting direct to stack

Different ways of routing the air-con drain pipe

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3.2 Bathroom Production
3.2.1 Precast Unit Production
A good design and specification of the formwork mould is crucial for producing high quality precast concrete
PBU. The steel plate thickness for the precast concrete mould must be sufficiently designed to withstand the
concreting pressure. The use of checker plate formwork (for concrete surface receiving finishes) improves
bonding between the finished concrete and the adhesive. Proper propping supports should also be provided
during the concreting process.

Use of checker plate formwork Props to formwork

Damage after stripping formwork

Î Î
Demoulding defects

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 To improve productivity in the manufacturing process, it is advisable to cast the base slab to the required water
gradient (as indicated below) to cut down the screeding process.

If the slab is cast without gradient, it is important to control the thickness of the screed to achieve the required
gradient for water flow.

Please refer to Appendix A - Sample of Inspection and Test Plan

Please refer to Appendix B - Request for Inspection Form

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 Install reinforcement bars Install M&E embedded services

Concreting Secure block-outs

Use of vibrating system to achieve Demoulding & curing

concrete uniformity

Please refer to Appendix A - Sample of Inspection and Test Plan

Please refer to Appendix B - Request for Inspection Form

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 3.2.2 Architectural and M&E Works Sequence
After the completion of precast concrete shell fabrication, the next construction process will be the architectural
and M&E works. The application of waterproofing as well as water-ponding test is always an important process
towards achieving primary functionality of the PBU. Other key architectural works include fixing of door and
window frames, followed by tiling works and installation of sanitary wares and components. Adequate allowance
for movement joints should be made for PBU and window and door joints openings.

It is recommended the relevant good industry practices for various trades as in the CONQUAS Enhancement
Series http://www.bca.gov.sg/Publications/EnhancementSeries/enhancement_series.html be followed.

Waterproofing system must be tested before receiving architectural works

Install window frame

Door and window frame installation

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 Tiling works installation

Basin and cabinet Water closet

Shower screen Mirrors

All fragile fixtures can be installed at the last stage of fabrication to minimise possible damage. The architectural
internal finishing works should be properly protected before delivery of the precast concrete PBU to site.

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 3.2.3 Manufacturer’s Label

The manufacturer’s label should be incorporated in the completed PBU before delivery. This label must be visible
to users and should be used as a reference for any repair, replacement and renovation work. It is recommended
that the location of the manufacturer’s label be provided in the homeowner user manual.

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3.3 Protection, Transportation and Lifting
A well-planned transportation, lifting, protection and storage system for the PBU is important to ensure minimal
damage to the finished product before and after the PBU is installed at the site.

Sheltered storage facilities eliminate the adverse effects of weather Delivery of PBU

Protection (to remain) during hoisting Installation upon delivery

Proper coordination and planning of delivery of PBU can help to resolve the logistical hassle of insufficient
storage space, double handling and control of access to the PBU.

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 3.4 Installation
The readiness of the construction site to receive the PBU is critical to the successful installation of the PBU. It
is also important to understand the different structural systems that are designed to receive the PBU at site, viz:

• Double Slab System

• Precast Beam System

• Corbel System

Hoisting of PBU Positioning PBU (double slab system)

Double slab system Grouting (double slab system)

The key feature of the double slab system is the fixed dimension of the secondary slab to receive the PBU. It is
recommended that the gap between the two slabs be grouted to eliminate any possible water stagnation issues.

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 Corbel system Precast beam system for PBU

For precast beam system, the PBU is directly supported on the perimeter beams and hence the positions and
dimensions of these beams must be constructed precisely.

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 3.5 M&E Connections and Final Fixings
The installation of M&E services and fittings is probably the most critical work process in the entire PBU fabrication
as it affects the functionality and serviceability of the PBU. Design for the M&E pipes and duct works shall take
into consideration their connectivity to power supply, water supply and sanitary drainage.

3.5.1 Provision for M&E Services

Generally, there are two methods of laying the M&E services in precast concrete PBU. The M&E pipes and
conduits can either be cast together with the precast concrete shell or laid via block-outs or recess, which are
provided for on the external or internal surfaces of the precast concrete volumetric shell.

For embedded M&E conduits, their positions must be precise and care should be taken to ensure they are
properly bent and securely fastened for long-term durability.

Cast-in M&E services on walls Embedded M&E services on slab

The selection and installation of the embedded electrical conduits should comply with the relevant Code of
Practice (CP5 & CP88).

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Block-outs and recesses should be sufficiently provided for in accordance to the layout of M&E services for ease
of connection to the M&E fittings.

Recess
Block-outs

Recess for drainage system Block-outs for M&E services

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 3.5.2 Use of Shallow Floor Trap
It is common to utilize a shallow floor trap for PBU with double slab system or when there is constraint in floor
height. Unlike the conventional floor trap system where pipes are exposed at the slab soffit, the shallow floor
trap and its connecting sanitary pipes are fully concealed in the slab and connected to the main discharge stack
directly.

Section drawing of shallow floor trap design

Examples of approved shallow floor traps

In Singapore, the use of shallow floor trap is approved by Public Utilities Board (PUB) if the shallow floor trap is
in compliance with EN 1253, which comprises the following 8 tests:

• Anti-blockage test • Resistance of water seal to pressure

• Water tightness test • Depth of water seal
• Flow rate test • Access for cleaning
• Odour tightness test • Side inlet

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3.5.3 Use of Conventional Floor Trap

There is no special maintenance consideration for the use of conventional floor trap in the precast concrete PBU,
except for the space required to accommodate the services with the provision of sufficient floor height.

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 3.5.4 Connection to M&E Fixtures
a. Wash Basin
The water and discharge works for the wash basin in the precast concrete PBU should follow the approved
method statements and comply with the relevant Code of Practice for plumbing and sanitary works. Accuracy of
the penetration joints from the precast concrete PBU to the connecting accessories (i.e. hoses, taps) of the wash
basin is important for its functionality and overall alignment of the wash basin.

Connection and installation of wash basin

Positions and routes of the embedded M&E services should be clearly identified to prevent accidental damage
caused by the drilling of anchors and supports for the wash basin.

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b. WC Pedestal
Depending on the type of water closet (WC) pedestal used, the plumbing and sanitary connections of the WC
may run horizontally through the wall or vertically to the floor slab of the precast concrete PBU. Accuracy of the
penetration joints and sleeves from the precast concrete PBU to the accessories of the WC pedestal is important
for its functionality and overall alignment. For better aesthetics, the jointing at any pipe penetration should be
concealed or covered up neatly.

Horizontal connection to WC pedestal

Vertical connection to WC pedestal

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 c. Shower Mixer Tap
When there is provision for a shower mixer tap, separate water pipes for hot and cold water should be catered
for in the design and fabrication of the precast concrete PBU shell. The routing of the different water pipes could
be demarcated by coloured tapes on the finished wall surfaces for clear identification of these pipes.

Connection of shower mixer tap on wall

Demarcation of hot and cold water supply by coloured tapes

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3.5.5 Routing of Air-conditioning Drain Pipes
Air-conditioning drain pipes are normally laid through the wall and floor slab at a gradient to discharge condensate
water to the PBU floor trap. The air-conditioning drain pipes could be designed to run embedded in the precast
concrete PBU floor slab connecting to the floor trap. An alternative is to run the insulated drain pipes through the
false ceiling (if available) and connect directly to the discharge stack.

Cast in air-con drain pipe

Running insulated air-con drain

pipes at ceiling and connect to a separate stack pipe

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 3.6 Maintenance, Replacement and Renovation
There are differences in the maintenance, replacement and renovation of precast concrete volumetric PBU as
compared to conventional toilet. Therefore, it is important for developers and builders to provide a homeowner
user manual upon completion of project for instructions and advice on how to maintain, replace and renovate
the PBU.

Use of breaker to hack tiles during renovation

Hammer and chisel method used for replacement and maintenance work

As the wall and floor of precast concrete PBU may not be as thick as conventional toilet, the selection of
appropriate tools and use of recommended methods of work execution can prevent damage to the precast
concrete PBU. The types of tools and execution methods must be covered in the homeowner user manual.

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3.6.1 M&E Concealed Services

M&E embedded services (cast-in) M&E concealed services routing through precast block-out

For M&E services that are cast-in with concrete, both the tiles and concrete need to be hacked during repair
works. For M&E services that are laid through block-outs, removal of tiles or surface finishes should suffice.

Hence, it is essential to provide the M&E concealed services locations through drawings and demarcation of
route in the homeowner user manual. This can help homeowners and renovation contractors minimize damage
during repair and replacement of M&E concealed services.

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 3.6.2 Waterproofing Drawings

Waterproofing detailing

The provision of waterproofing detail drawings can help homeowners and renovation contractors identify and
prevent damage to the waterproofing during renovation, replacement and repair works.

3.6.3 Access Panel on Drywall

Drywall
Access
Panel

Access Panel Location

The location of access to the vertical stack must be made known to the user through the homeowner user manual
to facilitate maintenance, repair, and replacement of M&E stack shaft. With the information, the homeowner can
also plan their internal unit renovation without obstructing the access panel.

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3.6.4 Ceiling Access Panel

Ceiling Access Panel Location

The ceiling access panel is a common provision for toilets with false ceiling. The function of the access panel
within the precast concrete PBU is to access and maintain all M&E works above the false ceiling, similar to that
for conventional toilet.

3.6.5 Replacement of Other Items

Replacement of sanitary ware Replacement of shower screen

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 Replacement of bathroom cabinet Replacement of M&E piping

Replacement of shower mixer tap Replacement of shower bar

The replacement of sanitary items and components within the PBU is similar to that for conventional toilet.

It is recommended that the method of removal and access to the M&E stack shaft be covered in the homeowner
user manual. PBU designers should also explore other possible options to access the stack shaft.

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Stack pipe shaft is accessible for maintenance on side of drywall partition

Drywall
partion

Example of service duct access to stack pipe shaft

Example of an accessible stack pipe shaft

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