Assessing Prefabricated Foundation Systems for Circular Industrialized Construction Through Manufacturing, Assembly, and Disassembly Principles
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Date
2026
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Abstract
The growing demand for efficient, circular, and rapid construction solutions, driven by sustainability targets and global housing shortages, underscores the need to strengthen Circular Industrialized Construction (CIC). Although foundation systems significantly influence material use, embodied impacts, and construction speed, they have received limited attention within circular design frameworks. This review addresses the question: What is the current state of knowledge on prefabricated foundation systems for housing, and how do representative examples align with the principles of Design for Manufacture, Assembly, and Disassembly (DfMAD) to support CIC? A systematic literature review complemented by a narrative synthesis was conducted, and a DfMAD Compatibility Index (CI) was developed to assess the alignment of precast foundation typologies with DfMAD criteria. Thirty-four publications were identified through PRISMA-guided search procedures supplemented by snowballing. Content analysis supported the classification of relevant information and the selection of nine representative foundation typologies for CI-based assessment. Findings indicate that screw piles, EPS-based foundations, and pad footings demonstrate the strongest alignment with DfMAD principles, particularly in adaptability, installation efficiency, and material optimization. However, seven systemic barriers persist, including scarce empirical validation, limited regulatory support, and the absence of standardized design guidelines. These factors contribute to the continued reliance on cast-in-place foundations despite engineering advances. Overall, the review highlights the potential of prefabricated foundation systems to enable material circularity, value retention, and design adaptability within CIC. Future research should prioritize validated design standards, pilot-scale empirical studies, digital tools that support DfMAD-based decision making and collaboration, and broader evaluation frameworks that incorporate underexplored social and economic dimensions.
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Keywords
Prefabricated foundations, Circular industrialized construction (CIC), Design for Manufacturing, Assembly, and Disassembly (DfMAD), Industrialized building systems