Structural systems and constructions practices in social housing

Social housing usually implies a set of construction practices or technologies which are not exactly the same as traditional housing and, more importantly, which are constantly evolving in a generally different way from one country to the other. Focusing on the Italian scenario, the aim of this paper is to overview a few structural systems in the social housing context so as to point out some good construction practices applicable, at least, in the Italian context. Firstly, some widespread structural schemes are examined, with particular emphasis put on the adoption of specific materials or structural arrangements being considered convenient for safety requirements as well as for feasibility and economic reasons in social housing applications. Some general construction guidelines emerge that can be summarized in the use of (partially or fully) prefabricated systems and in the potential standardization of the housing units so as to replicate them throughout the building area. Secondly, some practical cases of social housing buildings in southern Italy are examined and critically discussed. Interestingly, most of the analyzed practical cases do not reflect the above general guidelines except for some energy-saving-related measures.