Can Walls Be Removed in Prefabricated Assembly Houses

Whether walls in prefabricated assembly houses can be removed depends on the nature of the wall and the structural type. Non-load-bearing walls can be removed under certain conditions, while load-bearing walls and walls of specific structures are strictly prohibited from removal.

I. Conditions and Procedures for Removing Non-Load-Bearing Walls

If the wall is a non-load-bearing wall and does not involve piping systems, fire protection functions, structural support roles, or exterior enclosure systems, it can theoretically be removed, but strict procedures must be followed:

1. Obtain Original Drawings: Obtain the original structural construction drawings and as-built drawings of the house to clarify the nature of the wall (e.g., whether it is an infill wall or partition wall) and the distribution of internal embedded piping.
2. Professional Inspection and Appraisal: Commission a qualified house inspection and appraisal unit to conduct on-site inspections, using radar scanning, infrared detection, and other equipment to confirm the location of piping, and issue a written appraisal report clarifying the impact of wall removal on structural safety.
3. Design Removal Plan: If the appraisal result indicates that removal is feasible, a qualified design unit must propose a removal plan, including temporary support measures, construction sequence, and safety protection requirements, to ensure that the removal process does not affect the overall structural stability.

II. Types of Walls Strictly Prohibited from Removal

1. Load-Bearing Walls: As the core load-bearing components of a building, load-bearing walls directly bear vertical loads and transfer them to the foundation. Removal can lead to an imbalance in the structural system, causing wall cracking, floor sagging, or even building collapse. Additionally, it violates Article 15 of the Regulations on the Administration of Construction Project Quality, and legal liability must be assumed.
2. Prefabricated Panel Walls in Brick-Concrete Structures: These walls typically form an integral load-bearing system with the floor slabs. Removal can disrupt structural continuity, leading to local or overall collapse risks.

III. Handling Requirements for Special Structural Walls

For walls composed of prefabricated concrete lightweight insulation panels, square steel frames, etc., although they can be removed, the following conditions must be met:

1. Static Load Test: Conduct a static load test to determine the remaining load-bearing capacity of the wall, ensuring that removal does not affect the safety of adjacent components.
2. Reinforcement Measures: Before removal, reinforce the surrounding walls, such as by adding temporary supports or applying carbon fiber sheets; after removal, cover with protective netting to prevent debris from falling and injuring people.
3. Compliant Construction: The construction process must be carried out by a professional team to avoid hidden structural damage caused by violent removal.

Summary: The removal of walls in prefabricated assembly houses must be based on structural safety. The removal of non-load-bearing walls requires strict adherence to inspection, design, and construction procedures, while load-bearing walls and walls of specific structures are strictly prohibited from removal. It is recommended that homeowners consult a structural engineer before removing walls to avoid safety accidents or legal disputes caused by non-compliant operations.