Foundation Subsidence of Prefabricated Panel Houses

For foundation subsidence of prefabricated panel houses, targeted measures should be taken based on the degree of subsidence, and attention should be paid to crack repair and cause investigation.

I. Assessment of Foundation Subsidence
Foundation subsidence may be caused by factors such as insufficient soil bearing capacity, complex geological conditions, changes in groundwater levels, construction quality issues, or the age of the house. Before treatment, a comprehensive assessment should be conducted by professional engineers or geological experts, including checking the structural stability of the house, surrounding geological conditions, changes in groundwater levels, and the usage of the building, to determine the cause and degree of subsidence.

II. Treatment Methods for Different Degrees of Subsidence

1. Mild subsidence: No large-scale excavation is required, and it can be treated using the 'micro-hole grouting' technique. Micro-holes are drilled in the subsidence area, and a specially formulated fluid grout is injected. The grout fills the voids and cracks in the foundation, displaces air and water, and simultaneously generates an upward force to lift the ground or building, enhancing the bearing capacity and stability of the foundation.
2. Moderate subsidence: If the original foundation cannot bear the weight of the house, new concrete or steel structural foundations should be added beneath the original foundation to transfer the load to the new foundation. If the subsidence is severe and the structure is severely damaged, economic costs and safety factors should be considered comprehensively, and demolition and reconstruction may be necessary.

III. Repair and Vigilance for Wall Cracks
Foundation subsidence may cause wall cracks. The nature of the cracks should be judged first. Cracks that truly require vigilance include diagonal cracks, through cracks, cracks with continuously widening widths, and those accompanied by deformation of doors and windows. Before repair, the cause of the subsidence should be identified, and then reinforcement solutions should be adopted, such as pasting carbon fiber sheets, adding structural columns, or using pressure grouting techniques to fill the cracks.

IV. Prevention and Long-term Maintenance
Regularly inspect the drainage system around the house to avoid soil softening caused by water accumulation; control changes in groundwater levels to prevent soil collapsible subsidence; reinforce the structure of old houses to enhance overall resistance to subsidence. If slight subsidence signs are detected, professional agencies should be contacted promptly for assessment to prevent the problem from worsening.