Removal of Walls in Prefabricated Panel Houses

The removal of walls in prefabricated panel houses should be determined based on the specific condition of the house and the results of safety assessments, and should not be done arbitrarily.

I. Overall Assessment of the House Condition
Whether walls in a prefabricated panel house can be removed requires a comprehensive assessment of factors such as foundation settlement, the condition of load-bearing walls, beam-slab connections, concrete aging, water seepage and corrosion, and seismic capacity. If there is uneven foundation settlement, or if load-bearing walls have cracks or deformations, loose beam-slab connections, or excessive concrete carbonation depth, these may all affect structural safety, and caution should be exercised when removing walls in such cases. Additionally, if the house has undergone unauthorized modifications to its load-bearing structure, resulting in a decrease in overall stability, removing walls may further exacerbate risks.

II. Safety Grades and Renovation Paths
Based on safety assessment results, houses are classified into different grades:

• Grade D Dangerous Houses: The overall structure is dangerous, and minor repairs and maintenance are insufficient to address fundamental issues. Typically, these houses require demolition and reconstruction, expropriation and renovation, or original-site reconstruction. The removal of walls in such houses must strictly adhere to the reconstruction plan and avoid unauthorized modifications.
• Grade C Houses: Local hazards can be eliminated through engineering measures, such as reinforcement and repair. If the building is severely aged, has concentrated functional defects, and residents have a unified willingness, it may enter the reconstruction path. The removal of walls in such houses must be combined with reinforcement plans to ensure the safety of the remaining structure.

III. Risks of Removing Non-Load-Bearing Walls
Even non-load-bearing walls, when removed, may affect the seismic resistance and wall stability of the house. For example, structural columns and ring beams form the "safety skeleton" of the entire building. If the removal of walls causes damage to structural columns or ring beams, it may lead to wall cracking and a decrease in seismic performance throughout the building. In one case in Shanghai, a resident removed seven non-load-bearing walls, resulting in wall cracking in multiple households throughout the building due to damage to the seismic core structure. Therefore, before removing non-load-bearing walls, it is necessary to assess their impact on structural columns and ring beams and perform structural reinforcement if necessary.

IV. Operational Recommendations

1. Professional Assessment: Before removal, commission a professional institution to conduct a structural safety assessment to determine the house grade and the scope of walls that can be removed.
2. Plan Approval: If modifications to load-bearing structures are involved, submit the plan to relevant departments for approval.
3. Construction Supervision: During construction, have professionals supervise to avoid damaging key structures and ensure the stability of the remaining structure after removal.