Wall Demolition in Prefabricated Slab Houses

Wall demolition in prefabricated slab houses must be approached with caution. It is essential to first determine the nature of the walls, avoid unnecessary demolition, and adhere to safety guidelines during renovation.

1. Identify Wall Types: Distinguish Between 'Removable' and 'Non-Removable'

Prefabricated slab houses have three types of walls, which must be strictly differentiated before renovation:

1. Load-Bearing Walls: These walls support the weight of the upper structure and serve as the 'skeleton' of the house. Demolishing them would result in the loss of support for the upper structure, altering the load-bearing system of the entire building and potentially leading to collapse risks. They are absolutely prohibited from removal.
2. Balcony Counterweight Walls: Commonly found between balconies and rooms, these walls prevent overturning by pressing down on both ends of the balcony slab. Removing them would significantly reduce the balcony's load-bearing capacity, posing a risk of collapse. They are also not removable.
3. Non-Load-Bearing Walls: These are mostly lightweight interior partition walls that do not bear structural functions. However, in prefabricated slab houses, the walls are strongly connected to the overall structure. Even if they are non-load-bearing, reinforcement measures (such as adding steel beams or concrete columns) are necessary after removal to maintain structural stability. They should not be removed arbitrarily.

2. Two Methods to Confirm Wall Nature

1. Locate Original Structural Drawings: These drawings clearly indicate the positions and functions of load-bearing and counterweight walls, serving as the most reliable basis before renovation.
2. Commission a Professional Agency for Assessment: If the drawings are lost, contact a structural engineer or a house safety assessment unit. They will determine the wall nature through professional testing (such as wall thickness, steel bar distribution, and load calculations) and issue a written report.

3. Three 'Red Lines' That Must be Adhered to During Renovation of Prefabricated Slab Houses

1. Prohibit Unauthorized Construction on the Roof: Additional construction on the roof increases the house's load, potentially overloading the prefabricated slabs or load-bearing structures and leading to cracks or even partial collapse.
2. Prohibit Changing the House's Purpose: Converting a regular residence into a crowded venue (such as a training class or restaurant) increases the load due to concentrated personnel and additional equipment, doubling the safety risks.
3. Prohibit Excessive Loading on the Floor Slabs: Long-term stacking of heavy objects (such as large furniture or building materials) on the floor slabs or adding thick leveling layers can exceed the design load-bearing capacity of the prefabricated slabs, causing deformation or fractures.

Summary: Wall demolition in prefabricated slab houses must prioritize structural safety. First, confirm the wall nature through drawings or professional assessment. Reinforcement is necessary after removing non-load-bearing walls. Strictly adhere to the three 'red lines' to avoid overloading the house's load-bearing capacity due to renovation.