Demolition of Prefabricated Slab Houses in Wuxi

The prefabricated slab houses in Wuxi are not being demolished entirely; instead, targeted measures are taken based on the results of housing safety assessments. Details are as follows:

1. Strictly Limited Demolition Scope
According to the State Council's '15th Five-Year Plan for Urban Renewal' and local policies in Wuxi, only prefabricated slab houses identified as Grade D dilapidated buildings by professional institutions are subject to demolition and renovation. The criteria for determining a Grade D dilapidated building are that the load-bearing structure can no longer meet safety requirements for use and poses a risk of collapse. Grade A and B houses can continue to be inhabited or undergo livability renovations, while Grade C houses are addressed through reinforcement and repair to avoid wasteful over-demolition.

2. Emphasis on Structural Safety in Local Practice in Wuxi
In the renovation of old houses in Wuxi, the load-bearing walls (with a thickness of ≥24 cm and a dull, hollow-free knocking sound) of prefabricated slab structures are designated as absolutely non-removable walls. Unauthorized alterations to such walls may pose structural safety risks to the entire building and must strictly adhere to regulations. For example, in Wuxi's 2025 renovation plan for old residential areas, priority is given to addressing housing with safety hazards in residential areas built before 2000. However, there is no explicit mention of the 'complete demolition' of prefabricated slab houses; instead, they are advanced through methods such as demolition and reconstruction, renovation and improvement, and a combination of demolition and renovation.

3. Policy Orientation Reflects 'Precision Governance'
The Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development emphasizes the 'steady advancement of governance and renovation of prefabricated slab houses' alongside the 'accelerated demolition of Grade D dilapidated buildings'. For example, for prefabricated slab residential buildings built over 25 years ago, the mandatory inspection cycle has been shortened from every 10 years to every 5 years, reducing risks through a 'close monitoring and meticulous management' approach rather than a one-size-fits-all method. This policy orientation not only ensures residential safety but also avoids the impact of large-scale demolitions on residents' lives.

4. Operational Specifications Take Climate Characteristics into Account
The humid local climate in Wuxi imposes special requirements on renovation construction. For example, after wall scraping, an interface agent must be applied for moisture-proof reinforcement, and direct scraping to the red brick layer is strictly prohibited; when expanding windows on the exterior facade, damage to the waterproof layer must be avoided. These specifications indirectly influence the renovation methods for prefabricated slab houses, ensuring that construction meets safety standards while adapting to the local environment.