Removal of Floor in Prefabricated Slab Houses

Removing the floor in prefabricated slab houses presents certain difficulties and risks. It is necessary to carefully evaluate feasibility before proceeding. Generally, large-scale removal is not recommended, and priority should be given to preservation and renovation methods such as reinforcement or functional enhancement.

I. Difficulties and Risks of Removal

1. Limited Space Release: The original ceiling height of prefabricated slab houses may be relatively low (e.g., 2.5 meters). The floor is composed of a mixture of cement and gravel, and the floor slab is thin. If the floor is removed, the released space may be only about 5 centimeters, resulting in limited renovation effects.
2. Risk of Floor Slab Damage: The structure of prefabricated slab floor slabs is fragile. During removal, vibrations or external impacts may cause the floor slab to crack or even break, posing a threat to the structural safety of the house.
3. Increased Costs and Working Hours: To reduce risks, low-vibration tools such as small electric hammers should be used, and small-scale tests (e.g., removing a 40 cm × 40 cm square) should be conducted in advance to confirm feasibility before expanding the construction scope. This process significantly increases labor and time costs.

II. Operational Recommendations

1. Conduct Small-Scale Tests First: Before formal removal, select a concealed area for test construction to observe the floor slab's reaction and the space release effect. If vibrations, cracking, or insufficient space release occur during the test, stop immediately.
2. Tool Selection and Control: Prioritize the use of low-vibration tools such as small electric hammers and avoid using large machinery or violent removal methods. During construction, control the force and frequency to reduce impacts on the floor slab.
3. Professional Evaluation and Reinforcement: If removal is necessary, commission a structural engineer in advance to evaluate the floor slab's load-bearing capacity and reinforce the floor slab after removal (e.g., by attaching carbon fiber sheets or adding support beams) to ensure structural safety.

III. Alternative Solutions

If the house is not identified as a dangerous building or scheduled for demolition, large-scale floor removal is generally not recommended. Instead, optimize the living experience through the following methods:

1. Surface Treatment: Retain the original floor and improve aesthetics and comfort by laying wooden floors, carpets, or self-leveling coatings.
2. Functional Enhancement: Improve space utilization by optimizing furniture layout, increasing storage space, or adjusting indoor zoning, avoiding structural modifications.
3. Local Reinforcement: Reinforce weak areas of the floor slab locally to enhance structural stability and provide a safe foundation for subsequent renovations.