What to Do If a Prefabricated House Sinks

Measures for dealing with the sinking of a prefabricated house should be taken according to the degree and cause of sinking, with the core principle being to ensure structural safety and control further settlement.

1. Assess the Degree and Cause of Sinking

A comprehensive inspection should be carried out by professional engineers or geological experts, focusing on the analysis of the following aspects:

1. Geological conditions: Such as soft foundation soil layers, changes in groundwater levels, and the risk of soil liquefaction;
2. Structural factors: Whether the load distribution of the house is uniform and whether the foundation design is reasonable;
3. Environmental impacts: External factors such as nearby construction, seismic activity, or long-term rainwater immersion. Through inspection, determine whether the sinking is local or overall, and whether it is accompanied by tilting or cracks, providing a basis for subsequent treatment.

2. Treatment for Mild Sinking

If the amount of sinking is small (e.g., local settlement ≤ 5 cm) and the structure is not damaged, foundation grouting technology can be used:

1. Drill micro-holes with a diameter of 5 - 10 cm in the sinking area, with a depth reaching the stable soil layer;
2. Inject a special grout (such as a cement - water glass double - liquid grout), whose fluidity can fill the gaps and solidify within 3 - 20 seconds to form a solid mass;
3. After the grout hardens, it increases the density of the soil, enhances the bearing capacity of the foundation, and restores the levelness of the house. Advantages: No excavation is required, the construction period is short (1 - 3 days), the impact on living is small, and the cost is relatively low.

3. Treatment for Moderate Sinking

If the amount of sinking is large (e.g., overall settlement > 5 cm) or there are obvious cracks in the structure, more thorough measures need to be taken:

1. Underpinning: Add concrete piles or steel structure supports below the original foundation to transfer the load to a deeper and more stable soil layer;
2. Structural reinforcement: Wrap carbon fiber cloth or reinforce with steel plates on load - bearing members such as beams and columns to improve overall stability;
3. Evaluation of demolition and reconstruction: If the foundation is severely damaged and the repair cost is close to the reconstruction cost, a decision on whether to demolish should be made based on a comprehensive consideration of safety and economy.

4. General Prevention and Monitoring Measures

1. Control the groundwater level: Set up drainage ditches or blind ditches to reduce groundwater pressure and avoid soil softening;
2. Adjust the load distribution: Reduce the concentrated stacking of heavy objects to avoid local overloading;
3. Long - term monitoring: Install settlement observation points, record data regularly, and deal with any abnormalities in a timely manner;
4. Professional consultation: In complex situations, contact a structural engineer to formulate a plan to avoid expanding risks through self - handling.

Tip: During the treatment process, strictly follow building codes to ensure construction safety and avoid secondary damage.