Guangzhou Commercial Building Basement Reinforcement and Renovation Project

The project is located in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, and was originally constructed in the early 1990s. It was originally designed with a frame shear wall structure, with 27 floors above ground and the basement originally designed as four levels below ground (with a partial mezzanine on the first level). Prior to the renovation, only the main structure of the four basement levels was completed. The new renovation design features 33 floors above ground, with the basement increasing from four to five levels, and the original fourth level (civil defense level) is retained.

Construction Brief

Demolition and reconstruction of beam and slab structures above the basement level three, as well as removal of certain walls and columns.

2. Vertical structure reinforcement and structural transformation.

3. New floor construction, partial new wall and column installations.

Construction Sequence

This project adheres to the construction principles of "from bottom to top, dismantle and build one by one," "strengthen first, dismantle later," "dismantle the middle first, and skip dismantle around," and "alternating between dismantling, strengthening, and new construction." This effectively addresses the challenge of anchoring reinforcement at the junctions of beams, slabs, and columns, while also leveraging the inherent protective and supporting functions of the existing structure to resolve safety concerns for surrounding buildings like subways. This ensures smooth cross-operation of various sub-projects.

(1) Vertical Construction Sequence Illustration for Facade

(2) Layout Construction Sequence Diagram

Reverse Engineering

To meet the project timeline requirements, the upper structure and basement renovation work are being carried out simultaneously on-site. After reinforcing all vertical components from the first floor nodes downwards to the negative one floor slab, the construction of the upper structure begins upwards. At the same time, the basement vertical components are reinforced from bottom to top, with the work ending at the negative one floor. The originally scheduled 180-day basement renovation was completed in just two months through the underpinning method, delivering the first floor for upper structure construction, significantly saving the construction timeline and creating excellent economic and social benefits for the owner.

This project commenced construction in August 2012. The basement renovation was coordinated with all professional works, including civil defense and fire protection. The project was delivered to the client and put into use in June 2015, receiving unanimous praise from all parties.