Technical exploration of improving the load-bearing capacity of old shopping malls: from design to construction

With the advancement of urbanization and the continuous changes in commercial demand, many old shopping malls face the problem of insufficient load-bearing capacity due to structural aging or functional adjustments. How to enhance the load-bearing capacity of shopping malls without affecting their normal operation has become a technical challenge.

1. Current situation assessment and scheme design
The first step in improving load-bearing capacity is to conduct a comprehensive inspection and evaluation of the mall structure, including the strength of existing components, crack distribution, and service life. Based on the test results, the design team needs to develop a targeted reinforcement plan that takes into account the functional requirements of the shopping mall. Technical solutions such as reinforcing with carbon fiber cloth and steel plates, and adding supporting components are often applied to ensure that the load-bearing requirements are met while minimizing damage to the original building.

2. Technology selection and material application
Carbon fiber cloth reinforcement technology is widely used in the load-bearing lifting of old shopping malls due to its advantages of high strength, lightweight, and convenient construction. By pasting carbon fiber cloth on key parts such as beams and slabs, their tensile strength and overall load-bearing capacity can be significantly improved. In addition, for areas that require a significant increase in load-bearing capacity, steel plate reinforcement or additional steel structure support can be used to meet the needs of large spans and loads.

3. Refined construction and monitoring
During the construction phase, it is necessary to strictly follow the design plan and strengthen construction monitoring. Surface treatment shall be carried out on the base layer of carbon fiber cloth to ensure the bonding effect; For the installation of steel plates or steel structures, it is necessary to ensure that the connection is firm and the structure is stable. In addition, the daily operation of the mall needs to be considered during the construction process, and the impact on mall operation can be reduced through zoning construction or nighttime construction.

4. Quality inspection and acceptance
After the construction is completed, the reinforcement effect will be evaluated through loading testing, non-destructive testing, and other methods to ensure that the load-bearing capacity of the mall meets the design requirements. After the final acceptance is qualified, the mall can resume full operation.

Through scientific design, precise construction, and strict testing, the improvement of the load-bearing capacity of the old shopping mall not only extends the service life of the building, but also lays a solid foundation for its future functional upgrades. This process shows the progressiveness of modern reinforcement technology, and also provides reference experience for similar projects.