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The sequence construction begins with retaining wall installation and then load-bearing
elements that will carry the future super-structure. The basement columns (typically steel
beams) are constructed before any excavation takes place and rest on the load bearing
elements. These load bearing elements are typically concrete barrettes constructed under
slurry (or caissons).
PROCEDURE
The typical construction procedure of top down construction is as follows
Construct piles. Place the steel columns or stanchions where the piles are constructed.
Proceed to the second stage of excavation; cast the floor slab of the second basement level.
Construct the foundation slab and ground beams, etc. Complete the basement
The underground retaining wall which is usually a diaphragm wall, is installed before
excavation commences.
Excavation and installation of steel strut
The soil is excavated just below roof slab level of the underground structure. Struts are
installed to support the retaining walls, which in turn support the soil at the sides
Construction of underground structure
The roof slab is constructed, with access openings provided on the slab for works to proceed
downwards. The roof slabs not only provides a massive support across the .
Construction of underground structure
The next level of slab is constructed, and this process progresses downwards till the base
slab is completed
Construction of underground structure
The side walls are constructed upwards, followed by removal of the intermediate struts. The
access openings on the roof slab are then sealed.
Backfilling and reinstatement
After the underground structure is completed, the soil is backfilled to the top strut level
before the strut is removed. This is followed by completely backfilling the top of the
underground structure and finally reinstating the surface areas.
Columns with sufficient capacity must be pre-founded in bored piles or barrettes to sustain
the construction load and to utilize as part of bracing system.
Excavation for basement must be carried out with the support of permanent retaining wall so
that basement floor slabs can be utilized as lateral bracing.
Diaphragm wall of 0.8m to 1.2m in thickness with sufficient embedment in firm soil layers is
commonly used as a retaining wall whereas prefabricated steel columns known as Stanchions
embedded in either large diameter deep-seated bored piles or barrettes are utilized as
structural columns. Figure 1 illustrates the top-down construction method with utilization of
stanchions and diaphragm wall.
A guide wall is constructed to set out the position of the diaphragm wall.
Excavation of panel
The grab/trench cutter cuts and removes the soil to form the panel. The excavation is
stabilised by filling it with bentonite slurry to support the wall of the excavation.
The crane lifts up the reinforcement-bar cage and places it within the panel. Concrete is
poured into the panel to form the panel wall.
Repetition of process
Process 2 - 4 repeats for the remaining soil in between the panels till the entire length of the
diaphragm wall construction is completed.
General information
limitation
Size
STANCHION
Light stanchion
Steel H-beams
down
350x350x137kg/m
construction
construction of super
For temporary
decking
basement construction
Steel H-beams
construction of
stanchion
350x350x390 kg/m
shallow to
medium deep
excavation
Steel H-beams
508x457x738kg/m
Composite steel
Full top-down
Disadvantages:
1. Higher cost (due to the construction of pile foundation)
2. Since the construction period of the basement is lengthened, the lateral displacement of
retaining wall or ground settlement may possible increase due to the influence of creep if the
soil layers are encountered.
3. The construction quality may influence because of worsened ventilation and illumination
under floor slab.
4. It requires highly skilled supervision and labour force.
Case Study
The one seen here depicts the basement entrance for the Cheung Kong Center projectin
hong kong, which best illustrates the method. The top-down construction method is virtually
the only method suitable for the construction of deep basements on a large scale. One
irresistible advantage of this method is that substructure and superstructure work can be
carried out at the same time.
C)
Top-down basement construction: the permanent RC structure at the top has been
completed but remains supported on temporary steel stanchions, while the excavation and
construction work to the lower basement is yet to be continued. (Lee Gardens)
d)
Another feature of top-down construction is that the ground floor slab (indeed, any slab
close to ground level) is cast first as a starting level to provide the necessary rigidity to the
side supports. This example, from the Festival Walk project, best illustrates the arrangement
Conclusion
From the above report we can conclude that top down constuction has its suitability for
certain kind of mega structures. It is suitable for structures with deep basements like
undergrond rails, car parks etc. It is also very efficient way of doing two way construction to
save time. Skyscrapers with deep basements in urban areas should be constucted using top
down construction. But top down construction needs very efficient planning and designing
and skilled supervision and labour force. Top down construction is the need of the hour as it
is highly time efficient and is becoming popular and is coming more and more in practice
with every passing day.