The underground space of the Xinggang International Center project, reaching a maximum depth of 36 meters, was successfully constructed yesterday along the Huangpu River on the North Bund. This achievement sets a new record for the deepest underground space in Shanghai’s residential construction, equivalent to a 12-story building built entirely underground. Once completed, pedestrians will be able to exit Tilanqiao Station on Metro Line 12 and walk directly to the Huangpu River via an underground passage.
The project, contracted by Shanghai Construction Engineering Group, includes two towers standing 263 meters tall, a three-story commercial podium measuring 24 meters in height, and a six-story basement. The total construction area covers 416,100 square meters, with 243,800 square meters above ground and 172,300 square meters underground. Upon completion, the development will form the core of Shanghai’s central business district, alongside the Bund and Xiaolujiazui.
Huang Miao, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Xinggang International Center Project, explained the challenges posed by the foundation pit’s depth. As the pit deepens, the difference in water and soil pressure inside and outside the pit increases dramatically, raising risks such as water leakage, sudden surges at the pit bottom, and damage to retaining walls. The main challenges for the construction team include accelerating excavation support, optimizing the pit block layout, and controlling deformation during excavation.
Another critical concern is ensuring a seamless and safe connection on the north side of the project with the operational Tilanqiao Station on Metro Line 12. The nearest underground pipeline is only four to five meters away, including the oldest gas pipeline laid in the 1960s, where even minor construction errors could cause gas leaks.
During construction, the project also encountered multiple layers of pressurized water. In cases of piping or quicksand, blocking water infiltration becomes impossible. The deepest section of the site features a bottom plate thickness of 9.65 meters, making the prevention of concrete cracking a significant technical challenge.
To address these issues, Shanghai Construction Engineering employed advanced BIM technology along with a remote automatic monitoring system for foundation pits. Before construction began, BIM simulations were repeatedly run to predict deformation speed and extent, allowing continuous optimization of the construction plan. During the excavation, the unique remote monitoring system provided real-time detection of any small deformations in the foundation pit, ensuring that the excavation and support formation process did not exceed 15 days.
As a complex centered around key transportation hubs, the Xinggang International Center is expected to be fully completed by the end of 2017.
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