TOP DOWN CONSTRUCTION

3.
1. INTRODUCTION:
Conventional
buildings with
underground
basements are built by bottom-up method where
structure floors are constructed sequentially from
the lowest level of basement to the top of the
super-structure. This conventional method, called
the bottom-up method, is simple in both design
and construction, but it is not feasible for large
structures with limited time for construction, site
constraints, deep excavation, land with higher
saturated soils and loose soils. In the Top
down method, the permanent structure is built
from top to bottom of the basement along with
the excavation. Top down construction is an
advanced method and is mainly used for the
structures like Metro Stations. In this method,
basement concrete slabs act as lateral bracing for
the perimeter wall system. Ground level and
subsequent basement slabs are poured, with
access holes left to allow excavation beneath. As
each subsequent sub grade level is completed, the
floors act as lateral bracing for the perimeter wall
system. Perimeter wall which is generally referred
to as Diaphragm wall (or D wall) is a single, safe
solution for all the constructional problems
encountered in underground construction. D walls
provide effective earth retention and good control
over ground water movement. Its capable of
carrying the superstructure loads, providing early
utilization of the superstructure even before the
completion of substructure of that building.

4.

5.

6.

7.

3. DISADVANTAGES:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

2.

Early restoration of the super structure is

possible even before the completion of
the building and the structures above
ground can be carried out simultaneously
with the structur es below ground. This
greatly reduces the time for construction.
Concrete diaphragm walls are more costeffective when they can simultaneously
function as a groundwater cut-off and
temporary soil retention system during
the excavation phase of the project, and
then as permanent underground walls
with load-carrying capabilities for the
finished structure.

Compiled by:

Inability to install external water proofing

outsi de the walls.
Potential water leakage at the joints.
More complicated connections for the
roofs, floor and base slabs.
Access to the excavation is limited and
limited space for the construction of base
slab.
Complex design involved.

4. PROCEDURE:
1.

2. ADVANTAGES:
1.

Easier and economical construction of

roof since it can be cast on prepared
grade rather than using bottom forms.
The structural slab act as an internal
bracing for the support of excavation,
thus reducing the amount of tie backs
required.
The virtually vibration-free operation
minimizes the potential for ground
movement and its resulting detrimental
settlement.
It requires less width for construction
area. Reduced environmental pollution
associated with pre-construction
earthworks
Eliminates the need to underpin adjacent
structures.

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Construct the perimeter wall, Construct

piles. Place the steel columns or
stanchions where the piles are
constructed.
Cast the floor slab of first basement level.
Proceed to the first stage of excavation.
Begin to construct the superstructure
Cast the floor slab of the second
basement level Proceed to the second
stage of excavation.
Repeat the same procedure till the
desired depth is reached
Construct the foundation slab and ground
beams, etc. Complete the basement
Keep constructing the superstructure till
it gets finished.

Rakesh Kumar S., Design Engineer

Any questions or suggestions are welcom e. kumar.rakesh@pbworld.com