Zhongshan Huangpu JD Asia No.1 Project – Ground Improvement Case Study

Project Overview

The Zhongshan Huangpu JD Asia No.1 E-commerce Logistics Industrial Park is a large-scale smart logistics project with a total investment of approximately RMB 900 million, covering about 305 acres with a total floor area of 208,000 m². It is a key strategic hub for JD.com on the west bank of the Pearl River.

Upon completion, the complex will include:

JD Asia No.1 Central Warehouse
JD Pearl River West Operation & Settlement Center
Order Fulfillment Center
Intelligent Sorting Center
Unmanned Smart Storage Center

Once operational, it is expected to achieve an annual output value of RMB 16 billion, becoming a cornerstone for Zhongshan and the Pearl River West’s intelligent logistics development.

Engineering Background

The site is located in Huangpu Town, Zhongshan City, where the subsoil consists mainly of soft, silty clay characterized by:

Thick, high water-content silt layers
Low bearing capacity and high compressibility
High risk of severe settlement and instability if built upon directly

To meet the requirements of large-scale warehouses and heavy logistics operations, systematic ground improvement was essential to ensure both structural safety and long-term operational stability.

Construction Scheme: PVD + Vacuum Preloading

Considering the soil conditions and project requirements, the PVD (Prefabricated Vertical Drain) + Vacuum Preloading combined method was adopted for the road area (the warehouse area used pile foundations).
This approach accelerates consolidation, increases ground strength, and is one of the most efficient and economical methods for large soft soil sites.

Construction Steps

Zoning and Staged Preloading
- The site was divided into Zones A, B, and C for staged construction to ensure uniform settlement.
Drainage System Installation
- PVDs were installed using drain insertion machines to form vertical drainage paths.
- Horizontal drainage pipes were laid to connect vertical drains, ensuring uniform negative pressure distribution.
Sealing and Isolation
- Clay cutoff walls were constructed around the perimeter.
- The ground surface was sealed with geomembrane to maintain vacuum integrity.
Vacuum Preloading and Water Loading
- Vacuum pumps created negative pressure to rapidly expel pore water.
- Water loading was applied on top to accelerate consolidation and improve soil strength.
Monitoring and Control
- Settlement plates, pore pressure gauges, and vacuum pressure observation points were installed.
- Real-time monitoring ensured consolidation performance met design targets.

Equipment Used

PVD installation machines (multiple units): for efficient drain insertion
Vacuum preloading system: vacuum pumps, pipelines, and monitoring devices
Clay mixing pile rigs: for constructing airtight clay cutoff walls

This integrated equipment setup ensured both construction efficiency and ground improvement quality.

Construction Period & Results

Duration: 6 months
Results:
- Bearing capacity of the foundation significantly increased, meeting the heavy-load demands of logistics facilities.
- Settlement effectively controlled, ensuring the long-term stability of smart warehouse operations.
- Continuous monitoring provided real-time verification of ground improvement performance.

Project Significance

The successful implementation of the JD Asia No.1 Zhongshan Huangpu Project:

Strengthened JD.com’s logistics network on the west bank of the Pearl River.
Accelerated Zhongshan’s development of a modern smart logistics system.
Demonstrated the reliability and cost-efficiency of the Vacuum Preloading + PVD method for large-scale soft ground improvement.

Shengzhou’s Expertis

With over 20 years of experience in soft ground improvement, Shengzhou applied its patented vacuum preloading technology and intelligent monitoring system to efficiently complete this project.

Following the philosophy of “A Century of Stability, Built Once to Last Forever,” Shengzhou provides integrated solutions covering investigation, design, construction, and monitoring for major projects such as smart logistics parks, port yards, and industrial complexes.

Conclusion

The Zhongshan Huangpu JD Asia No.1 Project stands as both a benchmark for intelligent logistics parks and a testament to Shengzhou’s expertise in ground improvement.
Through scientific application of vacuum preloading technology, the once weak and compressible soil has been transformed into a solid foundation—ensuring lasting stability for future smart warehousing and logistics operations.