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 major investment project with a total investment of approximately 900 million RMB. The site covers about 305 mu, with a total construction area of 208,000 square meters. It is a key strategic hub for JD on the west bank of the Pearl River. Upon completion, the complex will include:

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

After the project goes into operation, the expected annual output value may reach 16 billion RMB, becoming an important engine for Zhongshan and the entire western Pearl River region in smart logistics development.

Engineering Background
The project site is located in Huangpu Town, Zhongshan City. The soil profile is characterized by typical soft mucky soil:

• Thick silt and high water content
• Low bearing capacity and high compressibility
• High risk of excessive settlement and structural instability if built directly

To meet the storage load and intensive logistics traffic requirements, the weak foundation had to be properly treated to ensure safety and long-term operational stability.

Ground Improvement Scheme: PVD + Vacuum Preloading
Based on the soil conditions and engineering needs, the road areas of the project (the warehouse areas used pile foundations) adopted the combined method of Prefabricated Vertical Drains (PVD) with vacuum preloading. This solution accelerates consolidation, increases soil strength, and is one of the most efficient and economical options for large-scale soft ground treatment.

Scope of Works

1. Zoned Preloading
   The site was divided into Zones A, B, and C. Each area was treated in stages to ensure uniform overall settlement.
2. Drainage System Installation
   • Vertical drains (PVD) were installed using drain insertion machines to create vertical drainage channels.
   • Horizontal drainage pipes were laid to connect with the vertical drains, ensuring uniform vacuum transmission.
3. Sealing and Isolation
   • A clay sealing wall was constructed around the boundary.
   • A geotextile sealing membrane was placed on the surface to maintain airtightness for the vacuum system.
4. Vacuum Preloading and Water Cover Loading
   • Vacuum pumps created negative pressure to extract pore water rapidly.
   • A water load was applied on the surface to enhance consolidation and improve treatment results.
5. Construction Monitoring
   • Settlement plates, pore-water pressure gauges, and vacuum pressure points were installed.
   • Real-time monitoring ensured the consolidation process and verified the effectiveness of preloading.

Equipment Used
• Multiple PVD insertion machines for high-efficiency vertical drain installation
• Vacuum system equipment including pumps, pipe networks, and monitoring instruments
• Clay mixing pile rig for constructing the clay sealing wall

This equipment combination ensured both construction efficiency and treatment quality.

Construction Duration and Performance
• Total construction period: 6 months
• Expected outcomes:
• Significant improvement in foundation bearing capacity, meeting heavy warehouse load demands
• Effective settlement control, ensuring long-term performance of intelligent logistics facilities
• Full-process monitoring for complete control of consolidation effects

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

• Strengthens JD’s logistics network on the west bank of the Pearl River
• Accelerates Zhongshan’s development of a modern smart logistics system
• Demonstrates the reliability and economic benefits of the vacuum preloading + PVD method in large-area soft soil treatment

Sunzo’s Experience
With over 20 years of soft ground improvement experience, Sunzo applied its patented vacuum preloading technology and intelligent monitoring systems to efficiently complete the project’s ground improvement task. Upholding the philosophy of “Foundations Built to Last a Century,” Sunzo provides integrated services including soil investigation, design, construction, and monitoring for major engineering projects such as smart logistics parks, port terminals, and industrial zones.

Conclusion
The Zhongshan Huangpu JD Asia No.1 project is not only a landmark smart logistics park, but also an important demonstration of Sunzo’s capabilities in ground improvement. Through a scientific and effective vacuum preloading process, the originally weak soft soil has been transformed into a strong and reliable foundation, providing solid support for future intelligent warehousing and logistics operations.