Investigation of Bangkok’s earthquake-collapsed tower found problems with both the design and construction
Final report, expected in two weeks, will clearly explain the cause of the collapse
The investigation into the collapse of the under-construction State Audit Office (SAO) building during the March 28 earthquake found problems with both the design and construction.
The investigation was carried out by the Department of Public Works, Chulalongkorn University, Kasetsart University, and King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology.
All agencies reached the same conclusion, which was reported to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra today.
Experts used structural simulation technology to analyze how the building reacted to the earthquake.
The results confirmed that weak points in the design and construction, especially the shear walls around elevator shafts and stairwells, led to the collapse.
These parts did not meet engineering standards.
While steel and concrete materials generally met quality requirements, some concrete used in the project was below standard, and construction methods were improper.
Some parts of the building were not built according to legal requirements.
Simulations showed the building would have been much stronger if it had followed construction codes.
Other buildings under similar projects have been inspected, and no similar problems were found.
The final investigation report will be ready in two weeks and sent to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and police.
Responsibility for the collapse is linked to both design flaws and construction failures.
The DSI and police will determine legal accountability based on the evidence.
The steel materials met standards, so the issue was not with the materials but with poor construction practices.
This raised concerns about other projects, but inspections found no issues.
Paetongtarn said whether the SAO, as the project’s procuring agency, must take responsibility will depend on legal procedures.
The investigation will also clarify whether the fault lies with the design team or construction contractor.
She added the final report, expected in two weeks, will clearly explain the cause of the collapse.
Source: Thai Enquirer on twitter
