Changed elevator shaft design may be behind SAO building collapse

The government-appointed investigating committee currently thinks that a change in the design of the elevator shaft of the State Audit Office building, reducing its wall thickness from 30cm to 25cm, may be the reason why the building collapsed when it was hit by tremors from an earthquake in Myanmar on March 28, according to Professor Amorn Pimanmas PhD, president of the Association of Structural Engineers.

He said the investigation will examine the details of the elevator shaft, including its design, how and by whom the design was changed and the quality of the concrete and rebar used in its construction.

The elevator shaft is the central core of a high-rise, Prof. Amorn explained, adding that it carries the weight of the building and a reduction of the thickness of the shaft may affect the structural soundness of the building.

As part of the investigation, he said they will invite those involved in the design, and any changes in design, the contractor and construction consultants for questioning to find out whether changes in the design were properly approved.

Dr. Amorn went on to say that the earthquake revealed weaknesses in some high rises in Bangkok and that their elevator shafts should be reassessed, to determine whether they could withstand similar or stronger tremors in the future.