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Sunday, July 23, 2006
Structural engineers note defects in new airport’s ceiling
THE Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines (Asep) has cited the faulty construction of the ceiling at the main arrival hall of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 3, which led to its partial collapse last March 27.
The Asep’s findings were released its final report on the collapse, which happened a few days days before the scheduled start of the rolling operational test of the new terminal.
In its report to the Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa), the Asep raised the following observations: first, the ceiling was constructed without the benefit of detailed shop drawings containing the ceiling plan, the as-built conditions of the ceiling area, which should have included the position of existing utilities, connection details of the ceiling framing system and other important information that could have better guided the construction; some materials used, like the wall angles, did not meet the minimum required specifications; there had been a wrong choice of ceiling or wall components; the quality of work was not at par and in accordance with minimum acceptable practice, thus diminishing the overall factor of safety of the total ceiling system; and laboratory tests of its individual components reveal that safety factors have been met.
The first four observations, the Asep report said, singly or in combination, brought about a series of joint failures that triggered a chain reaction leading to the collapse of a portion of the ceiling
The Asep also noted that the collapsed ceiling system was completely enclosed and lacked access for inspection and maintenance. This was one reason why investigation was more difficult and took longer than expected.
Based on its findings, the Asep recommended the following course of action: inspection of similarly built ceiling systems; the use of more appropriate materials that will meet minimum required standards; reinforcement of the ceiling framing system through such means like the provision of additional braces and independent angular supports; the provision of separators or dampers to prevent the transfer of vibrations of the mechanical systems to the ceiling; and the replacement of the enclosed gypsum board ceiling system with a removable metal pan ceiling system.
“The Miaa is taking cognizance of the recommendations of Asep and shall undertake the necessary steps to make sure that such accidents will not happen again especially when the terminal is finally opened. We continue to assure everyone that the safety and welfare of our riding public and other airport users remain of paramount concern,” said Miaa general manager Alfonso Cusi.
Pursuant to the recommendations of Asep, Miaa officials have arranged for joint inspections with Takenaka to be conducted sometime this week to cover other portions of the ceiling at the main arrival hall of Terminal 3 and such other areas similarly situated.
“Thereafter, negotiations between Miaa and Takenaka shall be undertaken on how Takenaka shall address whatever deficiencies that have been and may still be observed in future inspections to the satisfaction of and at no cost to the Miaa, with safety still the primordial concern,” added Cusi. (Press release)
(July 23, 2006 issue)
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