| Author | Paytye Junphuang |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.ST-00-3 |
| Subject(s) | Structural failures--Investigation--Thailand--Bangkok
|
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of
Engineering |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | In the past decade, the economy of Thailand had been in such a great boom. This
remarkable strength in economy resulted in a lot of construction of buildings. After the
dreadful economic crisis spread all over Asia, many construction projects in Thailand faced
inevitable and likely permanent discontinuation. Thus, many partially finished buildings in
Bangkok are a common sight. Some of them have been regularly maintained, however some
are left unattended. This ignorance sadly causes deterioration of buildings. The purpose of this
study is to identify the problems of partially finished building which are unattended for a long
time and suggest recommendations on remedial solutions to the problems. To achieve this
aim, 20 partially finished buildings were investigated and three buildings were chosen for
intensive investigation. The procedure of investigation is divided into three stages. Firstly,
general observation to detect signs of defects. Secondly, non-destructive tests were conducted
to assess the existing compressive strength of reinforced concrete structures. Finally, possible
causes of defects were identified and recommendations on remedial solutions are given.
The results showed that most often found defects in partially finished buildings in
Bangkok are honeycomb, spalling, and inadequate concrete cover. The main causes of defects
are due to poor formwork, improper concrete mix and placing of concrete. Lack of supervision
and inadequate construction practices are also causing substandard concrete structures.
Another important defect observed in this study is poor construction joint, especially beam-column
joints in high-rise buildings. The integrity of buildings depends on the strength of
these joints and hence attention should be directed towards the construction of proper joints in
the high-rise building. Lack of understanding in behavior of structures, error in design, and
error in construction are found to be a serious cause which leads to damages of structures.
Two general strategies for remedial solutions to the problems are proposed, namely surface
repair and strengthening method. The selection of each method depends upon the type of
defects. Surface repair should be adopted for honeycomb, spalling and poor construction joint.
Cracks on structural members like beams or columns must be remedied by strengthening
method. Rehabilitation by using ferrocement is recommended to use due to its low cost and
effectiveness. The investigation indicated that the partially finished buildings should be
carefully inspected by experienced engineers before continuing construction to ensure the
safety of the structure. |
| Year | 2000 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Engineering and Technology (SET) |
| Department | Department of Civil and Infrastucture Engineering (DCIE) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Structural Engineering (STE) /Former Name = Structural Engineering and Construction (ST) |
| Chairperson(s) | Pichai Nimityongsakul; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Nii, Kazuyoshi ;Zhu, Hong Ping; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Royal Thai Government ;Human Resources Development Phase II; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2000 |