COVER STORY specifications. Random samples of the materials were sent to an accredited laboratory for testing and the test reports were sent to the consultant to interpret the results and take appropriate action. QUALITY CONTROL Work progress was monitored by site staff and recorded in the minutes. Site staff signed off inspection forms whenever the contractor completed installation works or after each inspection. The site staff ensured that the tools and instruments are used by the contractor correctly. Regular site walks were undertaken by the consultants, site staff and the contractor, to identify non-conformance and design issues.
Cantilevered I-beams form part of the sky bridges.
• Teaching the lifting crews on the proper use of the safety harness and emphasising the significance of the safety equipment issued to them. Giving proper training on how to use it, if necessary. • Emphasising to the workers on the safe work practices to ensure the safety of each and every crew member involved in the lifting process. • Providing proper access to ensure the safety of the workers when crossing from the building to the bridge and vice versa. Ensuring all necessary personal protection equipment are also utilised correctly. • Ensuring that all the necessary components of the scaffolding / access are provided. • Educating the workers on the safety aspects when working on the scaffolding /access, such as avoiding short cuts and improper access to avoid any untoward incidents. • The use of a lifting system for sky bridges eliminates the requirements of building falsework at high levels. Façade and aluminium windows • No external scaffolding during the construction stage.
• Monitoring of work, with weekly technical meetings with the contractor. • Checking design details to ensure compliance with the design requirements (modularity) and technical specifications, authorities’ regulations and HDB standard details. • Samples sent by the contractor, for testing, to ensure compliance for water tightness, safety and loading. • Construction of a two-storey precast façade mockup, as a visual reference. QUALITY ASSURANCE Selection of materials was based on the compliance with the Codes of Practice, specifications and user requirements, as well as on considerations of functionality, cost, safety, durability, aesthetics, maintenance and availability. Approvals were based on compliance with specifications as well as on whether the materials came from an approved source. When taking delivery of the materials and storing them, the considerations were whether they were approved types of materials and were in good condition. The materials were then properly stored and protected. The testing of the materials sought to ensure their compliance with
PUBLIC SAFETY
Noise management measures were implemented to reduce inconvenience to the occupants of buildings in the neighbourhood. These included a cut-off time for stoppage of noisy work, so that there is no disturbance at night. Good workplace safety and health measures as well as safety management were adopted, as were good housekeeping, pest control and Earth Control Measures (ECM).
PROJECT CREDITS Qualified Person Er. Koh Boon Liang
Civil & Structural Consultant Ronnie & Koh Consultants Pte Ltd
Builder Sunhuan Construction Pte Ltd
Developer Housing & Development Board
Architectural Consultant SCDA Architects Pte Ltd
All images by Ronnie & Koh Consultants Pte Ltd, unless otherwise stated
December 2016 THE SINGAPORE ENGINEER
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