Professor Amorn Pimanmas, PhD, president of the Association of Structural Engineers, stated on April 14 that a design modification reducing the shaft’s wall thickness from 30 cm to 25 cm is a key factor under investigation. The elevator shaft, which forms the central load-bearing core of a high-rise building, is crucial for maintaining structural stability. A thinner core could have compromised the building’s ability to withstand seismic stress.
The investigation will examine the structural plans, identify who authorized the changes, and assess the quality of the materials used, particularly the concrete and steel reinforcement. The committee will also question designers, contractors, and consultants involved in the project to determine if the redesign was properly reviewed and approved.
Prof. Amorn added that the quake exposed structural vulnerabilities in several high-rise buildings in Bangkok. He recommended that elevator shafts in similar buildings be reevaluated to ensure they can endure future seismic events of equal or greater magnitude.
