Standards for underground construction works in Singapore look set for a radical overhaul following severe criticisms of current practices in the recently published Interim Report into April’s Nicoll Highway collapse.

The 16 page report by The Committee Of Inquiry identified several “shortcomings in the execution of C824 of the Circle Line project” which ultimately led to the collapse of over 100m of retaining wall. The incident cost the lives of four workers and resulted in the long term closure of the Nicoll Highway (T&TI May, p6).

The Singapore government has recently responded to the report saying, “recommendations made by the COI, which pertain to longer term action… will be taken up by the MND-MOM Joint Construction Safety Review Committee that has been set up to review practices along the entire value chain of the construction industry that could impact safety in construction projects.”

As part of the review, Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority and the Land Transport Authority have focused their attention on enhancing and improving the design, construction and monitoring of temporary works, so as to add robustness against failure.

Section 9 of the government’s response to the report states, “We agree with the COI that structural safety of temporary works is as important as that of permanent works, and should be designed according to established codes and checked by competent persons. As an immediate measure, LTA is engaging independent consulting engineers to carry out checks on the design of temporary works on all their projects. BCA is also exploring various options to strengthen the regulatory framework for temporary works pertaining to deep excavation.”

Also in the report’s firing line and high on the government’s procedural clean up list are, Clarity in respect of Trigger, Design and Allowable Levels (in monitoring), Professionalism and Competence of Sub-Contractors, Ownership and Resolution of Design and Site Problems, and Enhancing Safety Culture.

The full enquiry into the collapse is still ongoing with the hearings expected to be completed by the end of this month.