Buildings Department releases investigation report on partial collapse of balcony at 50 Gillies Avenue South
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The investigation concluded that the partial collapse of the balcony was a result of the following factors:
- Declined concrete strength;
- Corrosion of steel reinforcement bars;
- Increase in loading; and
- Lack of maintenance.
The occupation permit for this six-storey reinforced concrete building was issued in 1956. The partially collapsed balcony was 4.8 metres long with a projection of 2.4m from the external wall. It was structurally supported by two cantilevered beams.
After the incident, the BD took emergency actions to remove the remnant of the partially collapsed balcony at the first floor and erected temporary props to support the balconies at the second, third and fourth floors of the building to ensure public safety.
The investigation found that the original structural design of the balcony was generally in order. However, the shear strength of one of its cantilevered beams had been reduced due to declined concrete strength, corrosion of steel reinforcement bars and prolonged lack of maintenance. Coupled with the additional loads of the raised floor finishes, rendering on the parapet and the installation of aluminium windows, the partial collapse of the balcony was finally triggered by shear failure of the cantilevered beam.
A statutory investigation order and mandatory building inspection notices were issued to the owners of the building requiring investigation and inspection of the building condition. Owners are required to submit remedial proposals and execute repair works upon completion of the investigation and inspection work. The owners of the building have appointed an Authorised Person to follow up on the order and notices, and detailed investigation work is in progress. The BD will continue to closely monitor the progress of compliance with the order and the notices. Any person who fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with an order or notice may be prosecuted and liable on conviction to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for one year, and a daily fine of $5,000.
Regarding the emergency removal and temporary propping works completed on-site, the BD has issued a demand note to the owners under the Buildings Ordinance to recover the cost of works and the supervision charge.
If there is evidence showing that someone had breached the Buildings Ordinance as a result of the building works adding loads on the balcony, the BD may consider prosecution action.
The BD spokesman emphasised that it is the responsibility of owners to keep their buildings safe and to carry out regular inspections and timely maintenance of their buildings. For private buildings aged 30 years or above, owners should take proactive action in arranging for building professionals to conduct regular inspections and carry out necessary repair works for their buildings.
The investigation report has been uploaded to the BD's website at www.bd.gov.hk for public inspection.
Ends/Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Issued at HKT 15:14
Issued at HKT 15:14
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