Nonthaburi: "Teng Nattapong" has teamed up with the Structural Engineers Association to evaluate the structural integrity of buildings affected by recent earthquakes, beginning with a condominium in Nonthaburi. The initiative underscores the People's Party's commitment to expedite assistance to the affected populace.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the Prachachon Party, partnered with Professor Amorn Pimanmas, president of the Structural Engineers Association of Thailand, and the association's volunteer engineers to assess the Eksin Place Condo building's structure in Mueang District, Nonthaburi. This marks the first joint effort between the Prachachon Party and the Structural Engineers Association, with plans to inspect buildings in four nearby provinces: Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Nonthaburi, and Pathum Thani. Key figures from the Prachachon Party, including party spokesperson Parit Wacharasindhu and MPs Suraphan Waiyakan and Nont Paisarn Limcharoenkit, attended the event.
Mr. Nattapong emphasized that this initiative builds on prior efforts to coordinate with the Structural Engineers Association of Thailand. He expressed gratitude to the association for deploying expert engineers to assess the building, aiming to bolster residents' confidence. The Prachachon Party is eager to support efforts across various sectors to ensure prompt assistance, instill confidence, and provide care from knowledgeable professionals. Reports from surrounding areas are being collected and will be forwarded to the association for further action.
Assoc. Prof. Amorn highlighted the severity of the recent earthquake and its impact on tall buildings, particularly in Bangkok and nearby regions. In response, the association organized over 20 volunteer engineering teams, comprising nearly 500 engineers, to evaluate the damaged structures. The focus is on assessing the stability of building pillars, crucial for structural integrity.
The inspection process involves consulting building plans to identify load-bearing structures and assess potential damage to columns, especially in tall buildings. The evaluation categorizes cracks into four levels, ranging from minor issues to severe structural damage requiring substantial reinforcement before repairs.
Assoc. Prof. Amorn noted that post-inspection, findings will be documented in a database, and Google Maps will be used to visualize inspected areas in Nonthaburi and Bangkok. This data will inform summary reports for government agencies.