Bangkok sees surge in building crack reports post-earthquake
Reports of building cracks across Bangkok have surged to almost 6,000 cases via Traffy Fondue. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is adjusting its system to ensure timely action by volunteer engineers.
Bangkok Deputy Governor Sannon Wangsrangboon yesterday, March 29, disclosed that after the earthquake, over 2,100 cases of building cracks were reported within a day.
By midday, this number had increased to over 5,000 as public awareness grew. The main issue is that condominium juristic persons or building owners are required to conduct annual inspections.
Sannon added that Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt instructed building owners of structures taller than eight floors and those falling into nine specific categories to conduct immediate inspections post-earthquake and provide daily reports.
This directive aims to alleviate the burden on volunteer engineers by holding juristic persons accountable for buildings exceeding eight floors.
In addressing public inquiries about building damage assessments, the BMA has clarified that complaints can continue as before. However, response protocols will be clearer.
Buildings over eight floors are categorised into three cases. Case one involves non-structural cracks; engineers will confirm safety, allowing for the closure of the case. Despite BMA’s directives, juristic persons must still re-evaluate.
Case two involves ambiguous damage; initial advice mirrors case one, but further inspection is arranged.
Case three involves visible structural impacts; residents will be advised to vacate, and engineers will promptly intervene, notifying juristic persons.
For buildings under eight floors, significant impact is rare. If deemed safe, engineers will close the case. In potentially dangerous situations, local volunteer engineers will conduct assessments.
With increased public engagement, more volunteer engineers are assisting, dividing tasks into two teams: those with civil engineering certifications handle complex cases, while others manage simpler ones.
Currently, over 5,500 cases are being addressed, with a central team from the Engineering Institute of Thailand managing data from field engineers.
Of over 2,000 previously submitted cases, around 700 require site visits, often involving multiple reports for the same building. By 12pm, 28 cases had been inspected, with seven completed, though more cases await reporting.
Public praise has been received for BMA’s efficient case management through Traffy Fondue. The collaboration of engineers from various sectors highlights Bangkok’s skilled workforce.
In crises, volunteer engineers have rapidly united to work tirelessly, showcasing the engineering profession’s ability to support Bangkok’s residents through these challenges, according to Deputy Governor Sannon.
Residents who discover cracks or building damage from earthquakes can report issues easily without downloading an app. By adding Line @traffyfondue, or clicking the link https://page.line.me/105rlyvn, they can submit pictures, locations, and details comprehensively, reported KhaoSod.
The reporting process via LINE OA involves four steps: adding Line @traffyfondue, selecting แจ้งรอยร้าวอาคาร (report building cracks) from the menu, providing detailed information including building type, height, crack size in millimetres, the floor where the crack is found, a contact number, multiple photos from wide and narrow angles, and sharing the location. Users then await a response for further inspection.
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