With the addition of our two new Hanjin DB-10KB drilling machines, we are now able to support projects that require drilling up to 200m deep (HW size) and 200mm wide in addition to its capability to drill rods or casing up to 6m length per time with the extendable mast. Furthermore, these machines also come with an attached water pump and SPT hammer which enhances our operational efficiencies and productivity.

What do we use these new machines for?

These machines are used for geotechnical drilling per se, but specifically they are used to create boreholes by drilling to extract soil materials or to gather data for evaluation purposes. The process of drilling bore-holes forms part of various geotechnical site investigations that are conducted to ascertain the conditions and the characteristics of the underlying soil/ground prior to construction works. Gathering accurate data on the geotechnical properties will affect the design of structures such as dams, bridges, highways, embankments, retaining structures and buildings.

Why is geotechnical site investigation needed?

Ensuring soil conditions meet industry and construction standards are crucial to the viability and safety of any construction projects, otherwise the consequences are detrimental. Any incorrect testing procedures can produce inaccurate results which can lead to financial and legal problems in the future should construction proceed. Selecting an accredited laboratory not only reduce financial and legal risk but also provide the confidence in data accuracy for further design or construction works.

How is geotechnical site investigation conducted?

Various in situ tests such as SPT, PMT, VST, and permeability test etc. will be carried out at site to determine the physical properties and parameters of the soil.  Upon drilling, undisturbed (UD) soil materials/samples are extracted with a UD sampler tube. Thereafter, the UD samples are prepared and tested in laboratories for various mechanical, physical, and chemical tests. These tests are conducted by qualified geotechnical engineers who oversee the process to ensure it complies with national standards, guaranteeing the reliability and integrity of the results. It is therefore vital to choose a trusted and accredited laboratory such as CAST Laboratories that provides geotechnical drilling and soil investigation services across Singapore, Malaysia and Cambodia.

To find out more about our geotechnical drilling or site investigation services, contact us today at +65 6801 6000.

The post Arrival of Our New Drilling & Boring Machines appeared first on CAST Laboratories.

It’s not uncommon for a person to experience slight “swaying” when standing at the high floor of a high rise building and that feeling is more intense when the building is higher. Not to worry as these are normal occurrences in tall buildings. Most high-rise buildings are built to withstand such swaying movements due to the higher wind velocity at higher altitude. The building will not collapse, unless it has been built poorly without compliance to safety standards and regulations.

In Singapore, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) ensures that building are designed, constructed and maintained in a safe manner by putting in place high safety standards for the built environment sector. There are many elements of building safety to consider just for a single building structure. From the land that it is built on, to the structures that hold up and support the building, to the materials used to construct the building, as well as the window panels, doors, tiles, etc. Every part of the building will need to undergo safety checks, testing and inspection before the building or structure is deemed safe for human occupation.

Even after the building has been deemed as safe, regular inspections are required. Periodic testing and inspection of buildings is important to ensure that the building structure and condition is still safe for continued use or occupancy after several years of wear and tear.

The interval of the inspection will depend on the nature of the building. In Singapore, the BCA requires the safety inspection to be done every 5 years for non-residential buildings, and 10 years for residential buildings (excluding landed and temporary buildings). In March 2020, a new rule was passed under the Building Control Act which requires the inspection to be done every 7 years for buildings older than 20 years and taller than 13 metres.

With such high safety standards and stringent regulations put in place, the buildings in Singapore are definitely safe, regardless of their height.

Photo by Mike Enerio on Unsplash

The post Are Tall Buildings Safe? appeared first on CAST Laboratories.