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.

Over 30 volunteers from The Tai Sin Group of Companies gathered together with MP Poh Li San to take part in this meaningful initiative.

CAST Lab Staff from left to right: Lynn, How Yong, Terence, Michael, Palika, Vani, Thinagran volunteering at WeCare @ North West – Service Weeks

As part of a coordinated effort organised by North West CDC, a total of 7,300 festive packs were distributed to 22,000 residents in the North West District.

Graphic Credit: North West CDC Facebook

Special thanks to all our volunteers from Tai Sin Electric Limited, Lim Kim Hai Electric Co (S) Pte Ltd, LKH Precicon Pte Ltd, LKH Projects Distribution Pte Ltd and CAST Laboratories Pte Ltd for your support.

From Left to Right: Tai Sin Electric Executive Vice President, Mr. Lin Chen Mou, Lim Kim Hai CEO, Mr Ong Wee Heng, MP Poh Li San and Resident of North West District. Photo Credit: North West CDC Facebook

The post 2022 WeCare @ North West – Service Weeks appeared first on CAST Laboratories.

Over a course of 4 weeks, used apparels were collected from Tai Sin Group of Companies namely Tai Sin Electric, Lim Kim Hai Electric, CAST Laboratories and Astar Laboratory.

On Friday, 21st January 2022,  donated clothes of $530 together with a cheque of $1200 was presented by Tai Sin Electric’s Executive Vice President, Mr. Lin Chen Mou to Lions Club of Singapore West in support of National Parks Board, Plant-A-Tree Programme.

Even though it started to rain half way through the event, staff from the Tai Sin Group of Companies and Lions Club passionately shifted the apparels indoors until it was ready to be loaded onto the pick-up truck.

CAST Laboratories would like to thank everyone who had contributed to the donation drive.

The post Used Clothes Donation Drive appeared first on CAST Laboratories.

Hope you have a fabulous Chinese New Year and may this festive season pour in great success and good health to all!

新年快乐, 虎年大吉, 虎气冲天!

Please kindly take note of our business hours during this festive period:

• Monday, 31st January 2022: Normal business hours (08:30am – 6:00pm)
• Tuesday, 1st February 2022 to Saturday, 5th February 2022: Closed

We will resume normal business operations on Monday, 7th February 2022.

For more information, please kindly refer to our official notice: CAST Lab – Notice of Office Closure for CNY 2022.

The post Lunar New Year 2022 Office Closure appeared first on CAST Laboratories.

On this day, although we were unable to hold a formal event to celebrate this special occasion, we managed to organise a virtual event, in-line with the current COVID-19 safety measures to commemorate our 40th Anniversary.

With this, we held our lucky draw and long service award presentation virtually for the first time! While the atmosphere was different with the restrictions that we have to adhere to, we hope that the passion remains in all our hearts.

Congratulations to our lucky draw winners and our employees who have received their long service award on this day!

Last but not least, we would like to thank everyone for being with CAST Laboratories throughout these 40 years and let us work together to more years of success ahead!

The post CAST Lab’s 40th Anniversary appeared first on CAST Laboratories.

We are glad to be able to be a part of this GRT Programme managed by SMF Centre for Corporate Learning (CCL). Thank you to SMF CCL for this opportunity to share our experience under the GRT Programme!

The post Global Ready Talent Programme (GRT) appeared first on CAST Laboratories.

新年快乐 万事如意!

Meanwhile, kindly take note of our business hours during this festive period:

• Wednesday, 10th February 2021: Normal business hours (8.30am – 6.00pm)
• Thursday, 11th February 2021: Operations will be at minimal level
• Friday, 12th February 2021 to Tuesday, 15th February 2021: Closed

Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, 16th February 2021.

For more information, kindly refer to our official notice: CAST Lab – Notice of Office Closure during Lunar New Year Period

The post Lunar New Year 2021 Office Closure 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.

Should you need to make a trip down to our office premises, please be reminded to have a mask on and adhere by proper distancing rules at all times, and have your temperature reading taken at the guard house entrance.
*Visitors with high temperature reading and/or displaying symptoms similar to that of the COVID-19 infection will be refused entry.*

To prevent crowds from forming, we would advise you to make an appointment with the relevant person-in-charge, if possible, before heading down to our office premises. If you have any queries, please feel free to call us, we will be more than happy to assist you.

Thank you and stay safe.
Together we can overcome. #SGunited

The post COVID-19: Safe Distancing appeared first on CAST Laboratories.

In light of the current COVID-19 situation after PM Lee’s announcement on the 3rd of April, we would like to inform you that CAST Lab’s business and operations will not be affected and will remain open during this period.

Meanwhile, we will continue to adhere to health safety measures and guidelines according to the government health advisories.

Thank you for your support, stay safe and healthy!

Ref: Letter to Stakeholders on CAST Lab Operations from 7 Apr to 4 May 2020.pdf

The post We remain open from 7 Apr – 4 May 2020 appeared first on CAST Laboratories.