Abstract
PurposeThis paper highlights a crucial public safety issue due to falling objects from tall residential buildings in Singapore. A systematic façade inspection regime and a system of evaluation of severity for the detection and assessment of potential falling objects from tall buildings are presented.Design/methodology/approachThe research uses qualitative case study approach with 450 tall residential buildings sampled for the study. The common materials, elements, components with high risk of falling objects, the nature and type of the falling, the critical factors affecting the falling, the respective level of severity, and the effectiveness of various diagnostic techniques and protocols, are summarised.FindingsFaçade for tall residential buildings in Singapore comprises mainly cementitious materials cast in situ or precast, with fixtures and architectural features, all of which have potential of falling. The common anomalies arising from each material and fixture/features are identified, the causes evaluated and their implications to future design, construction and maintenance analysed.Originality/valueThis study provides original and significant information to a crucial public safety issue, setting design and construction criteria that will serve as a benchmark for new and existing facades, applicable to all cities dominated by tall buildings. The paper presents original figures, checklists and guides as a basis for readers' consideration to use according to their respective unique conditions.
Highlights
In the year 2018, the percentage of public residential building in Singapore exceeding the age of 20 and 30 years were 74 and 56%, respectively (Figures 1 and 2)
The city has reported more than 90 incidents in the past three years where parts of facades fell off (Plate 1)
Have these cases appeared on media headlines, they have gone all the way into the parliament as a serious public safety issue
Summary
In the year 2018, the percentage of public residential building in Singapore exceeding the age of 20 and 30 years were 74 and 56%, respectively (Figures 1 and 2). The city has reported more than 90 incidents in the past three years where parts of facades fell off (Plate 1) Have these cases appeared on media headlines, they have gone all the way into the parliament as a serious public safety issue. A new legislation on periodic façade inspection (PFI) was passed in Singapore on 6 March 2020, subjecting facades of older tall buildings for a mandatory inspection every seven years by a qualified person for potential falling objects. This new inspection regime is applicable to all buildings taller than 13 m and older than 20 years
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