Protecting Adjacent Sensitive Structures: Dilapidation Surveys and Building Impact Assessments (BIA)
Key Takeaways Adjacent structures can be affected by excavation, vibration, groundwater changes, temporary works, and construction loading. A carefully planned survey and building impact assessment creates a factual baseline for protection, monitoring, and fair resolution of disputes. Record existing conditions before construction begins. Assess both the building and the proposed construction effects. Give vulnerable structures […]
Slope Stabilisation & Soil Nailing: Submission Workflows for Temporary Hillside Excavations
Key Takeaways A defensible hillside excavation submission connects the ground model, temporary works design, authority requirements, and construction controls from the beginning. Define the temporary and permanent works interfaces before design responsibility becomes unclear. Investigate soil, rock, groundwater, drainage, adjacent assets, and existing utilities proportionately to risk. Verify soil nailing against local and global failure […]
Common Reasons BCA Rejects Temporary ERSS Submissions (And How to Avoid Them)
Key Takeaways Temporary ERSS submissions are commonly returned when the technical evidence, drawings, design assumptions, and authority responses do not form one clear and verifiable package. Confirm that every required form, report, calculation, drawing, and supporting record is included. Base the ERSS design on current site investigation, groundwater, utility, and neighbouring-structure information. Show the design […]
The Annex C & Annex E Workflow: On-Site ERSS Compliance During Execution
Key Takeaways ERSS compliance during execution depends on disciplined supervision, clear authority, and records that connect site actions to approved design and monitoring requirements. Annex C controls the construction and inspection workflow for ERSS works. Annex E provides the monitoring, threshold, and response framework. The RE, RTO, and Site Manager need distinct but coordinated responsibilities. […]
The Cost of ERSS Submissions in Singapore: Breakdown of Consultant Fees, Checking Fees, and Testing
Key Takeaways ERSS costs depend on the excavation, ground conditions, design responsibility, checking requirements, and the level of construction-stage support needed. A useful budget separates professional fees from testing, monitoring, authority coordination, and risk allowances. ERSS is a temporary earth-retaining system used to support excavations and control ground movement. Consultant fees rise with excavation depth, […]
Temporary King Post and Strutting Systems: Structural Detailing for BCA Approval
Key Takeaways A temporary king post and strutting system is only as reliable as its design basis, connections, construction sequence, and site control. BCA approval depends on a coordinated package that explains both the engineering and how the system will be built. Define the ground, loading, geometry, and construction stages before detailing steel. Check member […]
Essential structural guidelines for building a swimming pool in your landed home
Key Takeaways Designing a swimming pool for a landed property involves navigating a complex landscape of regulatory, geotechnical, and engineering requirements to ensure long-term stability and safety. Adhere to site-specific setbacks and zoning rules mandated by planning authorities. Prioritize professional soil investigations to determine appropriate foundation design. Model structural integrity through advanced analysis before starting […]
When exactly do you need a structural PE for HDB renovations? A homeowner’s guide
Key Takeaways Understanding structural safety guidelines is essential for any homeowner planning a home upgrade. Here are the core principles you need to know: Structural modifications often require professional certification to ensure building stability. HDB permits are mandatory for specific hacking works to protect block integrity. Identifying the difference between load-bearing and non-structural walls prevents […]
Boosting Construction Safety: Insights from Tung Ching Yew
Workplace safety in Singapore has seen some positive movement, with a notable drop in fatalities in the first half of the year compared to last year. This improvement is partly thanks to a "Heightened Safety Period." While this is good news, the Manpower Ministry points out that there’s still work to do, especially in the […]
Building Safely: A New Approach to Construction Design
Singapore has a big goal: to create a safe and healthy workplace for everyone. They’re aiming not just to match the safety records of developed countries, but to be among the best in the world. One way they’re working towards this is with new guidelines for designing buildings and structures safely. These guidelines focus on […]