Lead structural engineer for The Scotts Tower (pictured) was one of six engineers recognised for overcoming project challenges with engineering solutions while ensuring safe design and construction at the BCA awards. (Artist’s Impression: Far East Organisation)
The lead structural engineer for The Scotts Tower has been recognised at the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) Design Engineering and Safety Excellence Awards, reported The Straits Times.
Aaron Foong was one of the six engineers recognised in this year’s BCA awards, which recognise engineering solutions which overcame project challenges while ensuring safe design and construction. The six engineers were behind eight projects in Singapore.
One of the few buildings in Singapore with an “open view” concept at its lower storeys, The Scotts Tower’s whole structure is supported by four inward-slanting columns, with the residential units starting only from the third floor up.
The load of the 30-storey residential development is carried by a single, elevated floor plate, freeing up the space on the lower storey and providing more room for residents to move around.
“Space is important because we are living in an environment that’s very dense. Every single footprint area is valuable. If we can free it up in a cost-effective manner, that is something we should strive for,” explained Foong, who is from engineering firm KTP Consultants.
He revealed that his team faced various challenges during the construction process, such as its proximity to an MRT protection zone and unfavourable soil conditions.
To overcome these challenges, the team used a dual-ring earth retaining wall, which enabled them to build the tower while excavating the podium basement. The ring also allowed them to remove the soft clayish soil as it protected the nearby MRT tunnels.
Other innovative features include an “outrigger transfer system”, which helped stabilise the building’s structure. With a construction cost of around S$105 million, The Scotts Tower was developed by Far East Organization.
Aside from The Scotts Tower, BCA also conferred the top award to engineers of these developments – NUS AS8, SBF Center and the Singapore Management University School of Law building.
Meanwhile, merit awards were handed out to engineers of the following developments – Galaxis, H2O Residences, Intra-Island Cableway at Sentosa Island and Grace Assembly of God Church.
This article was edited by Denise Djong.
