Could this be the key to Opal Tower debacle? Engineers flag doubts over structural support beams in cracked building
- Engineers investigating defects in the Opal Tower raise queries on the cause
- Investigators disagree over the strength of concrete used in the support beams
- Some say the concrete panels cracked because of too much pressure
- Another theory argue over the quality of grouting between beams and panels
- Residents began returning to the building despite being told to stay away
Engineers have flagged doubts about the quality of the structural support beams in a cracked residential building.
Sydney’s 38-floor Opal Tower was previously evacuated twice because of cracks found in concrete panels on the building’s outer walls.
Four separate investigations are underway to determine the cause of the building’s defects with an interim report having missed it’s expected release date of last Friday.
Engineers have flagged doubts and disagreed over the quality of the structural support beams in cracked residential building Opal Tower (pictured)
Sydney’s 38-floor Opal Tower was previously evacuated twice because of the cracks found in the concrete panels (pictured)
One theory suggests that there was too much pressure on the concrete panels because of the questionable quality of the support beams, according to The Australian.
Another theory argues that the grouting – a dense fluid of water, cement and sand mixtures used to fill gaps – of both the panels and support beams led to the cracks.
Reports were handed to Planning Minister Anthony Roberts on the specifications that Icon Co, the Opal Towers’ builder, followed.
An interim report was expected to come out last Friday following the two evacuations of the building.
The investigation team includes Rincovitch Partners, WSP, a third party hired by Icon and engineering firm Cardno.
The New South Wales government also appointed University of New South Wales Dean of Engineering Mark Hoffman and University of Newcastle’s School of Engineering John Carter for the investigation.
Around 300 people were forced out of Opal Tower on Christmas Eve after a loud sound was heard and a large crack appeared in a panel on the tenth floor
A remediation and reoccupation plan for the building has been agreed upon by all parties involved in the investigation.
Some residents have returned to Opal Towers despite being advised to keep clear until the cause of the defect has been determined.
Around 300 people were forced out of the brand-new high-rise building in Olympic Park on Christmas Eve after a loud sound was heard and a large crack appeared in a panel on the tenth floor.