Hong Kong engineers split over conclusion rail platforms at centre of MTR construction scandal are safe
- Institution of Engineers believes expert testimony supports position that station is safe
- But small group of members disagrees and wants an apology for move it says damages profession’s reputation
The row over the structural integrity of newly built platforms at a Hong Kong train station has further split the city’s top engineering body, with members accusing it of damaging the profession’s reputation by prematurely concluding the structure is safe.
The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE), which has more than 34,000 members, was criticised on Wednesday after it said Hung Hom station was structurally sound, a view it said was based on expert opinion.
A commission of inquiry into allegations of poor construction practices on the Sha Tin-Central Link, which at HK$97.1 billion (US$12.4 billion) is Hong Kong’s most expensive rail project, has heard testimony from a variety of experts as it investigates whether corners were cut during reinforcement work on the platforms and supporting diaphragm walls were changed without authorisation.
Last week, Professor Don McQuillan, director of RPS Consulting Engineers, told the inquiry one of the platforms did not need steel bars in the bottom layers to maintain its structural integrity because of the large reserve capacity provided in the station design.
The chartered engineer, appointed by the commission to give his independent opinion, said the structure would still be fine, even if it were supported by bamboo, or was empty inside.