Thai engineer confirms the safety of Phra Nang Klao bridge

[webfact]

 

In response to buzzing speculation concerning the slim pillars of Phra Nang Klao Bridge, a key project engineer has affirmed that the bridge is indeed designed to global engineering standards. The suspicion arose last Thursday when a Japanese holidaymaker posted a photo of the bridge on Twitter, voicing fears about the slender columns.

 

The post sent ripples through the online community, being retweeted more than 8000 times and viewed by 13 million people. This sparked a contentious debate on Thai construction safety, with widespread apprehension voiced regarding the pillars’ stability during earthquakes.

 

Patthanapong Thongsuk, an engineer who closely supervised the project, assured the press of the safety and sturdiness of the structure. Thongsuk reiterated that the bridge design meets regulatory compliance as set by the Thai Department of Highways as well as the international AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials).

 

He elaborated that the base of each pillar spans approximately 80 centimetres in thickness and 410cm in width. The height of the columns can range from 10 to 15 metres. The design of the bridge includes allowances in joint spaces allowing for natural contraction and expansion due to thermal effect.

 

by Mitch Connor 

Photo by David Tang via Flickr

 

#news

Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thai-engineer-confirms-slim-pillars-on-phra-nang-klao-bridge-meet-global-standards

 

-- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-08

 

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Related topic: Japanese Tourist Questions Structural Integrity of Thai Bridges; Sparks Online Debate

[JoePai]

Thai engineer confirms the safety of Phra Nang Klao bridge

 

In that case nothing to worry about, move along please  ????

[Tropicalevo]

21 minutes ago, webfact said:

the bridge is indeed designed to global engineering standards

Design - OK.

Construction - ???

[Robin]

More likely that  "Thai engineer was told to say that bridge i safe"

[rbkk]

I'd be very concerned about wind speeds up there during a storm. Particularly in high-sided vehicles. 

[Ben Zioner]

Googled "Riccardo Morandi", died some 34 years ago. We are safe.

[smedly]

global Thai engineering standards 555

 

anyway, it was most likely engineered by foreigners like everything else is, at least I hope so

[hotchilli]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

He elaborated that the base of each pillar spans approximately 80 centimetres in thickness and 410cm in width.

High winds, ground floods and a possible earthquake that will collapse like a domino affect

[hotchilli]

23 minutes ago, smedly said:

anyway, it was most likely engineered by foreigners like everything else is, at least I hope so

Built by Myanmars finest on the lowest daily rate.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

And in his spare time, the engineer involved does escalator system inspections at Don Mueang... ????

 

[ujayujay]

3 hours ago, hotchilli said:

High winds, ground floods and a possible earthquake that will collapse like a domino affect

You seem to me to be a real bridge expert..... but sorry, never heard of you

[kidneyw]

42 minutes ago, ujayujay said:

You seem to me to be a real bridge expert..... but sorry, never heard of you

Plays dominoes on a Sunday down the pub.

[hotchilli]

12 hours ago, ujayujay said:

You seem to me to be a real bridge expert..... but sorry, never heard of you

Likewise.

[Skipalongcassidy]

I avoid everything engineered to Thai standards that is over 4 feet off the ground...

[somchaiq]

The Bridge is already some 38 years old, and nothing was happened. You can find some details at Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phra_Nang_Klao_Bridge

Quote

Phra Nang Klao Bridge started construction in 1983 and completed 1985

[jacko45k]

On 7/8/2023 at 9:27 AM, JoePai said:

Thai engineer confirms the safety of Phra Nang Klao bridge

 

In that case nothing to worry about, move along please  ????

They used the same guy who checked the moving walkways at Don Meung Airport,

[geisha]

Probably 30+ years ago buildings/  bridges were better built. I met a very nice guy in Phuket about 30  years ago  , and him and his company had been hired to build a bridge in Bangkok. Nice guy too from London. You can see the construction problems on the newer condos all over Thailand. Cutting costs on all the materials. I can remember the first modern mall top Bangla Rd having problems with the basement cracks.