TOC reporter investigates the new steel shafts with which the HDB is constructing new lifts and shows you what you are paying for in the Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP).
Boris Chan
HDB’s cost-saving measures for new lifts is a matter of concern – in terms of safety and long-term maintenance costs – for residents. Who will pay, ultimately?
According to a Parliament report, HDB has switched to using only steel lift shafts for its Lift Upgrading Programme since March 2007.
MP for Sembawang GRC, Dr Lim Wee Kiak, had asked the Minister for National Development (MND) for clarification on the designs and the differences in construction cost for each of the designs.
Minister Mah Bow Tan assured the House that the Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP) “is carried out in a cost-effective manner.”
To this end, we have switched from the use of conventional concrete to lighter materials such as ferroconcrete and steel in the construction of new lift shafts.
Mr Mah explained that the cost of a ferroconcrete lift shaft in a typical 11-storey LUP block is about $386,000 (1) each. The cost of a steel lift shaft is about $350,000 each. This is about 6%-15% lower than the cost of a conventional concrete lift shaft, estimated to be around $410,000.
Since the steel lift shaft is cheaper than ferroconcrete lift shafts, HDB has used only steel lift shafts for its LUP works since March 2007.
In another Parliament session in Nov 2008, in reply to the same MP, Mr Mah said that both steel and ferroconcrete lift shafts are comparable in their performance as hoistways for lifts.
They can be prefabricated and then assembled on site, hence speeding up the construction period and minimising inconvenience to residents. They are also lighter in weight compared to conventional concrete lift shafts, thus reducing the amount of new foundation required and the total cost of construction.
Mr Mah’s reply mainly focused on the primary function of the lift shaft and the main emphasis was on cost saving. He did not really answer any concerns about the disadvantages between the use of steel lift shafts compared to ferroconcrete lift shafts.
Mr Low Thia Khiang, Workers’ Party MP, raised a specific concern of the steel lift shafts in Parliament:
“…. would the use of steel, which by nature is a better conductor of heat, increase the breakdown frequency of the various heat-sensitive mechanical and electronic components of the lifts? This will have implications on maintenance cost.”
This is a good example of the potential disadvantages between the use of steel and ferroconcrete and the maintenance cost issue Mr Mah which did not address.
Let us take a closer look at how some metal lift shafts are constructed and understand what potential maintenance issues Town Councils and residents may face.
Construction of steel lift shaft (Click on pictures to enlarge)
Steel “I” beams extend upward to form the shaft’s structural framework.
This concrete and steel framework is structurally sound and there is no reason to be concerned about it.
The maintenance concern arises from the materials used to form the wall of the lift shaft. In one particular project, the wall is made of a layer of metal wire mesh, a layer of insulation material and a layer of metal panel.
The metal wire mesh is mounted on the steel structural framework as shown in the following photos:
The potential issues with this “wall structure” are:
1. Corrosion of the metal wire mesh and screws fastening the metal panels to the framework.
2. Water leaking into lift shaft due to hardening of the sealing material between connecting metal panels.
Such issues may only surface 10, 15 or 20 years from now.
The steel lift shafts are $36,000 cheaper than the ferroconcrete lift shafts to construct. But this construction method may have both maintenance and costs issues in the long run. Did HDB study these before deciding to use the steel lift shaft design?
Will the steel shaft “wall structure” bear higher maintenance risk over other options like ferroconcrete lift shafts? How are town councils going to inspect these lift shafts for potential issues and ensure public safety?
More photo of steel lift shaft under constructiion
—–
Great! This looks like lifts structure that are used in construction sites.
I’ll like to see them declare this world class. The bright side to this is; the more pathetic the PAP wards look, the more likely the older gen of voters can see that voting for an opposition member to run their ward will not make a diff to their well being.
The apparent advantage here is that the steel shaft lifts can access every floor. I remember the past LUPs include lifts that stopped every 2 floors
All because of money money money, and not because of the safety of the end users. So what is $36K saving like when the money paid to the TCs are infact ever increasing from year to year, and instead we are getting more and more inferior goods that only looks good from outside? And again, where are all the profits made all these years from these PAP TCs? where? gambling again right?
great research and pics. not a major point as compared to safety & maintenance, but i would still like to add that since the lifts in my block have undergone LUP, they are considerably slower in opening and closing. it’s not so minor when one factors in that they can stop at every floor now.
It looks very flimsy and in the slideshow, see how the whole lift shaft structure is attached to the main block – with two screws????
“Such issues may only surface 10, 15 or 20 years from now….Did HDB study these before deciding to use the steel lift shaft design?”
Sorry, but according to someone, they can’t judge even 7 months in advance, so we can forget about years…and when an accident happen, it is a honest mistake
Sounds very familiar to me too. Didn’t what our MM mentioned that we have all the buffers standby to withstand any crisis just some 7 months before the entire world financial melt down? So now what? just fold your arms and wait for worse thing to happen, and then we see how later, is it?
What the author highlighted is a real concern. Technically speaking this lift shaft will not last a direct impact from a car accidentally rammed into it due to the built. I think mah bao lan is willing to take the risk since there isn’t any earthquake in Singapore. However, if this kind of lift shaft are to build in current 30 ~ 40 stories HDB. I urge Singaporean even consider buying it.
Do not underestimate the Singapore heat, given time, it will very well wear the joints of such structure especially the seal between gaps. There water will slipped in, the rest will be history. Don’t think it can wait till 10 years for problem to arise. 6 to 8 years should sufficient for nature to do it’s fair share.
Before this, lift shaft is usually precast lego. These precast block consisted of steel bar or they call it rebar within the concrete. This give it the stength to last for very long time, because the steels are covered within the concrete which prevent it from getting rust sooner. On the other hand, the steel compliment the hard concrete with flexibility upon impact. I think the above budget saved is very much under declared, maybe only the method of construction. Alot more will be saved on the process of construction. Reason is because, precast is heavy, this need bigger crane. Whereas this “new” construction will only need a smaller crane. Moreover, less lead time more saving because require less manpower and time spent.
Ultimately, the main concern is how much saving is going to be translated into Singaporean pockets? Are they going to pay the same price where the real saving goes only to HDB? or government?
Secondly, don’t be too much worry about the maintenance. The most when the lift shaft is too much for repairs. All mah bao LAN will just declare these HDB reached it age and enblock. That will put alot of smile on Singaporean and there you go, another sucessful coverup.
Finally, if one day, another sotong aunty mistaken the accelerator for brake and reversed into the lift shaft. Follow by many people stucked inside the lift (another flyer case). You will know what I am trying to say above. Hope HDB do consider building the lift shaft far away from the carpark. God bless all the old estate Singaporean will new lift upgrade.
Classic case of penny wise pound foolish!!!
just a comment, from the picture, it looks pretty flimsy compared to the old school precast
The key here is sand.
Notice that this started when Singapore has sand supply problems. IRs have the higher priority for sand. IRs make money for the government, so they get the sand first.
LUP for HDB do not generate money. In fact, it COSTS government money.
Aiyah.. just send those with no economic value to JB lah.
Complain this and complain that… sheeze..
For a mere $36,000? This upgraded elevator looks more like a lego toy to me than those traditional concrete lifts we had. Are u sure they are above to withstand the weight of people or even earthquakes, with people in it?
those town councils have money for minibonds in dbs and no money for their citizens. hey there who is paying them all those maintainance fees hah? why endanger the lives of people using the lifts.
Let me guess.. These experimental cheap lift upgrades will be tested in Opposition wards first. If anything goes wrong with the, the PAP wards will not suffer.
like a phd thesis.
well done.
bloody hell! HDB earn so much from sales of flats, still cut costs here and there?
aiyoyo
is commoners safety taken into consider?
did not the commoners pay for lift upgrade?
why previous ones can have concrete, now no concrete one?
what happen?
always discrepancy one – ELITEs!
tot we have to standard throughout?
safety 1st i believe, cost also 1st, but ultimately is commoners safety assured?
and some more, previously ELITEs tear down some upgraded flats which just
done within couple of years in HG, why take this type actions?
getting more blur as more news seen in this ELITEs country…
aiyoyo
The steel lift structure are expose to air. Rust and corrosion will set in due to our weather. Moreover, I believe the expansion and contraction of the structure, exposed to heat, will weaken the tightness of the bolts and screws.
As ronin had said : classic case of penny wise, pound foolish.
I am glad that I dont live in the HDB flats
i think mah probably is planning for short to medium term use. not forgetting these upgraded flats are already over 20 years old, add another 10 to 15 use of the new lifts, it shld be time to put up for enbloc.
Thanks TOC for bringing to us, the mere mortalities, this wonderfully written and informative news. Bravo!
Hi All,
I no money buy news due to risen and rising costs.
did anyone see this kind of news reported by any of our well respected MSM?
My Eunos HDB flat current lift upgrading is based on new steel shaft design. From the looks, it really look flimsy like on 4 thin steel stilts wonder if it will prone to rust (as Singapore is very humid) out in the open or not consider it is not encase with concrete like those traditional lift. Therefore, if stuck in the lift during earthquake will have to pray to God for death be swift and painless.
That’s why ELITES don;t take Lifts all their lives…..any danger waiting for happened is the common people who pay them,,,,
If there is even 1 death due to aftershock from our neighbour Indonesia’s earthquakes (which does happen), is the $36,000 enough compensation for the family left behind?
What ever happened to “Safety first”? Lesser mortal’s life is so cheap in Singapore?
Singapore HDB construction skills have been deteriorating. I have moved into a new flat and have found lots of defects. In my old flat, there were only defects after many years.
19) Peanuts on February 17th, 2009 2.51 am
bloody hell! HDB earn so much from sales of flats, still cut costs here and there?
=============
but uncle, how u know they earn so much ?
i am not saying you are wrong. but honestly, without official figure given for the cost of building a flat, we may never know how much they earn. right not?
1st one to give correct answer gets to lucky draw for a condo. hee hee
Referring to 31) Srilangytus on February 18th, 2009 12.01 am
Give you a hint, a 80 millions contractor sum for 8 blocks of HDB design and build flats.
1. Consist of 16 floors for each block
2. 6 Units each floor (there is 4 and 5 rooms, but that does not matter)
3. There is small garden
4. Play ground
5. Multi-Story car parks.
Now let just calculate 80 millions divided by the (8 blocks X 16 floors X 6 Units) and forget about the rest of the thing like carpark, playground, sheltered pavement, garden etc.
we should come out with something like $104,166 for each unit (assume again there is no different between 4 or 5 rooms). Don’t forget guys, all the carpark, playground, garden etc formed part of the 104,166.
At 2001, 5 room sold at $228,000. They did try to call for $258,000 but no one buy because it is facing Tengah airbase. Day time fighter jet, night time helicopter.
I was with that project for 1.5 years. When it launch, no one response until they willing to cut the price. As mentioned 5 rooms from 258k to 228k. 4 rooms from 180K to 150K (approx). Remember, each unit is very much less than 104,166.
Amazingly, when the price was reduced. It sold like hot cake. You really don’t know what Singaporean thinking, don’t you?
Mah BT is only good with such things.
He should be put in charge of the Ministers’ salary reduction and be given 3 million a year if he managed to reduce it by 50%.
Let’s see if the other ministers can stand him.
Ha.
Suite to the above:
Guess what Mao BT would say if some minister come to him and say:
” Mao, money not enough. Look at the bankers who make so much money. I could be one of them”
He would probably reply:
“ever heard of looking for another job in the bank and slog your way up.”
“with this job, you will sure win”
…
I really think he would say something like that but of course with more powderful english.
we should really tell Mao BT:
“sir, we spend our lives servicing the hdb loan. how can you save 36K for something dubious… get a sense of proportion”
“what do you want: die, cripple for live, or service another decade of loan when this structure collapse?”
Must ask the Finance Minister when can base on trust like that or not for our citizens’ safety?
I think he sure say can one. His duty is only money, money, money mah. Why he care?
Who is in charge of construction/building safety in Sickapore?
Why the Authorities for Building Safety never make any noise?
PAP will sacrifice anything for money. To them, money is the single most important thing. Everything must be measured in term of money and based on the numerical value to determine the intrinsic value someone or something has.
Recently the talks by health minister also mentioned how he tag a price list to our own old folks here. If the healthcare is too expensive, he suggest we send our parents to JB for nursing home. So that we can save cost and visit them once a week.
One cannot think but to feel sad, really sad to see how the younger generation of ministers are capable of. These minister only care about the bottom line. If something is too expensive to pay for, they will source for alternatives even though it means to send your parents away to foreign lands and die there. It is a sin to even suggest that.
1 unit HDB 1 room cost how much? Actual and Real costing will do. Not sale price. no resale price. Only Pure Unadulterated price will suffice.
Remember the saga of falling windows and replacement of window rivets?
They said they followed the industry standard at the time and when that standard was not enough, they updated the standard and everyone paid the price for it.
Ask them, the reply will be safe and meeting all standards. Do they know what standards they are talking about? They never say which standards they are referring to.
When things go wrong, it is “natural wear and tears” or standards need to be updated.
If you heard anything ‘World-Class’, or ‘First-Class’ from anything governmental affilated, take it with a grain of salt.
If its about your safety, be very very worried.
The decision is probably deliberate. Many HDB blocks under the lift upgrading programme are about 15-20 years old. If the useful life of the steel lift shaft is 20 years, the block would have been about 40 years old before the maintenance cost starts to creep up. In that instance, it would be cheaper to completely demolish and redevelop the block, since the rest of the building is likely to need an overhaul as well.
Certainly, like previous posts have mentioned, using steel means that the job can be done faster, and given the fairly high price of concrete, this method must have become a more attractive option primarily for the speed and ease at which it can be constructed. I’ve been using a lot of steel in some projects because of these 2 reasons.
No point building a over-spec lift shaft that is serviceable for 100 years when the main HDB block would have rotted by then. It would be a waste of public funds that can be better spent on other supporting facilities (e.g. playgrounds, covered walkways etc).
They lost so much money in Temasek and GIC alr la. Need to save some money so can gamble again :D
when the elections walk around come, see if the MPs take the new lifts lol
My block also recently upgraded with the steel shalft…. Now They cut cost further forego the insulation layer…..
http://s5.tinypic.com/b7exyo.jpg
46) SBC32 on February 22nd, 2009 11.08 pm
My block also recently upgraded with the steel shalft…. Now They cut cost further forego the insulation layer…..
You might have a construction with an inner metal panel design so you don’t see the insulation. If they forgo the insulation layer, the whole lift shaft will be a metal oven under the sun, like cars sitting in open space parking lot for hours under hot sun.
Perhaps LUP stands for “Low-cost-low-quality Upgrading Program”.
Perhaps HDB is already seriously studying the proposal about building “low-cost” HDB estates with no playgrounds and covered walkways.
48) mrbiao on February 23rd, 2009 12.47 pm
Perhaps HDB is already seriously studying the proposal about building “low-cost” HDB estates with no playgrounds and covered walkways.
Later, the MP can “fight” for these upgrading and “win” residents appreciation.
Maybe Mah has a brainwave and knows that he will not be around to answer for this when the lifts run down in time.
even if the lift fail while the MPs were on visit and they got stuck inside, I bet with you that they won’t do anything about it.
These are actors, and they don’t serve the people.
It’ll take 10 – 15 years before we see the effects of faling apart steel structured lifts. Will Mah Boh Tan be still alive 10 – 15 years from now to answer for it? He’s 61 now. Probably not.