KUALA LUMPUR – The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM) has called for a “thorough” investigation into the collapse of the retaining wall beside Wisma YPR in Taman Seputeh.
The 50,000-member strong professional body added that the relevant parties will be able to mitigate risks of similar failures in the future.
IEM president Prof Norlida Buniyamin said in a statement that the institution is “willing to offer technical assistance and opinion in the investigation”.
“The collapsed structure is a mortared masonry retaining wall (typically known as rubble retaining wall) of about 6m height based on the works minister’s statement and images from media.
“Retaining walls are important structures to retain earth of a higher level from falling to a lower level.
“When the retained height gets larger (retaining wall gets taller), the induced lateral earth pressure behind the retaining wall gets larger too, and poses higher risks if the retaining wall collapses.
“IEM’s position paper Updated Policies and Procedures for Engineering Control of Hill-site Developments dated 25 June 2009 recommended that all existing completed developments with retaining walls more than 3m height shall have the engineering design of such elements to be reviewed and assessed by the qualified persons other than the submitting engineer to determine if upgrading to any wall is necessary and to advise the local authority to order such works immediately,” she added.
Norlida also said a retaining wall collapse is usually not considered a landslide.
“Based on the media photos, and views from Google Map, there is no slope behind the collapsed retaining wall.”
On Thursday, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi shared on his Facebook page that a tarpaulin sheet had been placed at the affected site while cleaning works were carried out.
He added that the affected premises are privately-owned and come under the purview of the City Hall here.
He said his ministry had yet to receive any application for technical assistance and the local authority has the right to request premises owners to appoint a consultant to investigate, subsequently submit a report and remedial methods for approval.
According to Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department senior superintendent Mohd Rizuan Razali, a concrete block had fallen near the guard post the night before the collapse of the retaining wall. – The Vibes, May 6, 2023
