Concerns are growing over the structural safety of the GTX-A Samsung Station after it was revealed that rebar was missing from the construction site. Hyundai Engineering & Construction has proposed a "steel plate reinforcement method" to address the issue, but experts are questioning whether this approach can ensure safety. While adding steel plates to the exterior of concrete columns is being considered a practical solution, it must undergo comprehensive verification due to the unique characteristics of deep underground railway structures, including repeated train vibrations, fire resistance, and long-term maintenance.
On May 20, the National Assembly's Land and Transport Committee held an urgent inquiry regarding the substandard construction at GTX-A Samsung Station. Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim Yoon-deok stated, "We will conduct a comprehensive investigation of all columns and evaluate the reinforcement plan proposed by the Seoul City through accredited institutions to determine the optimal reinforcement method."
The issue arose in the underground level five of the GTX platform at the Yeongdong-daero underground space complex development project. Out of 80 columns in this section, 50 were classified as not meeting structural standards. The design required two strands of 29-32 mm main rebar to be bundled together, but only one strand was placed during the concrete pouring process. Approximately 2,500 pieces of rebar, totaling 178 tons, were reported missing.
As an alternative, Hyundai Engineering & Construction suggested wrapping the concrete columns with structural steel plates to enhance strength, a method estimated to cost around 3 billion won. The key question is whether this method can withstand the long-term usage conditions of the Samsung Station structure. Unlike ordinary buildings, the GTX Samsung Station is a deep underground railway transfer facility, which requires stricter scrutiny regarding load, vibration, and fire response standards.
The Ministry of Land believes that the reinforcement plan proposed by Seoul City needs verification by accredited institutions. The effectiveness of the steel plate reinforcement method depends on the steel plates and concrete columns functioning as a single structure, necessitating verification of adhesive durability, bonding strength, connection quality, and fire resistance performance.
Experts acknowledge the structural benefits of steel plate reinforcement but emphasize the importance of long-term maintenance and verification processes. Professor Gong Jeong-sik from Korea University, who chairs the Structural Division of the Korean Society of Civil Engineers, stated, "Reinforcing with steel plates could significantly increase strength depending on the method used. However, additional measures may be necessary to address fire risks, and the stability of the connection method will be crucial."
Professor Park Chang-geun from Kwandong University noted that redoing the construction could be an option, but the Ministry of Land should comprehensively assess various alternatives for safety and feasibility. Conversely, some experts argue that redoing the construction may not be practical. Shin Young-cheol, head of the Economic Justice Action Citizens' Coalition's National Project Monitoring Team, explained, "If the slab has already been poured on top of the columns, demolition is practically impossible. Realistically, there may not have been many options other than steel plate reinforcement."
Shin also pointed out issues related to subcontracting and inadequate oversight. He stated, "It appears that both the construction company and the supervisory team delegated responsibilities to subcontractors without proper verification, and the failure to check the rebar placement before pouring concrete is the biggest issue."
A representative from Hyundai Engineering & Construction remarked, "After reviewing various structural analysis methods, the opinion from Seoul City is that there are no structural problems. We are focusing on how to safely repair and reinforce the structure."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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