The results of the investigation came out that the collapse of Gwangju HDC Hyundai Industrial Development Hwajeong I-Park, which resulted in 7 casualties, was caused by unauthorized changes to the construction method and non-installation of supports.
Today (28th), the investigation headquarters for the collapse of a new apartment building in Seo-gu, Gwangju (Gwangju Police Agency) briefed the results of the interim investigation in the morning of the same day.
It was found that the cause of the collapse was a combination of changes in the deck plate construction method and non-installation of supports.
Site officials changed the floor construction method on the 39th floor to a deck plate method without prior structural review and added concrete supports to increase the load.
As a result, it was found that 16 floors up to the 23rd floor collapsed in a chain without being able to withstand the load.
In addition, negligence of Hyundai Industrial Development, subcontractors, and supervision was also pointed out as an additional factor in the cause of the collapse.
The site manager of Hyundai Industrial Development, etc., had the subcontractor change to the deck plate method without reviewing the structure, and did not check whether the Dongbari was installed.
The quality control officials did not manage the concrete quality of the ready-mixed concrete company, and the subcontractor, Gahyeon General Construction, site manager, etc., dismantled Dongbari without a structural review. In addition, quality control such as curing concrete was neglected, such as pouring in cold weather.
The supervisor, who has the duty to supervise and manage, tolerated the construction of installing additional concrete supports and did not fulfill his/her responsibilities as a supervisor, such as approving pouring without directly conducting a concrete quality test.
Kim Gwang-nam, deputy head of the investigation, said, “We will continue the rigorous investigation so that we can hold the responsibility for the illegality until the end without leaving a single doubt about the collapse.”
Meanwhile, at 3:47 pm on January 11th, 16 floors collapsed at the construction site of Hwajeong I-Park, Seo-gu, Gwangju. Six workers were killed and one injured in the accident.
