Non-compliance with the specifications of partition wall fire-resistant structure
Background to Problem Identification
During the course of all-building investigations, non-compliance with the specifications approved based on of the Building Standards Act was identified in the investigation carried out on February 25, 2019 with the owner present.
As a result of further investigation, the Company confirmed that there is a possibility that certain properties do not comply with specifications certified by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport (Fire-resistant structure: FP060NP-9173 and FP060NP-9371, sound-insulation: SOI-9074) provided in the construction design documents as shown in the attached appendix 1, despite the requirement for parting walls to be fireproof under Articles 27 and 61 of the Building Standards Act (hereinafter “subject defects”).
Buildings subject to construction deficiencies
Those buildings subject to construction deficiencies are steel-framed structures confirmed to be fire-resistant properties.
Of the 39,085 buildings that are subject to all-building investigations, 16,809 buildings are steel-framed structures. As a result of checking the construction certification documents for these steel-framed properties, 2,295 buildings were confirmed to be fire-resistant properties.
Details of the deficiencies suspected of violating the law
Fire-resistant steel-framed structures are supposed to have a double layer of reinforced drywalls (with net) in their partition walls to comply with the fire-resistant structure specifications certified by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport. However, drywalls of different types and thickness are used, which does not comply with the specifications certified by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport.
Of the 2,295 buildings that were confirmed to be fire-resistant properties, on-site investigations were conducted on 204, of which 63 were confirmed to be properties whose specifications do not comply with the Building Standards Act, stating that parting walls must be fire-proof structures.
Our course of action
Concerning subject defects, the Company will report to specific administrative agencies as soon as possible and discuss corrective measures. Based on discussions, the Company will determine repair methods and take progressive steps to ensure compliance with laws and regulations.
The content and schedule of the investigations and repair works will be provided to tenants and owners before the commencement thereof.
For tenants, we will post notices on apartment bulletin boards and place notices in mailboxes. Apartment owners will be contacted individually by the Company’s personnel in charge.