The high-speed rail project connecting Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima has been one of the most ambitious infrastructure initiatives in Thailand in recent years. This project, a joint venture between Italian-Thai Development and China Railway No.10 Engineering Group Co., is expected to significantly enhance transportation across the country. However, following an earthquake in Myanmar on March 28, 2025, which sent tremors to Bangkok and caused the collapse of the State Audit Office building, public concerns arose regarding the safety of the ongoing construction projects, including the high-speed rail.
In light of these concerns, the State Railway of Thailand took immediate action to reassure the public and stakeholders that the materials used in the construction, particularly steel, met stringent safety and engineering standards. The SRT undertook a series of inspections and tests to ensure the integrity of the materials, and the findings confirmed that the steel being used in the high-speed rail project is safe and up to standard.
This article delves into the inspection process, the role of various agencies involved in ensuring safety, and the importance of steel quality in high-speed rail infrastructure projects.
Background: The Thai-Chinese High-Speed Rail Project
The Thai-Chinese high-speed rail is part of an ongoing effort to modernize Thailand's transport infrastructure and integrate it more closely with its regional neighbors, particularly in the context of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The rail system will span 252.3 kilometers, connecting Bangkok with Nakhon Ratchasima, one of Thailand’s key economic hubs.
The construction project has been divided into ten contracts, with the section covering Kaeng Koi-Klang Dong and Phang Asoke-Bandai Ma assigned to Contract 3-1, which is being executed by the joint venture between Italian-Thai Development and China Railway No.10 Engineering Group Co.. These companies are also responsible for the construction of the State Audit Office building in Chatuchak district, which collapsed after the tremors from the earthquake in Myanmar.
This connection to the collapsed building raised questions about the structural integrity of the materials used in other ongoing projects, including the high-speed rail. To address these concerns, the SRT conducted immediate inspections, particularly focusing on the steel components, as they are critical for the durability and safety of the rail infrastructure.
Public Safety Concerns and the Need for Inspections
When the earthquake in Myanmar occurred on March 28, 2025, it caused significant tremors that were felt across Bangkok. The tremors resulted in the collapse of the State Audit Office building in Chatuchak district, prompting widespread concerns about the safety of other construction projects in the region, especially those involving steel.
Given the close connection between the construction firms responsible for the collapsed building and the ongoing high-speed rail project, the SRT moved quickly to alleviate public fears and confirm that the safety standards for the rail project had been met. This included commissioning expedited inspections and evaluations of the materials, particularly the steel used for critical structural components.
SRT’s chief, Veeris Ammarapala, stated that they had concentrated their efforts on Contract 3-1, which is responsible for sections that are essential to the high-speed rail's foundation. The prompt inspection was also crucial to ensure that the materials could withstand seismic activity and the stress caused by the high-speed trains, which would regularly travel along these tracks.
Inspection Process and Collaboration with Experts
To ensure the safety of the steel used in the high-speed rail project, the SRT collaborated with several national and international organizations to carry out a comprehensive series of inspections and tests. These experts included engineers, scientists, and technical specialists with experience in structural integrity and materials testing.
1. Expert Engineers: SRT dispatched experienced structural engineers to examine the construction sites where the steel was being used, specifically the Kaeng Koi-Klang Dong and Phang Asoke-Bandai Ma sections. These engineers were tasked with checking the overall design of the structure, the integrity of the steel used, and its capacity to withstand external forces such as seismic activity and the high-speed vibrations generated by trains.
2. Collaboration with Specialized Agencies: The SRT also partnered with a number of important organizations to carry out laboratory testing of steel samples. These included:
o The Railway Transport Department
o The Industrial Standards Institute
o The Iron and Steel Institute
3. Steel Sampling and Testing: Steel samples were taken from key depots in Muak Lek and Thap Kwang. These samples were rigorously tested in laboratories to evaluate their performance under various stress conditions. Specific tests included:
o Yield strength: Measuring the stress at which the steel begins to deform permanently.
o Tensile strength: Assessing the steel's ability to withstand pulling forces before breaking.
o Elongation: Testing how much the steel can stretch without breaking.
o Bending capacity: Ensuring the steel can bend without cracking.
o Chemical composition: Analyzing the elements within the steel to ensure it meets industry standards for durability and strength.
Confirmation of Steel Quality and Safety
Following the laboratory tests and expert inspections, the SRT confirmed that the steel used in the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project met all engineering and safety standards. The testing results showed that the steel had the required properties for the high-speed rail’s rigorous demands, including resistance to high stresses, seismic vibrations, and long-term durability under dynamic loading conditions.
The SRT’s confirmation of the steel’s quality was important for several reasons:
• Structural Integrity: The steel components used in the construction are critical to the overall safety and stability of the rail system.
• Seismic Safety: Given Thailand’s vulnerability to seismic activity, it was crucial to ensure that the rail system could withstand earthquakes without compromising safety.
• Public Confidence: The SRT’s swift response and detailed inspections helped reassure the public and stakeholders that the high-speed rail project was being built to the highest standards of safety.
The SRT also emphasized that strict quality control measures were in place throughout the construction process, ensuring that every phase, from steel production to installation, adhered to safety protocols. The integrity of the steel components was checked at every stage, ensuring that no substandard materials were used in the project.
The Role of Steel in High-Speed Rail Construction
Steel plays a crucial role in high-speed rail construction, as it is used in critical structural components such as rails, beams, and supports. It must meet strict standards to ensure that the rail system is both durable and safe for use over the long term. High-speed trains generate significant forces on the tracks, and the steel used must be able to withstand the dynamic loads and vibrations caused by these forces. Additionally, steel used in regions susceptible to earthquakes must be able to endure seismic shocks without compromising the integrity of the rail system.
The use of high-quality steel ensures the long-term safety of the rail system, minimizing the risk of structural failure and ensuring the smooth and safe operation of high-speed trains.
Key Takeaways
• Prompt Inspections: In response to the Myanmar earthquake and the collapse of the State Audit Office building, the SRT expedited inspections of steel used in the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project to ensure safety and structural integrity.
• Steel Meets Standards: Laboratory tests confirmed that the steel used in the construction met engineering and safety standards, ensuring its suitability for high-speed rail construction.
• Comprehensive Testing: Steel samples underwent rigorous testing for yield strength, tensile strength, elongation, bending capacity, and chemical composition to ensure durability and resistance to seismic forces.
• Collaboration with Experts: The SRT worked with organizations like the Railway Transport Department, the Industrial Standards Institute, and the Iron and Steel Institute to verify the steel’s quality.
• Structural Integrity Ensured: Expert engineers confirmed that the structural integrity of the high-speed rail sections is uncompromised, even in the face of seismic activity.
• Quality Control Measures: Stringent quality control measures were enforced throughout the project, ensuring that only safe and durable materials were used.
By confirming the safety of the steel used in the construction of the high-speed rail project, the SRT has taken important steps to reassure the public and ensure the success of this major infrastructure project. The rigorous testing and inspections confirm that the rail system will be safe, reliable, and capable of withstanding both high-speed operation and seismic events.
