2024.07.24. The Fair Economy — A bill amending the law to prevent collapse accidents caused by reckless structural changes to buildings under construction has been submitted to the National Assembly.
Rep. Hong Gi-won, a member of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, announced on the 24th that he had introduced a partial amendment to the "Construction Act" that creates an additional document submission requirement to prevent accidents caused by changes to the foundation or major structural parts of buildings under construction.
Current law requires the submission of "structural safety verification documents" to confirm the stability of buildings of two or more stories, and other buildings designated by presidential decree, when they are constructed or extensively renovated. However, there is no separate provision for permit changes or reports filed after the construction start notification, creating a gap in safety oversight.
In particular, it has been pointed out that foundation types, which play a key role in bearing a building's load, are virtually impossible to repair or renovate once construction is complete, making thorough safety inspections necessary beforehand.
Indeed, in the case of the collapse of a pillar in the basement of a commercial building in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, in 2021, the cause was found to be a change in the building's foundation type during construction. At the time of commencement, the plan was to use a pile foundation type fixed to solid bedrock, but during construction, the type was changed to one with a shallower excavation depth, accelerating ground subsidence.
Accordingly, the amendment requires building owners to attach documents confirming structural safety when seeking change permits or notifications for modifications to a building's foundation or main structural components, ensuring rigorous safety management.
However, considering that foundation types are frequently changed during construction depending on the geological conditions at the site, the specific types and procedures requiring safety verification were delegated to be determined by presidential decree.
Rep. Hong Gi-won said, "Since it is virtually impossible to repair a building's foundation after completion, thorough prior inspection must be carried out." He added, "I hope the amendment will be passed swiftly to block risk factors of substandard construction in advance and secure public safety in everyday life."
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