BCA: 600-plus buildings a year found with structural defects from 2023-2025

The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) found more than 600 buildings with structural defects each year from 2023 to 2025 out of over 7,000 inspected annually. About 91 per cent of buildings inspected over the three-year period had either no defects or only minor ones. Inspections use drones,

SINGAPORE – More than 600 buildings a year were found with structural defects from 2023 to 2025, out of over 7,000 inspected annually, according to data from the Building and Construction Authority (BCA). Overall, about 91 per cent of buildings inspected over the three-year period had either no defects or only minor ones. BCA said immediate remedial action was taken in the cases where defects were found.

Under BCA’s Periodic Structural Inspection regime, non-residential buildings are inspected every five years and residential buildings (excluding landed properties and temporary buildings) every 10 years. Engineers assess critical structural components such as foundations, columns, beams and floors for signs of defects or deterioration. Common minor defects include plaster cracks and water seepage, while more serious problems can include corrosion and spalling concrete.

Separately, facade inspections are required every seven years for buildings more than 20 years old and taller than 13 metres. Senior principal engineer Lee Hon Leong of Lee Consultants said drones can photograph facades, capturing thousands of images, with artificial intelligence identifying more than 90 per cent of defects. Potential defects are then flagged for physical checks using rope access, scissor lifts or boom lifts. A borescope – a small camera inserted into concealed spaces – can inspect structural components behind boards or cladding.

Mr Lee said signs that may appear harmless, such as water or rust stains, can indicate that moisture has entered a building. Cracks also vary in severity, and inspectors must determine whether they are superficial plaster cracks or affect reinforced concrete. “Peeling paintwork can be quite normal for (a) cement plaster building … but there are cases whereby it is actually deeper than peeling paintwork, so you need a qualified inspector to check and tell the difference,” he noted.

Engineers also study building plans and records to identify unauthorised additions or alterations that can increase loads on a structure. In January 2025, a mezzanine floor and storage racks collapsed at a warehouse unit at Toa Payoh Industrial Park, trapping three people. BCA said it had not received any application for the installation of the steel platform and racking system. Mr Lee said unauthorised additions are particularly a concern in industrial buildings where heavy machinery can add substantial loads.

BCA is encouraging owners to inspect and maintain buildings between mandatory cycles. CapitaLand, for example, uses robotic crawlers for annual inspections of difficult-to-access spaces above ceilings. BCA group director for building resilience Thanabal Kaliannan said proactive inspections can help manage maintenance costs over the longer term. “Proactive inspections ensure that defects are identified and rectified before they deteriorate to a more severe state,” he said.

BCA’s inspection requirements are updated at least every three years, with additional guidelines issued when needed. The authority said it will continue working with building owners and engineers through dialogues and training to strengthen inspection and maintenance capabilities.