In the heart of Lampung, Indonesia, a fiery inferno swept through a steel construction tower, leaving behind a charred skeleton and a pressing question: how safe was the structure for workers to return to? This real-world scenario sparked a crucial study led by Zel Citra from the Department of Civil Engineering at Universitas Islam Sultan Agung, which could reshape how we assess and maintain steel structures, particularly in the energy sector.
The incident at PT. XYZ’s animal feed processing plant highlighted the vulnerability of steel to temperature changes. “When steel is exposed to high temperatures, like in a fire, its strength can decrease drastically,” Citra explained. “This can compromise the entire structure, posing a significant risk to workers.”
To tackle this issue, Citra and her team employed Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) methods, specifically using an Ultrasonic Material Gauge and Material Coating Thickness tester. They sampled 20 structural elements, including columns, beams, and bracing from various levels of the fire-affected floor. The results were promising yet revealing.
Most of the steel elements retained their thickness within the acceptable tolerance, but the coating told a different story. “We found that 95% of the coating thickness did not meet the standards,” Citra revealed. “This is a critical finding because the coating is the first line of defense against corrosion.”
The implications for the energy sector are substantial. Steel structures, from oil rigs to processing plants, are often exposed to harsh environments and potential fire hazards. Regular thickness testing and coating maintenance could prevent catastrophic failures, ensuring worker safety and minimizing downtime.
This study, published in the journal ‘Rekayasa Sipil’ (translated to ‘Civil Engineering’), opens the door for more proactive maintenance strategies. Instead of waiting for visible signs of damage, industries could adopt routine NDT to catch potential issues early. Moreover, the focus on coating thickness underscores the need for better protective materials and application techniques.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, so too must our approach to structural integrity. Citra’s work serves as a reminder that even the strongest materials need careful monitoring and maintenance. After all, the safety of countless workers and the efficiency of operations depend on it. The future of steel construction in the energy sector may well hinge on our ability to learn from incidents like the one at PT. XYZ and adapt our practices accordingly.