SYNOPSIS

The Expansion of Mengkuang Dam Project involves  construction of a new dam  and raising of the existing dam.  It is a large scale civil engineering project with multi-stakeholders involving technical, environmental and social issues and risks of construction.  

The challenges facing the construction of the project is significant. Engineering solutions have to overcome the physical constrain, cost and time overrun. Risk of construction is high. Any mishap during construction especially foundation excavation for new dam adjacent the existing dam will impact on the safety of existing dam. Any interruption of raw water supply from the existing dam will have serious adverse impact on the water Supply system in Penang.

Existing quarry operation near the left abutment of new dam has serious effect on the integrity of the new dam. Risk of reservoir leakage in future through the quarry face due to fractured rocks is high.

Completing such a major civil engineering project in a populated areas requires the cooperation and collective effort of the project developer, land owner, consultants and contractors. Many challenges involving technical problems and contractual issues have to be managed and resolved.


BIODATA OF SPEAKERS

Ir. Lai Kim Fui obtained his B.E (Civil) Hons from Universiti Putra Malaysia in 2001 and presently an associate of Angkasa Consulting Services Sdn Bhd (ACS).  He has over 15 years of experience in engineering consultancy works and involved in dam and hydropower projects ranging from feasibility study, detailed design and construction management. Currently he is the project manager for the construction supervision of Expansion of Mengkuang Dam Project, Pulau Pinang.

Ir. Khor Chai Huat obtained his B.E.(Civil) Hons and Masters from University of Auckland, New Zealand. Currently he is Managing Director of Angkasa Consulting Services and has over 35 years of experience in multi-disciplinary engineering works in his career as an engineering consultant. His main areas of interest and expertise are water resources, dam and hydro engineering. Ir. Khor have published more than 10 journals both local and overseas and addressed many conferences.