On April 9, 2025, the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC) of the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), hosted a technical seminar titled “Reinforced Steel and Concrete Structures: A Case Study of Earthquake-Induced Building Collapse” at the Mandarin Hotel in Bangkok. Associate Professor Dr. Toemsak Srikhirin, Executive Director of MTEC, officially opened the event. The seminar focused on promoting knowledge sharing and exchanging experiences related to the importance of reinforced steel and the principles of designing earthquake-resistant concrete structures. The event featured esteemed experts from academia, professional organizations, and the private sector as guest speakers.
The seminar had two main sessions. The first, titled “Deformed Bar Steel: A Key Reinforcement Material in Concrete Structures,” explored the properties, types, and significance of deformed bar steel in concrete construction, including standards and quality control. This session featured speakers including Associate Professor Dr. Chatchai Somsiri, former Head of the Department of Metallurgical Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, and Chairperson and committee member of several national steel and aluminum standardization boards; Assistant Professor Dr. Nithi Saen-Aajharn from the Department of Metallurgical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University; and Mr. Teerayut Lertsirirangsarn, Deputy CEO of Millcon Steel Public Company Limited. Dr. Ekkarut Viyanit, Director of the Rail and Modern Transports Research Group at MTEC–NSTDA, moderated the session.
The second session, “Earthquake-Resistant Concrete Structures,” focused on engineering principles and design details for concrete structures in earthquake-prone areas to ensure effective resistance against seismic forces. The session featured several distinguished speakers: Associate Professor Dr. Anek Siripanichgorn, a Council Member and Chair of the Disaster Coordination Working Group at the Council of Engineers; Professor Dr. Somnuk Tangtermsirikul from the Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology at Thammasat University; Associate Professor Dr. Nattapong Makaratat, the President of the Thailand Concrete Association (TCA) and Vice President for University Sustainability Development at King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok; Associate Professor Dr. Teraphan Ornthammarath, Head of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University; and Mr. Sakarin Luangkamchon, Group Leader for Concrete Product Development at CPAC. The session was moderated by Navy Captain Dr. Pinai Mungsantisuk, Chief Executive Officer of Thai Marine Protection Co., Ltd.
This seminar served as a crucial platform to raise awareness and foster understanding of building safety standards, especially regarding earthquake resilience.
