Reference photo for the driven piles methodology, which protects against soil liquefaction and provides strength against earthquakes.
In all of its projects, SM Prime Holdings has demonstrated its dedication to using innovation and technology to improve community safety and disaster resilience through the 67-hectare SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex, a landmark along Manila Bay.
Originally planned as a groundbreaking mixed-use project on reclaimed land by the Philippine government, it has grown to become a symbol of security and safety, realizing the goal of its founder, Henry Sy, Sr., who wanted to build “a destination that brings joy and opportunities to millions.”
Building resilient, sustainable spaces that put safety and community well-being first is crucial, according to Hans Sy, SM Prime Executive Committee Chairman and co-chair of ARISE Philippines under the United Nations Office of Disaster Risk Resilience (UNDRR), who is carrying on his father’s vision.
“We believe that safety is the cornerstone of thriving communities,” Mr. Sy states. In affirmation of this belief, he stands as the first Filipino elected to the UNDRR ARISE Global Board.
Launched in 2015, ARISE Philippines is the country’s 157-member-strong premier private sector alliance united by a shared vision of a resilient and prosperous future. The organization, the first country network established by the UNDRR, aims to minimize disaster-related loss of life, ensure investments and assets are risk-informed, and build infrastructure capable of withstanding both natural and man-made hazards.
SM Prime’s commitment to resilience is evident in the very design of the MOA Complex, which incorporates cutting-edge disaster resilience features to protect against the unique challenges posed by its coastal location.
Before construction began, SM Prime engaged the expertise of Jan de Nul, a renowned Belgian coastal development company. Their extensive research and studies ensured the viability of the project, taking into account the complex interplay of land and sea. To create a resilient structure, the company conducted risk reviews in which the following components are incorporated: Identify, analyze, plan, mitigate, and monitor. This meticulous pre-engineering phase laid the groundwork for a structure, completed in 2006, that was capable of withstanding the test of time and nature.
One of the key challenges addressed was soil erosion. To combat this, the team implemented a sophisticated system of wick drains. These drains act as pathways for pore water in soft, compressible soil, effectively preventing erosion and ensuring the stability of the land. This technology, while more costly than traditional methods, provides a significantly higher degree of protection, particularly against liquefaction during seismic events.
The threat of ground liquefaction, a phenomenon where soil loses its strength and behaves like a liquid during earthquakes, was also mitigated through innovative foundation design. Driven and bored piles, combined with precise excavation methods, provide the complex with robust resistance against liquefaction and seismic activity.
To protect against storm surges, a common threat in coastal areas, the complex boasts a robust seawall. This seawall, standing 4.5 meters higher than the Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) mark, is further reinforced by a wave return feature. This inverted structure deflects high waves back towards the sea, minimizing their impact on the complex. A network of drainage channels further enhances flood prevention during storm surges.
These features were instrumental in protecting the complex during Typhoon Pedring (international name Nesat) in 2011, as well as in all succeeding severe weather disturbances this year, where the MOA Complex emerged largely unscathed while helping nearby areas avoid being inundated by prolonged deep flooding.
The wave return feature redirects water back into the bay, providing protection from high waves.
The Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex higher seawall and elevation prevent damage to the structure from rising sea levels. (Inset) In addition, the drainage channels along the MOA Complex are wide and deep enough to fit two buses side by side, helping prevent flooding from storm surges.
The complex’s resilience extends beyond its foundation. The main road and all structures are elevated significantly above the National Building Code requirements, further minimizing the risk of flooding. Buildings are equipped with Earthquake Recording Instruments (ERI) that monitor seismic activity and provide valuable data for disaster preparedness.
The structural integrity of the buildings themselves is also paramount. The roof deck, for instance, is designed to withstand substantial loads, ensuring it can serve as a safe refuge during emergencies. The exterior façade is concrete masonry walls with Exterior Insulation Finishing Systems (EIFS), designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 270 kph and provide excellent insulation. This commitment to safety transforms SM Supermalls like the SM MOA into havens for the community during times of crisis.
Disaster resilience is a proactive approach that is ingrained in every aspect of SM Prime’s business operations, not just a reaction to possible threats. The business understands that investing in safety is an investment in the future, so it automatically devotes a sizable amount of its capital expenditure to disaster resilience research and development.
Its contributions to the nation’s economic development and the establishment of vibrant lifestyle destinations, as well as its steadfast dedication to safeguarding the lives and means of subsistence of the communities it serves, have contributed to SM Prime’s long standing reputation as a responsible real estate developer. The MOA Complex is a potent representation of this dedication and a ray of hope amidst the harshness of nature.
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