[Asia Exclusive] "Partial Demolition of Apartment Load-Bearing Walls Possible... Will Lead to Success of Korean New Deal"

Interview with Han Seungheon, President of Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology

"Load-bearing walls can be demolished for floor expansion... Additional review by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport"
"Innovative technology leading construction paradigm... Creating new business opportunities"
"Supporting startups with funding and research personnel... Providing technology guarantee support"
"Securing core construction technologies to drive success of Korean New Deal"

[Interview = Asia Economy Jung Doohwan, Head of Construction and Real Estate Department, Edited by Moon Jewon, Reporter] "Government-funded research institutes should not remain limited to pure research like universities or simply executing government projects. They must serve as incubators for advanced technologies that impact citizens' lives, such as noise between floors, fire, flooding, and inundation."

Han Seunghun, President of the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (hereafter KICT), explained the purpose and responsibility of national research institutions in this way. KICT is the only government-funded research institute in the field of construction technology in Korea, responsible for a wide range of roles beyond traditional construction sectors like architecture and civil engineering, including smart construction, convergent technology development, and disaster response.

Recently, KICT conducted research on the safety of load-bearing wall demolition for vertical extension remodeling, which has attracted significant market interest, and is boldly challenging future construction projects such as the Korean New Deal and smart cities, which are national strategic projects. Since his inauguration in January 2018, President Han has played a leading role in enhancing national competitiveness and driving innovative growth at KICT over the past three years.

Handling sensitive construction technology areas comes with many challenges. For example, even the load-bearing wall research project faced delays in producing results, leading to suspicions that the institute was bowing to government concerns over soaring apartment prices. Last month, after issuing a C-grade rating?indicating reconstruction is not possible?in the second detailed safety inspection of Mokdong 9 Complex, which is pursuing reconstruction, KICT faced fierce criticism from the residents of the complex.

However, President Han emphasized that despite changing times, the institute must focus on its role for the people. He said, "It is most important not to merely carry out fragmented tasks but to redefine missions at the level the public desires and to present directions that KICT should pursue over the long term. We will continue to produce outcomes that protect citizens' lives and enhance social sustainability."

Asia Economy met President Han on the 17th at KICT located in Ilsan New Town, Gyeonggi Province, to discuss the present and future of construction technology.

- There is great market interest in the 'Safety Study on Load-Bearing Wall Demolition for Remodeling' conducted by KICT. What were the results?

▲ There is a strong demand to allow partial demolition of load-bearing walls between units so that remodeling can be done according to residents' desired floor plans. The experiment was completed in the first half of this year, and a draft verification report based on detailed analysis has been submitted to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT). Technically, the results showed that partial demolition of load-bearing walls for floor plan expansion is possible. However, since safety is also crucial, additional internal and external reviews and expert consultations must be conducted as a supplementary process. MOLIT plans to complete this process by the end of the year and announce the final results.

- Many people still perceive KICT as merely an institution that tests construction material quality.

▲ That is an outdated view. Now, we are engaged not only in advanced technological innovations such as smart construction but also serve as an incubator for related startups to commercialize these technologies. Over the past three years, we have undertaken research projects in 3D printing, equipment automation, artificial intelligence (AI), big data, digital twins, smart sensors, and modular construction. We have also strengthened networks with various external related organizations. In May, we signed a memorandum of understanding with Seoul City and others to introduce smart construction technologies. We aim to be a research institute that leads new construction paradigms by developing innovative technologies and creating future growth engines.

- How exactly do you support startups?

▲ Startups often have good ideas but lack research personnel. KICT supports them not only financially but also with research manpower. To this end, we operate the Startup Construction Support Center. For developed technologies, we also support prototype production and sales. Public institutions such as Korea Expressway Corporation and Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) act as guarantors so that these startups' technologies can be trusted and used. So far, we have recommended about 10 technologies to LH.

- You are also working on tasks related to the Korean New Deal to prepare for the post-COVID era.

▲ Of the 20 Korean New Deal projects, nine are related to the construction industry. Our construction industry needs innovation now. We must prepare for unprecedented disasters and find ways to ensure safety in an industry where workers in their 50s and foreign laborers make up a large proportion. Securing competitiveness in the global market is also essential. KICT will lead the success of the Korean New Deal by securing core technologies related to construction automation and SOC digitalization. To this end, we are making various efforts, including SOC maintenance technology based on big data and constructing happy housing using modular construction technology.

- The importance of convergent technology research and development is increasing. You have also reorganized the organization for this purpose. What changes have been made?

▲ To move away from disciplinary research and promote purpose-driven research, we encourage interdepartmental convergent research. When launching new projects within the institute, if three or more departments collaborate, a 10% bonus is awarded. As a result, the proportion of convergent research increased from 21% in 2018 to 40% this year. When evaluating projects, we facilitate active discussions on convergent technologies among researchers through audience evaluation panels and performance presentations.

- The importance of managing aging social overhead capital (SOC) is rising as much as quantitative expansion. Is related research being conducted at the institute level?

▲ Yes. Domestic infrastructure is rapidly aging. Among approximately 65,000 medium to large SOC facilities such as roads and railways, 36.8% are over 30 years old. This ratio will rise to 78.9% in 20 years. This is directly related to public safety and requires long-term response strategies. Currently, next-generation infrastructure monitoring and information management technologies using drones, AI, and Building Information Modeling (BIM) have been set as strategic technologies. Research investments are also being concentrated in this area.

- Since your inauguration, you have produced many achievements. Which research project stands out in your memory?

▲ Recently, large fires in Jecheon, Miryang, and Icheon highlighted the importance of external insulation materials for buildings. Typically, domestic apartment exterior walls burn down in five minutes, whereas abroad, materials that withstand 10 minutes are considered semi-noncombustible, and those that withstand 20 minutes are noncombustible. Korea had no such standards until recent large fire incidents led to stricter regulations. Starting related research in 2017, we succeeded in developing a fire-resistant external insulation method within three years. It was certified by a foreign institution, withstanding fire for 21 minutes. This is world-class performance with price competitiveness. KICT will continue to focus on producing outcomes that protect citizens' lives from various disasters and calamities.