Here's something I uncovered during my research into the 2011
SMRT "disaster" in Dec.
Apparently the cable-tie "solution" was sanctioned by
engineering experts from SMRT, LTA and NTU and another outside
agency.
Quote from the Commission of Inquiry document:
Professor Ewins (W95) notes that
the latest generation of
claws, which are referred to as
the fifth generation claws, have had a number
of failures in recent times. As
such, the experts are of the view that the best
way forward is to use the cable
ties as an interim solution until a more robust
design is developed. The experts
are cognisant of the fact that the use of the
cable ties might not appear to be
sound engineering practice, but they
stressed that this is not a
long-term solution and is meant to serve as a
prudent solution in the immediate
future, with the proviso that the cable ties
are properly maintained
