3 months ago
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Continuous vulnerability to moisture whitethorn pb to progressive corrosion and eventual nonaccomplishment of serviceability of P&T Apartments astatine Mundamveli unless contiguous waterproofing and corrosion-control measures are undertaken, an adept committee has cautioned successful its study assessing the structural flaws of the analyzable and recommending semipermanent solutions.
The report, ‘Condition, Assessment, and Development of Repair Strategies for Life Mission Housing Complex successful Mundamveli’, was prepared by Radhakrishna G. Pillai of the Civil Engineering department, IIT Madras; Elson John, Sachin Paul, and Paul Shaji of the Department of Civil Engineering, Mar Athanasius College of Engineering, Kothamangalam; and Abhilash Joy of Kochi-based Strufocon Engineers Private Limited.
Seventy-eight families residing successful the duplicate flat blocks person been protesting against persistent leakage since moving successful during January 2024. They person besides raised concerns astir cracks and an alleged tilt successful the buildings. It was successful this discourse that the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA), which constructed the towers, commissioned the adept survey pursuing State authorities support past twelvemonth aft sizeable delay.
Cracks and disposable bulging connected the overhead h2o vessel astatine the flat complex. | Photo Credit: THULASI KAKKAT
Most structural and non-structural elements of the apartments deficiency the detailing and precision indispensable to forestall h2o leakage and guarantee h2o resistance. Moisture ingress from interior sources specified arsenic bathrooms and kitchens on with rainwater penetration done outer interfaces are the superior causes of corrosion of alloy elements and deterioration of aboveground finishes, the study observed.
The appraisal further recovered that definite structural members bash not conform to the requirements of the Indian Standard Code, IS 800:2007, governing alloy constructions. “Therefore, structural strengthening of aggregate columns and beams is required to marque the existing gathering compliant with IS 800:2007,” it stated. The study added that strengthening was besides indispensable to enactment the projected truss and star panels.
The recommendations included measures to forestall moisture seepage from interior sources, chloride ingress successful factual slabs, corrosion of structural alloy and reinforced factual components, rainwater penetration done outer interfaces, and deterioration of exterior partition and terrace surfaces. Structural strengthening on with installation of the truss and star panels was besides advised.
The study concluded that its validity would lapse if repair works were not completed earlier December 31, 2026.
