Technical strategy for the foundation of Tiruttani ‘Rajagopuram’ evolved

September 20, 2009 06:42 pm | Updated 06:42 pm IST - TIRUCHI

A.R. Santhakumar, Emeritus Professor, IIT, Chennai, speaking at a seminar in Tiruchi on Sunday.

A.R. Santhakumar, Emeritus Professor, IIT, Chennai, speaking at a seminar in Tiruchi on Sunday.

A team of building experts has evolved a technical strategy for constructing the ‘Rajagopuram’ at Lord Murugan’s temple in Tiruttani, with specific corrective measures for ensuring the stability of the proposed structure at this pilgrimage centre.

Stating this while delivering the key-note address at a technical seminar on ‘Foundations and foundation problems’ sponsored by the Builders Voice here on Sunday, the Emeritus Professor of Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai, A. R. Santhakumar said that a layer of soil has been identified in the midst of the rock bed at Tiruttani. The presence of the soil in-between the rock was established by using the modern gadgets such as geo-phone.

The expert team comprising civil engineers and building advisors from IIT Chennai; the Anna University, Chennai; and the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department conducted a study at Tiruttani. The team had evolved a technical strategy after confirming the presence of soil amidst the rock. The nature of treatment for strengthening the soil and the right type of foundation needed for the site had been identified.

Dr. Santhakumar said that since the proposed ‘Rajagopuram’ would be at least 100 feet in height, the technical strategy was designed with a special focus on the stability of the structure. "The strategy ensured that the entire weight or load of the ‘Rajagopuram’ is gently passed on to the rocky surface," he explained.

Emphasising the importance of precautionary measures for ascertaining the soil condition before taking up a construction activity, Dr. Santhakumar said that the modern advancement in construction technology should be best utilised in this regard. The precaution was imperative in the current day lifestyle, when people were forced to construct buildings on secondary soil, he said.

Using slides, he advised the industrialists toe doubly careful in evolving their building strategy. In this context, he narrated how the upward pressure exerted by the sulphur-di-oxide gas at an industrial site had ejected the level of the building as a whole. Timely intervention by the experts prevented any further damage to the building.

The State Chairman of the Builders Association of India, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, L. Moorthy said that several sessions would be held as part of the seminar.

The Chairman of Builders Association of India, Tiruchi Chapter, V. Manjunath; the president of Flat Promoters Association, Tiruchi Centre, M. Anandh and the president of Civil Engineers Association, Tiruchi Centre, S. Sakthivel were among those who spoke.

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