Preventing Building Collapses in Bengaluru: Lessons from Hyderabad’s Success
Bengaluru, along with many other urban centers, faces the challenge of preventing building collapses due to inadequate construction practices. The experience of Hyderabad and its local disaster response and asset monitoring organization, HYDRA, offers valuable insights and strategies to ensure the safety and stability of future constructions.
Understanding the Root Causes: A Case Study from Bengaluru
Bengaluru witnessed a significant building collapse, leading to a thorough analysis of the incident. The key factors identified were the failure of the soil at the building’s footing, leading to the collapse of the middle columns acting as fulcrums. This resulted in one side of the building lowering while the other side experienced increased tensile forces leading to the failure of the reinforcement.
The reason for the soil failure was attributed to overflowing floodwaters, which washed away the soil beneath the building’s foundation on one side. This underscores the critical need for pre-construction soil testing and the appropriate foundation design based on these tests.
Standard Operating Procedures for Prevention: Lessons from HYDRA
The HYDRA framework in Hyderabad illustrates effective measures that can be implemented to prevent further building collapses. The key steps are as follows:
Step 1: Identifying and Serving Notices on Illegal and Unfit Buildings
Before any construction work is undertaken, it is essential to conduct a thorough inspection of the existing buildings in the area to identify structures that may be deemed unsafe or lack proper documentation. Once identified, appropriate notices should be served to the building owners informing them of the hazards and demanding immediate action or legal consequences.
Step 2: Evacuation and Temporary Accommodation
In case of unsafe or illegal buildings that cannot be immediately corrected, arrangements for the safe evacuation of occupants are necessary. Temporary housing should be provided, and all efforts should be made to ensure the safety of the occupants. HYDRA has a commendable record of accommodating evacuated families in government-owned townships, ensuring their safety and dignity during this difficult period.
Step 3: Dismantling and Removal of Structures
The final step involves the safe dismantling and removal of any buildings that are determined to be unfit or illegal. This process should be carried out with careful planning to prevent undue damage to surrounding areas and to ensure the safety of the workers and neighborhood alike.
Key Insights and Best Practices
Soil Testing and Foundation Design: Prior to the construction phase, comprehensive soil tests must be conducted to determine the bearing capacity of the subsoil. Based on the results, the appropriate type of foundation should be chosen, and structural designs should be adequately supported by the soil test report.
High-Quality Structural Elements: The use of M-sand with pre-washing and coarse grains for structural members is recommended to enhance the overall strength and durability of the construction. Proper cement concrete proportions and material standards must also be maintained to ensure the longevity of the building.
Hyderabad’s Protective Measures: The HYDRA organization in Hyderabad demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding the environment, particularly the lakes within the city. Lakes are critical sources of drinking water and recreational areas, making them a top priority for protection.
Conclusion
By learning from the practices of organizations like HYDRA and implementing effective strategies for soil testing, building design, and management, we can significantly reduce the risk of building collapses in Bengaluru and other urban centers. It is essential for engineers, town planners, and local authorities to work together to ensure that building codes and practices are continuously upgraded to protect the lives and properties of citizens.
References
1. Standard Operating Procedures of HYDRA, Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Monitoring and Protection Agency.
2. Personal experience and track record of the author in the Real Estate Sector of Hyderabad.
3. Town Planning Officials in HUDA and GHMC.