DESPITE THIS, THE REPORT DOES NOT REACH ANY CONCLUSION ON DECLARING THE BUILDING UNSAFE
FACULTY, STAFF AND STUDENTS REMAIN APPREHENSIVE
Face2News/Chandigarh:
Serious concerns have emerged over the structural condition of the old workshop building of the Government Industrial Training Institute (GITI) in Sector 28. A condition assessment report prepared by the National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research (NITTTR), Sector 26, has recorded advanced structural distress in the RCC roof beams and gutter system of the building. According to the report, several long beams in the nearly 65–66-year-old building were found to have deflections of 2 to 3 inches (50–75 mm).
The report states that significant deflection was observed in beams with a roof span of around 12 metres, particularly in the drawing hall (Room No. 15), classrooms and some parts of the workshop. At one location, temporary support has also been provided underneath a beam. At several places, the concrete cover has deteriorated, exposing the main reinforcement bars and stirrups, which were found to be corroded.
According to the assessment, the age of the building, prolonged exposure to weather, carbonation of concrete and corrosion of reinforcement are among the major causes of the deterioration. The report states that corrosion has resulted in cracks and spalling of concrete, while weakening of the reinforcement has affected the stiffness of the long-span beams.
Stepped diagonal cracks were also found in the walls near the beam support locations. The roof gutters were found to be clogged with soil, debris and vegetation, affecting water drainage and causing prolonged dampness. Signs of dampness and algae were observed on the walls of some rooms, while there was also evidence of falling plaster from the ceiling.
Immediate safety measures suggested
The report has recommended installing additional temporary steel/masonry supports underneath 12-metre-long beams showing visible deflection or vertical cracks. It has also suggested immediate removal of soil, debris and vegetation from the roof gutters. In addition, it has recommended restricting heavy loads or the presence of large numbers of people below beams having deflection of more than 50 mm.
CFRP wrapping recommended for permanent repairs
For structural rehabilitation, NITTTR has recommended removing damaged concrete, cleaning and applying anti-corrosion treatment to the reinforcement, restoring the affected sections with polymer-modified mortar, strengthening the beams using CFRP laminates and injecting structural-grade epoxy into the remaining cracks. Repair of the walls and waterproofing of the RCC gutters have also been recommended.
The report concludes that the beam deflection and cracks in the walls are not merely cosmetic issues but are related to the structural condition of the building. While the foundation and primary load-bearing walls have generally been described as stable, the roof beam-and-gutter system has been identified as requiring permanent structural retrofitting.
However, experts have termed the report merely an eyewash, pointing out that it remains silent on whether the building should be declared unsafe.
The issue had earlier been raised by Rahul Mahajan and Raj Chadha of the Chandigarhiyans Group. Following their intervention, the local councillor also visited the site along with the concerned officials. The matter was also brought to the notice of the Chandigarh Administrator.
It is worth mentioning that on July 3 this year, a portion of the multipurpose hall at Chandigarh College of Engineering and Technology (CCET), Sector 26, suddenly collapsed. The building had already been declared unsafe and was completely closed nearly two months before the incident. As a result, no one was present inside the hall when the collapse occurred, averting a major tragedy.
It is also noteworthy that the government dispensary building in Sector 28 itself had to be vacated around four years ago after being declared unsafe.
Staff, faculty members and students working and studying at GITI are currently apprehensive about their safety. They have urged the administration to seek the opinion of structural experts and take appropriate measures in view of the condition of the building.
