Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)
Mangalore, Oct 8: Prof B S Basavarajaiah, former principal of Karnataka Regional Engineering College (now known as NITK) strongly advocated the need for strict adherence to the fire safety norms while permitting multiplexes and other multi-storeyed buildings. "No leniency should be shown in implementing the stringent fire safety laws," he insisted.
Speaking at an international workshop titled 'Concrete for Coastal Environment', being organized by the civil engineering department of NIT-K in association with Indian Concrete Institute at the institute's seminar hall on Tuesday October 7, he pointed out that around 20,000 fatal injuries take place in the country annually, with financial burden crossing Rs 1,200 crore in fire accidents. The building promoters and occupants should ensure that fire safety rules have been complied with strictly, he opined.
About the deterioration of concrete structures in coastal atmosphere, Basavarajaiah said tests have been carried out to study the changes concrete undergoes in coastal environment. "Physical, mechanical and chemical action of the sea water together cause this affect," he explained.
As far as cracks in concrete building are concerned, he attributed the same to inferior quality of materials used, improper concrete mix, poor construction practices, flaws in structural designs, chemical affects and abuse of structure. For getting a good concrete structure, the manpower involved with construction should be trained properly, he asserted.
Prof Koji Takewaka, an expert from Japan, explained the need to properly maintain concrete structures that are exposed to marine environment. Regular monitoring of Chloride penetration, corrosion of steel reinforcements etc., and taking corrective measures thereof is needed to ensure long life of a concrete structure, he said.