[PeterPatrickJohn]

Belying LIC’s claim that cracks developed in its landmark building on Anna Salai was due to ongoing metro rail works, the expert committee that studied the heritage structure has concluded that the cracks existed even before CMRL (Chennai Metro Rail Limited) commenced works using vibro-hammers there.

In their three-page report submitted to CMRL Monday, the expert team comprising a professor each from IIT-Madras and Anna University and a CMRL expert has certified the building to be ”structurally safe”, a senior CMRL (Chennai Metro Rail Limited) official told DC.

“Most of the presently visible cracks existed in the building (on the exterior between 11th and 12th

floor) prior to the operation of vibro-hammers there,“ the officer quoted the experts as saying in the report. However, the experts have also observed that, “subsequent opening of the (existing) cracks over part of the length appears to be structural action, which could include vibration experienced by the sheer wall (outer wall of LIC).“

Meanwhile, the CMRL board, on receipt of the report, got into a huddle this afternoon and discussed it. Another CMRL officer, who took part in the board meet, disclosed, “The plasters used to fill the cracks gave away and opened up due to vibrations, making it look like a fresh crack, which existed even earlier.” “The onus is on LIC. We will not repair the cracks,” he added.

Admitting that the use of vibro-hammer was stopped at the CMRL worksite near LIC building, the officer said that an alternate technology would be used to remove the stop-ends (steel between two underground walls) after concreting.

The experts have also made some recommendations to LIC to maintain the building. The recommendations include, drilling and identifying the depth of the cracks on the building, thorough inspection for every five years besides periodical review and maintenance.

Source: Deccan Chronicle