An audit conducted by IIT-Delhi on Godrej Summit, a residential project near Dwarka Expressway, has raised concerns regarding the presence of chloride in the water supply. This chloride content poses a significant threat to concrete structures, necessitating the implementation of a strong maintenance system to mitigate the problem. The audit report recommends the establishment of a comprehensive framework to address this issue effectively and safeguard the durability of the buildings in the area.
In a recent audit conducted by IIT-Delhi, concerns have been raised about the presence of chloride in the water surrounding the Godrej Summit housing project, located near the Dwarka Expressway. The audit report warns that this chloride-infused water poses a significant threat to the concrete buildings in the area, leading to potential structural weaknesses. To combat this issue, the report suggests implementing a robust maintenance framework.
The IT panel's report, commissioned by Godrej Properties, reveals that chloride in water has a corrosive effect on the embedded steel reinforcement of buildings. This corrosion ultimately compromises the strength and stability of the structures. Furthermore, the IIT team highlights that similar issues are being faced by numerous other communities in the Dwarka and Dwarka Expressway region, emphasizing the widespread nature of the problem.
The audit also uncovers excessive chloride levels in the concrete of four towers at Chintels Paradiso, a nearby residential complex in Sector 109. Tragically, a cave-in incident in February 2022 resulted in the loss of two lives and rendered one tower, 'D,' abandoned. Additionally, three more towers have been deemed unfit for habitation. As a result, IIT-Delhi has initiated a structural audit of Paradiso to assess the extent of the chloride-related concerns.
The issues at Godrej Summit became evident after its completion in 2017, with problems such as sagging balconies and floors surfacing in certain apartments. Expressing regret over the construction quality issues, a spokesperson for Godrej Properties has acknowledged the emergence of these problems and has taken steps to reinforce and enhance the affected balconies. Furthermore, the company has decided to commission an audit in response to the situation.
The report, prepared by Prof. Bishwajit Bhattacharjee, underlines that the overall structural integrity and safety of the basement and other structure elements remain mostly intact, subject to appropriate repair of isolated distresses. The investigation revealed the presence of chloride in the concrete, which could be attributed to chloride in water, or the aggregates used in the construction process. The report clarifies that this chloride, when in contact with water, initiates the corrosion of embedded steel reinforcement. It further identifies specific areas within the project where corrosion has exceeded acceptable levels, suggesting local treatment and repair as a viable solution.
To prevent further corrosion, the IIT team recommends the implementation of a comprehensive maintenance framework. This framework would encompass concrete maintenance, waterproofing, painting, as well as mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) services. By preventing water from entering the concrete structures, the risk of corrosion can be significantly mitigated.
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