Tip of the Day

Observations
Proper cover to the reinforcement of columns/ beams/ lintel/ slab is not provided.
Suggestions
Proper cover as per code to the reinforcement of columns/ beams/ lintel/ slab should be provided.
Observations
Proper compaction of concrete using vibrators/temping rods is not done at most of the sites. Honeycombing is seen at few places in the RCC members.
Suggestions
Proper compaction of concrete using vibrators/ temping rods should be done to avoid the honey combing.
Observations
Lintel band at door level provided over a course of brick.
Suggestions
Course of bricks should not be placed between the lintel band and door frame/opening.
Observations
The shear hooks are not bent at 135o.
Suggestions
Stirrups/ shear hooks should be bent at 135o inside. It is essential provision for safety against earthquakes.
Observations
Storage of cement is not proper.
Suggestions
Cement should be stored in proper way on aerated, dry and raised wooden platform.
Observations
Corner reinforcement is not tied properly to the foundation and the same is not anchored in the slab.
Suggestions
Corner reinforcement should be tied properly to the foundation and the same should be anchored in the slab properly.
Observations proper shuttering is used and insufficient supports have been provided.
Suggestions For the casting of RCC members, good quality of shuttering should be used and sufficient vertical supports should be placed.
Observations Good quality water is not being used at a few sites for construction work.
Suggestions Good quality water, suitable for drinking purpose, should be used for construction work, which is required for the durability of concrete.
Observations Curing of concrete/masonry work is not being done as per schedule.
Suggestions Curing of concrete/masonry work should be done as per schedule as it is required for proper strength gain and to avoid cracking.
Observations Finishing of roof not completed with proper slope, khurras and gola.
Suggestions Proper slope should be given at the time of finishing of roof with proper drainage system.
Observations At a few places the quality of bricks is inferior or blocks are with honeycombing.
Suggestions First class bricks having class designation 75 are to be used in all masonry work and concrete blocks casted on finished surface with proper compaction should be used.
Observations The thickness of joint mortar is too much and is not uniform at a few places.
Suggestions The thickness of joint mortar should be 10 mm maximum for attaining higher strength in masonry.
Observations The back-filling of foundation and laying of floors is not as per specifications.
Suggestions Back filling of foundation should be well compacted in layers to give desired strength to foundation. Proper compaction of floor base ensures no settlement afterwards.
Observations Finishing of floor is not done properly. Skirting as well as glass strips are not provided in floor.
Suggestions The floors should be laid properly with skirting & glass strips also to be used as per specifications.
Observations Priming work is not done on the door/ window frames before fixing.
Suggestions Primer should be done before fixing of door/window frames. This will enhance the service life of the components.
Observations Door frame is not of good quality wood.
Suggestions Defect free wood of proper size and thickness should be used in the door/ window frames.
Observations Plinth protection (apron) not provided in the building.
Suggestions Plinth protection (apron) should be provided all-around the building as per specifications. The apron saves the building foundation soil from erosion and helps in providing proper drainage of water.
Observations Horizontal cracks are visible in masonry between lintel and roof level.
Suggestions A slip joint between the roof slab and masonry wall using mastic compound should be provided and a 10 mm groove in the wall plaster below the roof slab should also be provided.
Observations Hair cracks are visible in RC beams/columns.
Suggestions The structural cracks in RC beams/columns should be properly filled using structural epoxies. However, hair-line non-structural cracks may be repaired using rich cement-sand mortar.
Observations Exposed extra reinforcement of RC columns at roof level was seen.
Suggestions Exposed extra reinforcement of RC columns at roof level should at least be cut and be covered with rich cement sand mortar.
Observations Drip/string-course is missing at projections.
Suggestions Drip/String-course should also be provided for all the projections. This reduces the entry of rain water on the walls and in to the building.
Observations Damp patches have been observed at a few places on ceiling and on the walls.
Suggestions Causes of the dampness/leakage should be identified. Proper treatment of roof/walls should be done after removing the cause.
Observations Columns are casted with improper alignment.
Suggestions Column should be cast with proper alignment as load carrying capacity of column reduces significantly due to eccentricity.
Observations Vertical/inclined hair cracks are present in masonry walls.
Suggestions Vertical/inclined hair cracks of walls should be treated by using chicken wire mesh nailed in the wall and finished with rich cement sand mortar properly.

A Report on Workshop cum Training Program on
“Achieving Quality in Building Construction”
on August 19 & 20 , 2011 at CBRI, Roorkee

MISSION

To improve the Quality of Civil Construction Work under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan by means of Training, Regular Inspections & Other Quality Control Practices for Village Education Committees (VECs) , Engineers and other concerned officials.

ACHIEVING QUALITY IN CONSTRUCTION

Quality today has assumed high level of importance as the durability of building envelope is directly related to the quality of materials and components used therein. An attempt is being made by CBRI TEAM to develop & implement a methodology for Quality Improvement in the Civil Construction Work, especially considering the needs of Uttarakhand, a newly born state.

Project Leader

Dr. Achal Kumar Mittal, Scientist

Central Building Research Institute
ROORKEE - 247 667, Uttarakhand achal_cbri@rediffmail.com

For General Queries Pertaining to Building Science & Technology, Please Contact:

Prof. S. K. Bhattacharyya, FNAE

Director
Central Building Research Institute

ROORKEE - 247 667, Uttarakhand

Tip of the Day

MISSION

ACHIEVING QUALITY IN CONSTRUCTION

Sponsored by

Project Leader

For General Queries Pertaining to Building Science & Technology, Please Contact: