In a recent structural audit conducted by experts from IIT-Delhi, Tower H of Chintels Paradiso in Sector 109, Gurgaon, faced alarming issues. The audit report highlighted extensive corrosion in steel reinforcements and poor quality of concrete, rendering the tower unsafe for habitation.
This revelation follows a tragic incident in Tower D, where two women lost their lives due to a vertical cave-in back in February 2022. The audit further pointed out that Towers D, E, F, and G were also declared unsafe due to the same reasons earlier.
High Chloride Content and Corrosion
Professors S Bishnoi, DR Sahoo, and V Matsagar from IIT-Delhi’s civil engineering department conducted the audit and reported a significant presence of high chloride content in the concrete used for the tower’s construction. The corrosive nature of chlorides had actively affected a large portion of the structure, escalating the rate of corrosion.
The report indicated that chlorides were already present in the concrete during its production, likely infiltrating during construction from sources like water and sand.
Role of Poor Concrete Quality
Apart from chloride infiltration, the audit revealed that the poor quality of concrete contributed to rapid deterioration. Residents’ frequent requests for repairs were substantiated by the experts, who highlighted that chloride corrosion of steel reinforcements played a crucial role in the structural decay.
Considering the extensive chloride content throughout the structure, any attempt to repair the building for safe usage was deemed technically and economically unfeasible.
Unsafe for Habitation
The experts’ conclusive findings established that Tower H in its current state is not safe for living due to the rapid corrosion of steel reinforcements caused by chloride presence. The widespread deterioration made the tower unfit for habitation, posing significant risks to the occupants’ safety.
Other Affected Towers
The audit also identified Tower A as showing signs of deterioration and recommended an annual audit for close monitoring. Meanwhile, Towers B and C were deemed safe for habitation at present, while the report for Tower J is still pending.
However, to ensure a comprehensive assessment, the society’s developer has commissioned the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) to conduct another structural audit for the affected towers.
Compensation Options
In response to the precarious situation in Tower H, the Chintels India spokesperson announced compensation options for homebuyers. They offered compensation of Rs 6,500/sqft along with a refund of the stamp duty and the cost of interiors renovated in the flats.
The structural audit carried out by IIT-Delhi experts in Chintels Paradiso Tower H revealed critical issues arising from chloride corrosion in steel reinforcements and poor quality of concrete. With the building declared unsafe for habitation, it becomes imperative for the developers and authorities to address these concerns promptly to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents.
Source: TOI
