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Summary of E-Conf -Days 4 & 5

 
This forum is locked: you cannot post, reply to, or edit topics.This topic is locked: you cannot edit posts or make replies. Thank Post    www.sefindia.org Forum Index -> E-conference on Durability of Concrete - Feb 27 to March 11 - 2012
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vikram.jeet
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PostPosted: Fri Mar 02, 2012 6:00 pm    Post subject: Summary of E-Conf -Days 4 & 5 Reply with quote

TRAINING  - - - Essential  for assuring DURABILITY


The  ongoing e- conference on Durability of Concrete  ,since last five days , have seen many postings
from varied sections of engineering intelligentsia , Academicians,Concrete -Technologists,
Field engineers , Structural /Civil Designers, Consultants, Managers of Projects and many  Experts.
It could be  seen that most postings while discussing on Durability aspects emphasized  one thing in common
and that is TRAINING. So long as  manpower /works-men handling concrete production are not trained , the
goal can not be achieved .

On days 4 & 5 , we have  the  privilege to learn more from the discussions as result of a number
of postings  mailed on e-conf portal   - - - - - - - -

Dr Kunal Kansara uploaded a working paper  on' Durability Perspective' in design of concrete
structures. Appreciate gesture from his end. Sefi admin may brief the contents separately.

Dr Aswath MU ,Past Secretary General ACCE(I) Editor -in - chief ACCE(I) Bulletin  posted his views  on
Implementation  of QS and practices in very lucid manner  and  posting is highly noteworthy.The factors
affecting QS ( and thus Durability) are Fast track construction,new materials , design deficiencies,
negligence , unskilled manpower,Lack of will  for QS implementation. Selection of  right ingredient
materials for concrete is very important.Concerted efforts in Training  are still missing. At RMC plants
there is casual approach ,be it selection and testing of materials,preparation of conc , transportation,
handling the delays,use of admixtures,placing of  conc. RMC plants ,many ,are not upto mark in terms of
infrastructure, trained human resource and Quality systems.While lauding the efforts of RMCMA in
direction of quality  improvement , Dr Aswath also acknowledged the untiring efforts of Mr Vijay
Kulkarni .The essence of the posting is par excellence , I think.

Er Jayant Kulkarni discussed on important issues for durability  namely Raw materials, cold joints ,
W/C ratio,Compatibility, Anticipation of pour time & Need of concrete Technologists.The issues
pointed out by him on forum must be taken serious note especially for RMC. The fact that RMC drivers
indulge in mixing extra  water is really disturbing since it affects w/c ratio and thus strength/durability.
Cement -Admixture compatibility, a well known difficulty needs to be addressed .There is shortage
of expert Concrete Technologists and  each RMC plant must have full time CT. Issues are really
eye opener for all of us siiting in design offices assuming ideal conditions/ or at site importing
concrete from RMC plants just thinking it bestl one.

Highly respected Prof A R Chandrasekran , as always on sefi, calls a spade, a spade and
attribute degrading quality to Corruption in which consumer is equally at fault in demanding cheap
construction.He expressed satisfaction over the quality of construction at NPP,s in India.The ill
effects of  poor quality  are surfaced after long gap and the constructors/builders fade away by
that time  and whole blame is forced on poor maintenance.

Replying to prof ARC , Dr N Subramanian discussed about  the practice in USA where he
is presently based and certification is must for all  engaged with construction viz engineers,
masons, plumbers, carpenters etc.Authorities are very strict about safety norms and maintenance
is strictly enforced citing the example of Singapore.

Er Gopal Mishra referred to  the posting of Mr Vijay Kulkarni regarding durability tests on conc like
Water penetration Test (DIN 1048) ,Rapid chloride ion permeability test (RCPT )& Initial
surface absorption test( ISAT) and also  wanted to know the tests for ascertaining the durability
of structure components like beams, columns and slabs.Dr N Subramanian ,Conf- Moderator,
responded very nicely  regarding durability tests .

Er MS Khan while acknowledging the e -conf  requested Moderators to initiate discussions on
latest post -execution Quality Checks to have information on life of strcuture ,strength and
EQ resistance .  Er Vinod ,a QC engineer, also feels the need for training of workers who are not
willing to accept other cementitious materials. Er Mohan also admits the same.

Er S. Kumar having 13yr site experience  in Singapore with reputed firms(L&T)   compared
working in India and feels fearsome here citing example of   congested reinf detailing.

Er Alok Bhowmick  attributes poor Quality in constructions to Attitude(Chalta hai culture), Lack of
knowledge due to non reading of advancement  thru tech-journals ,and engineers succumbing to
pressures of bureaucracy ,also  citing about  Metro legend  Mr Sreedharan as an exception.Being
a practicing consultant of Bridges , he is still not optimistic for immediate improvements   largely
due to social issues behind .

Er Narayan Nayak has uploaded  a document for e conf . Sefi admin may brief the contents
separately.   Er Jignesh  V Chokshi who is actively participating in this forum deserves
praise for raising very pertinent issues. He feels that one  should not wait for culture to
change by others .Engineers can share good experiences/instances  witnessed by
them and citing example  of an  Er who rejected watery concrete despite resistance  and
later earned appreciation of being firm.Also discussed his experience as design Er
and prescribing higher cover to conc in saline environment by his boss was right
step to Durability.


In anticipation to seek more from views  on this prudent issue of Concrete Durability
in coming days of e-conf

and  thanking all  with best  regards


vikramjeet
Conf -Raconteur

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