Civic body standardises its structural audit

“Earlier, there was no standard format for the reports and they were filed in a very haphazard manner. Now, with some commonality, we can also compare audit reports filed by the consultants,” said L S Vhatkar, chief engineer, storm water drains department (SWD).

The three-page standard format has a set of technical criteria to be filled by the auditor, who is expected to make observations on major cracks in column/beams, leakages, column condition, deflections/sagging, lift walls, parapet conditions etc, and has to write his findings as per tests conducted on the structure and give a brief description of repairs to be done.

The auditor also has to make conclusions on whether the structure is livable, whether the buildings needs to be evacuated, whether residents can live there even if repair works are undertaken, and what will be the projected repair cost.
“The executive engineer of the respective ward office also has to keep a check on the work and fill the form regarding major repairs required, the time frame for it, and also if any additional safety measures have been mentioned by the auditor,” Vhatkar added.

According to structural audit policy and provisions under Section 353 (B) of the BMC Act, it is obligatory for the owner and occupants of buildings more than 30 years old to have them inspected by a qualified structural engineer registered with the BMC, get repairs done as suggested by the engineer and submit the completion certificate along with the structural fitness certificate to the municipal corporation.

tanushree.venkatraman@expressindia.com