RASHTRAPATI BHAVAN
CLIENT :C.P.W.D. Presidents Estate Division
CONTRACTOR : CICO
RESTORATION
OF SOUTH COURT
The Rashtrapati Bhavan has two
open Courts, North and South to reach inside the palatial building designed by Sir Edwin
Lutyens. The South Court , situated on the southern side, is used by the visiting
dignitaries as promenade during their stay. The south Court which was constructed in early
twentieth century, houses in its basement several essential household units like kitchen,
bakery etc.
The Court, which is open to the sky, is about 100
ft. by 200 ft. The portion of the large court which is used by vehicular traffic has got
100x100x100 mm size granite cobble stones which were laid over a waterproofing system are
basically lime concrete system. There are four major horizontal gutter drains which are
covered with cast iron gratings.The gutters which are lead lined, are situated above the
brick wall of the basement and discharge into 6" diameter rain water pipes. The
non-cobbled portion of the court has diamond shaped large sandstone slabs.
The court has also a large oblong fountain roughly
25 ft. x 80 ft. in size, situated in the centre, which also serves as a divider for
incoming and outgoing vehicular traffic.
With the passage of time, the waterproofing layer
situated below the cobbles stones lost its efficacy and water started percolating through
the lime concrete base layer. This resulted in wet patches in the roof of the basement
household units. As these units were acting as false ceiling, the percolation of water in
this portion went somewhat unnoticed. The lead lined main gutter drains which are situated
over thick bricks walls also started leaking due to of the lining and also due to
accumulation of water on top of the drains after heavy downpours.
Moreover, the central fountain also developed cracks
due to age and gradual deterioration of the protective quality and started leaking from
its bottom. The operation of the fountain had been suspended for the last few years
because of the leakage. During the unusual heavy downpour in Sept. 1995, large leakages
were observed below the South Court and interim measures were taken by the authorities to
provide temporary solution. Subsequently the causes of the distress were investigated and
search was on for suitable contracting agency to carry out emergency rectification
measures of the roof system which were of many types such as twin M.S.joists, brick jack
arches, RCC slabs for short spans. Due to continuity over support, tensile cracks had
formed on the top portions of the slabs which allowed passage of water.
CICO, backed by their technical expertise was
selected for carrying out the emergency rectification of the waterproofing of the basement
units below the South Court.
The rectification work consisted of :-
a) Pressure grouting with non-shrinking cement
grouts in a grid pattern.
b) Providing waterproofing layer of 3 coats of
Tapecrete P-151 system including fibre glass reinforcement.
c) Repair of cracks in the fountain and maindrains
and other areas.
d) Repair of existing cobble stone flooring by
sawing the existing cobble stones to widen the gap and seal the gaps with Tapecrete
Polymer modified cementing material.
During the execution of the work, many unforeseen
distresses were also detected which were rectified. Modification of system of repairs and
proper co-ordination were essential requirements for the project.
CICO, executed the job to the satisfaction of CPWD
President's Estates Division. |
