Concrete

Assessment of structures

Published

4 years ago

October 19, 2021

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All civil engineering structures are initially designed depending on certain design criteria, such as design loads, allowable stresses etc. But, damage due to an extreme event is always possible in a structure during its design life. Sometimes, undetected and un-repaired damage may lead to structural failure demanding costly repair and a huge loss of lives. Therefore, the problem of maintenance and repair of existing engineering structures involves damage detection at an early stage.

For massive structures like bridges, dams, flyover, ROB, RUB, chemical plants, thermal and nuclear plants, silos, pre heater towers, chimneys, etc., which were constructed some 20-40 years ago, it is necessary to test its functionality under the present load situation and quantify damage if any. Since it involves huge expenditure to demolish and reconstruct them, it is important to evaluate the residual life-RLA (residual life analysis) of these structures.

Performing NDT of concrete structures, which is a basis for the evaluation of RLA/remnant life analysis ??RLA studies. Many methods are traditionally used for flaw characterisation and measurement of residual stress. Combining these inputs many parameters, including mechanical properties, factor of safety in design, conservative operation of unit, inaccuracy in data extrapolation, overestimation of corrosion effects, etc., would be assessed.

Damage Detection and Condition Assessment of Civil Structures

In the assessment of existing structures, engineers are increasingly faced with not only the challenges of early detection of damage, but also the evaluation of structure performance and behavior under damage, and economical and efficient retrofitting of the damaged components commonly found in older structures. In order to maintain the safety and integrity of structures, research on the damage mechanism, assessment of structure performance in damaged status, and innovative technologies and materials to rehabilitate, repair, and retrofit structures are of great significance.

Retrofitting of a cement Plant Preheater Tower

Inspection by plant personnel revealed cracking in the concrete frame of a 326-ft-tall, 7-level preheater tower. Onsite plant engineers deemed the cracking significant, especially since the structure supports critical manufacturing process equipment. A structural engineering consulting firm was retained to evaluate the extent of the problem and formulate a repair plan on a fast-track basis. The firm mobilised at the site in less than 24 hours and performed an initial structural safety assessment. A comprehensive structural evaluation indicated that the structure required strengthening. Restoration consultants were engaged to assist locally with engineering and construction administration.

A specialty repair contractor also was engaged to review the constructability of several alternate repair schemes and maintain the fast-track schedule. After considering structural capacity and serviceability requirements, durability issues, the high-temperature operating environment, constructability, and an aggressive construction schedule, the team recommended a retrofit consisting of bonded post-tensioning within internal holes drilled in the beams. This solution was quite extraordinary, as it required precision-drilling horizontal holes up to 87 feet long in the beams of the elevated frame structure, without cutting existing embedded reinforcement.

Nondestructive impulse radar testing was used to locate existing embedded reinforcing steel, as well as to monitor the drilled holes’ trajectory. This process helped ensure proper hole alignment and prevent damage to embedded steel. The cored holes served as post-tensioning ducts. The repairs were executed on a fast track basis and under challenging circumstances, which included working high on the exposed structure through a cold winter with severe wind conditions. The unique retrofit resulted in a structure that is stronger, more serviceable, and more durable than the original tower. The project represented an exceptional team effort, and its success is attributable to the leadership of the owner and client, the ingenuity of the engineering team, and the resourcefulness of the contractor.

Case study authored by: Kolf, Peter R, Oesterle, Ralph G

Concrete

NDMC Rolls Out Intensive Sanitation Drive Across Lutyens Delhi

Municipal body intensifies cleaning and monitoring across the capital

Published

4 days ago

March 13, 2026

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The New Delhi Municipal Council has launched an intensive sanitation drive across Lutyens’ Delhi, aiming to raise cleanliness standards in the capital’s central precincts. The programme will combine enhanced manual sweeping with mechanised cleaning and systematic waste removal to cover parks, heritage precincts and prominent thoroughfares. Authorities described the initiative as a sustained effort to improve public hygiene and reduce environmental hazards while maintaining the area’s civic image.

Operational teams have been instructed to prioritise drain clearing and litter hotspots, with special attention to markets and transit nodes that attract heavy footfall. Coordination with city utilities and waste processing units will be stepped up to ensure timely collection and disposal, and supervisory rounds will monitor adherence to cleaning schedules. Officials also intend to use data-driven planning to deploy resources efficiently and to identify recurring problem areas.

The council plans to engage resident welfare associations and business stakeholders to foster community participation in maintaining cleanliness and to support behavioural change campaigns. Public communication will be amplified through notices and outreach to encourage responsible waste handling and to inform residents about collection timings and segregation norms. Enforcement measures for littering and unauthorised dumping will be reinforced as part of a broader strategy to deter violations and sustain cleanliness gains.

The move reflects a focus on urban sanitation that officials link to public health priorities and to the city administration’s commitment to maintaining civic amenities. Monitoring mechanisms will include regular reporting and inspections to review outcomes and to recalibrate operations where necessary, according to municipal sources. The council emphasised that continued community cooperation will be essential for the drive to deliver lasting improvements in the appearance and hygiene of the capital’s core areas.

Concrete

UltraTech Appoints Jayant Dua As MD-Designate For 2027

Executive named to succeed current managing director in 2027

Published

1 week ago

March 10, 2026

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UltraTech Cement has appointed Jayant Dua as managing director (MD) designate who will take charge in 2027, the company announced. The appointment signals a planned leadership transition at one of the country’s largest cement manufacturers. The board has set a clear timeline for the handover and has framed the move as part of a structured succession plan.

Jayant Dua will be referred to as MD after assuming the role and will be responsible for overseeing operations, strategy and growth initiatives across the company’s network. The company said the designation follows established governance norms and aims to ensure continuity in executive leadership. The appointment is expected to allow a phased transfer of responsibilities ahead of the formal changeover.

The decision is intended to provide strategic stability as UltraTech Cement navigates domestic infrastructure demand and evolving market dynamics. Management will continue to focus on operational efficiency, capacity utilisation and cost management while aligning investments with long term objectives. The board will monitor the transition and provide further information on leadership responsibilities closer to the effective date.

Investors and market observers will have time to assess the implications of the announcement before the change is effected, and analysts will review the company’s outlook in the context of the succession. The company indicated that it will communicate any additional executive appointments or organisational changes as they are finalised. Shareholders were advised to refer to formal filings and company releases for definitive details on governance or remuneration.

The leadership change will be managed with attention to stakeholder interests and operational continuity, and the company reiterated its commitment to delivery on ongoing projects and customer obligations. Senior management will engage with employees and partners to ensure a smooth handover while maintaining focus on safety and compliance. Further updates will be provided through official investor communications in due course.

Concrete

Merlin Prime Spaces Acquires 13,185 Sq M Land Parcel In Pune

Rs 273 crore purchase broadens the developer’s Pune presence

Published

2 weeks ago

March 6, 2026

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Merlin Prime Spaces (MPS) has acquired a 13,185 sq m land parcel in Pune for Rs 273 crore, marking a notable expansion of its footprint in the city.

The transaction value converts to Rs 2,730 mn or Rs 2.73 bn.

The parcel is located in a strategic area of Pune and the firm described the acquisition as aligned with its growth objectives.

The deal follows recent activity in the region and will be watched by investors and developers.

MPS said the acquisition will support its planned development pipeline and enable delivery of commercial and residential space to meet local demand.

The company expects the site to provide flexibility in product design and phased development to respond to market conditions.

The move reflects an emphasis on land ownership in key suburban markets.

The emphasis on land acquisition reflects a strategy to secure inventory ahead of demand cycles.

The purchase follows a period of sustained investor interest in Pune real estate, driven by expanding office ecosystems and residential demand from professionals.

MPS will integrate the new holding into its existing portfolio and plans to engage with local authorities and stakeholders to progress approvals and infrastructure readiness.

No financial partners were disclosed in the announcement.

The firm indicated that timelines will depend on approvals and prevailing market conditions.

Analysts note that strategic land acquisitions at scale can help developers manage costs and timelines while preserving optionality for future projects.

MPS will now hold an enlarged land bank in the region as it pursues growth, and the acquisition underlines continued corporate appetite for measured expansion in second tier cities.

The company intends to move forward with detailed planning in the coming months.

Stakeholders will assess how the site is positioned relative to existing infrastructure and connectivity.