IIT Madras report confirms construction flaws in LIFE Mission housing complex in Mundamveli

Kochi: An IIT Madras report has confirmed that state govt's ambitious building complex for P and T Colony residents under LIFE Mission scheme at Mundamveli has construction flaws. The final report of the premier engineering and research institution noted that the building, constructed at a cost of Rs 14.61crore on 70 cents, did not have adequate detailing and precision (specifications that ensure the building's protection against water leakage, especially at the joints)."Most of the structural and non-structural elements of the building do not have adequate detailing and/or precision that are required for preventing water leakage and ensuring water resistance," read the conclusion in the final report. Leakage from bathrooms and kitchens posed a severe threat to the durability of the building which was completed three years ago. The residents were relocated to Mundamveli in Jan and Feb 2024. The first water leakage was reported 14 days after all residents were relocated. The report warned that continued moisture exposure may lead to progressive corrosion and further loss of serviceability if appropriate waterproofing and corrosion-control measures were not implemented immediately. The four-storey building complex was constructed using a pre-engineered method with a steel structure. "I examined the building following the authorities' request. When we construct a building, we must design the water pressure on the land, considering the high-water table. In Mundamveli, they used prefabricated blocks and steel structures. The sealings to join the blocks and steel structures were not proper. Detailing error is the main problem. The joint sealing and the steel structure have different behaviours. The gap between the steel structure and prefabricated block must be filled properly with the sealing. Here, the sealing material was of poor quality, and it started to melt causing water leakage. The effect of the long periods of rain was also not properly addressed," said senior structural engineer Anil Joseph. Further pointing out the flaws in the building, the report noted that certain structural parts (beams, columns and supporting walls) did not meet the specified requirements as per the IS 800:2007 standards. GCDA chairman Chandran Pillai said a roadmap would be prepared to rectify the flaws in the complex. Meanwhile, Abilash Mundamveli, a resident in the building complex, said the delay in rectification works posed health concerns.