R.Ranjith Kumar, Area Sales Manager, Hilti India Pvt. Ltd. Chennai

The Foot over bridge leading to the Pazhavanthangal railway station Chennai is among the steepest bridge and the commuters, particularly the senior citizens were finding its use very difficult. It was due to this difficulty the proposal for flight of steps leading to the platforms of railway station directly from the Pazhavanthangal subway was made. The original project proposal was prepared in 2004. But the project ran into problems initially with the contractors, who bagged the work order, but decided for abandoning the work. The works belong to Southern Railway.

The Railway required a solution for how to demolish the structure without disturbing the traffic operation and railway line. If they adopt traditional method of breaking, it will develop cracks in the structureand it also will take more time.

The RCC structure is 23 years old having a length of 4500 mm, breadth 700 mm and height of 6000 mm. Concrete used for casting (as per records) is M-25 grade provided with steel Reinforcement of 20mm and 32mm dia bars.

The problem was referred to Hilti by Railway. The Hilti team discussed the problem with Mr. Sekar, DEN and Mr. Rajendran - Bridge Engineer of Southern Railway and presented the process and methodology of Hilti systems containing Diamond Wall saw & Wire saw for cutting the RCC structure and DD-750 HY for coring with less vibration without disturbing the existing structure in a very short span (24-48 hours). The solution was provided by Hilti was suiting railway requirements and was very safe and fastest possible.

After discussions and getting convinced about the techniques and the capability of Hilti officials of Southern Railway approved the systems and tenders were invited. The job was awarded to a leading railway contractor Mr.Radhakrishnan.

Figure 1 show the original structure. Figures 2&3 show the Hilti Diamond wall saw system being used on the above project site. Figure 4 shows use of D-LP32/DSTS32 wall sawing system. Figure 5 shows use of D-LP 32/DS-TS32/ WSS 30 wire sawing in action at the above work site. Figure 6 shows the core cutting operation using DD-750 HY, Figure 7 shows the worksite after completion of Job, and Figure 8 shows Diamond coring process.

The work was started and satisfactorily completed on 28th Feb 2008. The author is grateful to the railway officers, and the contracting firm for showing confidence in the modern Hilti Technologies. Thanks are also due for the Hilti field staff who executed the work.


Comments from Client (Southern & Railway)
  • DEN Bridges visited the worksite and appreciated for finishing the job without disturbing the structure within short time span.
  • Principal–Southern Railway training institute visited the job site and appreciated the efficient and fast execution carried out.
  • All Bridge inspector’s visited the job site and appreciated.
  • Dy.Chief Engineer southern railway– visited the job site. He now want to implement the same technology to demolish 120 years old bridges. (Approx.19 Bridges) in his juridiction.
Nippon Paint expands into Rs. 12,500 cr Construction Chemicals market
In line with its global vision, Nippon Paint India is expanding its portfolio beyond the paint and coatings product range; it will now offer products and solutions under the broad categories: Dry mix, Repair and Maintenance, Construction Chemicals, and

Read more ...

Alkali-Aggregate Reaction in Concrete Structures and Preventive Measures
When the alkali of cement reacts with the reactive constituents of aggregates, the reaction is deleterious though very slow, and the distress is exhibited when the volume inside the concrete is increased due to the formation of alkali-silica gel, causing the

Read more ...

Optimizing Existing Structures Through Retrofitting
Despite understanding the potential of retrofitting and its distinct and far-reaching advantages in making existing buildings green and sustainable, retrofitting continues to be undertaken on a very limited scale; hence, it needs to be promoted and made mandatory

Read more ...

Cause of Distress of an Old Building Through Analytical and Micro-Analytical Methods
The technical service life of a reinforced concrete building is the time in service when structural safety is unacceptable due to either material degradation or exceeding the load carrying capacity, or both. In which case, the repair strategy may be adopted

Read more ...

Value Engineering with MCI®-2019 for Concrete Maintenance and Repair
True value engineering saves money without reducing service life or affecting the quality of construction or materials. Ideally, it adds value to the project. MCI®-2019 is one such value engineering solution that can extend the service life of existing

Read more ...

Agrani Milestone Use Carbon Fiber Laminates to Strengthen Slab
Ramendra Bahadur Sinha, Managing Director, Agrani Milestone, explains the remedial measures and challenges faced during slab strengthening of a deflected slab at IIT. NBCC India Limited undertook the strengthening of a deflected slab at a G+2 storey IIT building

Read more ...

Waterproofing Challenges & Remedial Measures in High Rise Buildings
High-rise buildings need special attention when it comes to waterproofing as the challenges inherent in them are peculiar in nature. Unfortunately, there is a lack of knowledge on the remedies and products available in the market as water- proofers continue to

Read more ...

Importance of Waterproofing Structures
The longevity of structures depends on how much resistance the building element will offer to water ingress. Water leakage not only reduces the durability but also hampers the serviceability or usability of the structure; hence, a good waterproofing system will

Read more ...

Terrace Waterproofing Solutions for Energy-Efficient Buildings
Terrace waterproofing is particularly important and is considered a priority as the roof is always exposed to harsh climatic conditions and weather changes. Rajeev Gupta, Business Head, ECMAS Construction Chemicals Pvt. Ltd. An effective waterproofing solution

Read more ...

Structural Rehabilitation of Reinforced Concrete Structures
Cement concrete is one of the most important construction materials and is practically basic to present-day developments. It is strong enough mechanically, yet vulnerable to deterioration. It thus gets damaged and even fails. This deterioration may be due to the weathering

Read more ...

Thermax - HDPE-SBS Waterproofing System for Basement Waterproofing
Gradual shift in lifestyle has driven the idea of modern construction towards developing underground spaces and buried structures to bring efficiency in use of space. However, the improved efficiency comes with an increase in challenges like infiltration

Read more ...

Waterproofing in Hilly Areas with Sub-Zero Temperatures
Industry experts Kunjan Popat, General Secretary, Waterproofing Association of India; Ramendra Bahadur Sinha, Managing Director, Agrani Enterprises, and MS Sudish, Director, SIWIN Institute of Waterproofing and Insulation, share the challenges

Read more ...

Dow Sealants for Sustainable Infrastructure
Durability is a key requirement for modern infrastructure projects – highways and roads, bridges, airports and airfields, walkways and plazas, parking structures and stadiums. Miles of concrete must

Read more ...

FAIRMATE FAIRCURE WC - White Pigmented Concrete Curing Aid
Buildings have major environmental impacts over their entire life cycle. Resources such as ground cover, forests, water, and energy are depleted to give way to buildings. Today, India has demonstrated

Read more ...

Repair and Rehabilitation of A Minor Bridge in Shravasti District  (UP), India
Scour is a natural phenomenon caused by the erosive action of flowing stream on alluvial beds. Failure of bridge due to scour at their foundations, which in this case consisted of abutments and pier, one 1.2 dia

Read more ...

Faircoat Anti-Carbonation Coating Protects Concrete Structures Like Flyovers, Bridges & Buildings
To protect concrete structures like Flyovers, Bridges, Parking areas, Big Commercial and Residential Buildings, the normal decorative exterior paint will not serve the purpose as these paints are not vapour permeable

Read more ...

Repair Strategy of Stoplog Sill Beams During Operation Stage of 510 MW Teesta-V Power Station in Sikkim
Repair Strategy of Stoplog Sill Beams During Operation Stage of 510 MW Teesta-V Power Station in Sikkim Running Power Stations serve as a boom to the economy of the country and any generation loss due to construction

Read more ...

Concrete Protective Liner by Russian company Hydropolymer
Concrete protective liner is a multipurpose solution for waterproofing and protection of concrete surfaces against corrosion and destruction. The product warranties long-term and reliable protection of structures

Read more ...

Necessity of Health Monitoring of Structures Constructed Before 2000 across India
Sangeeta Pandey, Chief Manager (Civil), Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd., Patna, PVS Sudhakar, Sr. General Manager (Civil), NOFN Works, Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd., Vishakhapatnam & Dr. Achintya, Professor of Civil

Read more ...

WATERPROOFING Importance of Filling Cracks, Joints & Voids
Samir Surlaker, Director, Assess Build Chem Private Limited discusses some new joint treatments and injection systems in waterproofing. It is a myth that waterproofing treatments can be carried out by application of single material

Read more ...