Press Release Summary = Every year a large number of buildings in Bombay collapse,
resulting in deaths and economic damage. Sometimes the damage is inflicted by the
weather. The salty sea breeze and the heavy monsoon play havoc with houses in the
city, giving most sea-facing walls a puffed and peeling look. Often this leads to
water seepage into the walls. If this remains unchecked, water can rust and corrode
steel reinforcements inside the concrete columns and seriously damage the building.
However, in many cases, the cause of the collapse can be traced back to a human
agency. In most of the older buildings, the weight of the structure is carried by
certain load-bearing walls. The house falls apart if these are damaged, or removed.
In more modern constructions, the load is carried by pillars. Although the walls may
be removed without affecting safety, these load-bearing pillars must be guarded from
damage. Many house collapses are due to load-bearing members being demolished by
interior decorators or repairmen carrying out changes without consulting an
architect.
Press Release Body = The three important aspects of Safety, Stability and
Serviceability of a structure depend on its structural quality. An existing building
has already gone through the phases of planning, structural design, detailing and
construction. Its structural performance and life span thereafter mainly depend on
how well it is maintained. Even the best-designed and engineered structure may
degenerate into an unsafe skeleton if it is not maintained properly
2022
