Date:04/10/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/10/04/stories/2007100456520300.htm

Andhra Pradesh

‘Soil investigation vital for structures’

Correspondent

Seminar held on ‘case studies in engineering soils’

Some speakers speak on the nature of soils and their treatment
Papers submitted on various issues

Kakinada: Soil testing is vital for soundness of the structures and there should not be any complacency on this important aspect, cautioned V. Bangareswera Sarma, former principal of Andhra University College of Engineering, Visakhapatnam. Inaugurating the national seminar on ‘case studies in engineering soils’ organised jointly by the Indian Geotechnical Society, Kakinada chapter, and the Department of Civil Engineering, JNTU College of Engineering here on Tuesday, he said structure soundness depended upon the strength of the soil. “Before constructing any civil engineering facility, a thorough investigation of the site should be carried out. Designing foundations without carrying a proper and complete investigation could some times lead to disastrous consequences,” he warned. Comparing soils with other materials like concrete and steel used in construction, he said, the latter could be designed to suit the requirements but not soils.

The soil could not be designed, as it was a natural deposit. Therefore, it would demand a thorough testing before it was put to use, he added.

EV Prasad, Principal, B Prabhakararao, vice- principal, G Yesu Rathnam, head of civil engineering, spoke on the nature of soils and their treatment.

Very interesting case studies of failure of structures founded in weak soils and the remedial measures adopted for their rectification including reinforcement of ground were presented in the seminar. Papers on foundation details of Kakatiya dynasty temples, causes of the recent collapse of the supporting structures of the flyover at Panjagutta in Hyderabad were also presented on the occasion. Among those who presented papers were N Babu Shankar, former professor of NIT, Warangal, N V Ramanarao and E Saibaba reddy, professors of JNTU, Hyderabad, Ajjarapu Sriramarao, Principal, Regency Institute of Engineering, Yanam, CSN Murthy and V Ramachandra, executive engineers of R&B. Over hundred field engineers from the departments of R&B, PR, Irrigation and Ports besides a few retired engineers attended.