Table of Contents

Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................... 2

1.1 General.................................................................................................................................... 2
1.2 Visual Inspection ..................................................................................................................... 2
1.3 Summary ................................................................................................................................. 3
1.4 Remedial Measures................................................................................................................. 3
 Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 General

This report pertains to the summary of visual inspection conducted at Church Building at
Kunnapally, Amaballoor, Cochin. It also includes the retrofitting schemes suggested for the
existing structure.
1.2 Visual Inspection

Visual inspection is conducted on the existing Church Building on 20th August, 2017. The
building was constructed in the year 1998. Structural details/drawings of the existing
structure are not available. Findings of the inspection are described below.

The foundation of ‘Madhbaha’ of the structure was constructed using RR masonry. The
dimensions of the footing are unknown. But the footing was extended to around 1.5m above
ground level. The load bearing masonry walls of around 230mm thickness was constructed
above the footing. Roof of Madhbaha was RC slab supported on the load bearing walls.

Prima facie, the front portion of building (‘Madhbaha’) was cracked heavily throughout the
length. The width of the crack was more than 5mm. The cracks were seen on the brick
masonry load bearing walls at the three sides of ‘Madhbaha’.

Figure 1: Crack on backside walls of Main Madhbaha

Figure 2: Crack on left side walls of Madhbaha

The cracks on shown in above figures occurred horizontally on the masonry walls. It
resembles the settlement of foundation supporting the walls.

It is observed that the cracks formed on walls are at a height of approximately 2m from the
floor of Madhbaha. Since structural drawings of the existing structure are not available,
location of existing beams lintel beams, columns etc. are not known. By removing small
portion of motor plaster on outside face of wall, presence of lintel beam is expected. If so, the
cracks are formed on walls below the lintel beam level. This is confirming the chance of
settlement of existing foundation. Since lintel beams are not settled down, it is expected that
the lintel beams would be supported on columns at corners of the wall. But geometry and
structural details of the lintel beams and columns are not available.
1.3 Summary

The structure is not in good condition to do it functions and is not safe too. Hence appropriate
remedial measures shall be taken at the earliest to avoid any structural complications.

1.4 Remedial Measures

Various remedial measures that can be implemented on the structure are listed below: -

1) Demolition and Reconstruction of Existing Walls and Roofs on Pile footing.

This option is recommended as structural details of existing buildings are not available. The
existing footing is not sufficient to withstand the loads of existing walls and roofs. Hence
demolition from top to bottom is safe.

Referring to the soil test conducted at site, only pile footing is feasible. Impact load due to
piling may badly affect the existing structure. Hence piling can be done only after demolition
of the structure.

The cost of this method will be more which includes cost of demolition, piling and
reconstruction.

2) Other Strengthening Options

Other cost effective strengthening options suggested by structural engineers can be done.