The Greater Dhaka Sustainable Urban Transport Project, specifically the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line from Gazipur to Dhaka, is a transformative initiative aimed at alleviating the chronic traffic congestion in Dhaka and its surrounding areas. One of the critical aspects of this project is the construction of robust and durable structures, including the ticket counters and station wings. A key component in these constructions is the 125 MM brickwork, which plays a vital role in ensuring the stability and longevity of the buildings.
Understanding 125 MM Brickwork
Brickwork is a fundamental element in construction, providing both structural support and aesthetic appeal. The term "125 MM brickwork" refers to the thickness of the walls built using bricks, where 125 millimeters (MM) is approximately 5 inches. This thickness is ideal for constructing partitions and external walls that require a balance of strength and space efficiency.
Importance in the BRT Project
In the context of the BRT Gazipur to Dhaka project, the 125 MM brickwork is employed in the construction of ticket counters and station wings for several reasons:
Structural Integrity: The 125 MM brickwork provides sufficient strength to withstand the daily wear and tear, ensuring the longevity of the structures.
Thermal Insulation: Brick walls offer excellent thermal insulation, helping to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the ticket counters and station wings, which is particularly important in the hot and humid climate of Bangladesh.
Acoustic Insulation: The thickness of the brickwork helps in reducing noise pollution from the bustling surroundings, creating a quieter and more pleasant environment for passengers and staff.
Aesthetic Appeal: Bricks have a timeless appeal and can be finished in various styles to complement the overall architectural design of the BRT stations.
Construction Process
Soaking: Before any brickwork soaking is necessary to remove the undissolved salt present at brick surface .For the soaking process it is require to put the bricks in water storage tank or washout the bricks with high velocity of water through pipes.
Brick Laying: Before brick laying the concrete surface has been chipped well .Skilled masons lay the bricks in a staggered pattern to ensure even distribution of load and enhance the wall’s stability. Each brick is carefully placed with mortar joints of uniform thickness, typically 10 MM. Above mentioned three photos are the 125mm brickwork of ticket counter of the project Bangladesh Greater Dhaka Sustainable Urban Transport Project, From here people will buy tickets to catch the buses of BRT. Ticket counter a bricks all are aligned and match with the structural drawings that given from SMEC, Bangladesh. It consists of Two ticket counter window, one 7-feet door and one exterior window of 1200mmx1350mm. It height is about 2700mm and for every one station after Tongi College Gate to Open University, four ticket counter will be existed.
In every stations, both wing A and Wing B consists of three brick wall each for decoration purpose. This is also 125mm brick worked where brick faces are kept in flash .
Finishing Scenario:
Once the walls are cured, they are finished with plaster or paint as per the architectural requirements. This not only enhances the appearance but also provides additional protection against weather elements.
Ticket Counter
Wing Brick wall
Challenges and Solutions
Constructing 125 MM brickwork for such a significant infrastructure project comes with its own set of challenges:
Weather Conditions: Working in adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rains or extreme heat, can affect the quality of the brickwork. To mitigate this, construction schedules are planned around favorable weather, and protective measures are taken on-site.
Material Quality: Ensuring consistent quality of bricks and mortar is crucial. Regular quality checks and sourcing materials from reputable suppliers help in maintaining the required standards.
Skilled Labor: Skilled masons are essential for high-quality brickwork. Training programs and proper supervision ensure that the workers are competent and adhere to the best practices in construction.
Inadequate Water Supply: Water supply management is problem in every kind of urban infrastructures project. Despite of low and inadequate water supply , all the brickworks are perfectly done.
Conclusion
The 125 MM brickwork at the ticket counters and station wings of the BRT Gazipur to Dhaka project is a testament to meticulous planning and execution in construction. By prioritizing structural integrity, thermal and acoustic insulation, and aesthetic appeal, this brickwork ensures that the infrastructure not only meets the current needs but also stands the test of time. As Dhaka continues to grow and modernize, projects like these pave the way for a more sustainable and efficient urban transport system, improving the quality of life for its residents.
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