Shear walls play a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity of buildings, especially in seismic zones. Recently, at the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP) in Savar, a significant shear wall casting project was undertaken, involving a phased approach to achieve the desired strength and stability.
Project Background
The shear wall casting at CRP was divided into two major phases:
- Phase 1: On August 30, 2024, the first 3.5 feet of the shear wall was cast.
- Phase 2: On September 09, 2024, an additional 4.5 feet of the wall was cast.
This phased approach was essential to ensure the quality and durability of the shear wall, which is vital for the building's overall safety.
Materials and Mix Design
The concrete mix used for the casting was a standard RCC mix with a ratio of 1:1.5:3 (cement: sand: aggregate). This mix is known for its strength and workability, making it ideal for shear walls.
Additionally, Dr. Fixit waterproofing chemical was incorporated into the mix. Dr. Fixit is renowned for enhancing the durability of concrete by preventing water ingress, which is especially important in structures like shear walls that are subjected to varying environmental conditions.
The Casting Process
Phase 1 (August 30, 2024): The initial 3.5 feet of the shear wall was cast with precision, ensuring proper compaction and curing. This phase set the foundation for the subsequent layers, ensuring that the wall would bear the load effectively.
Phase 2 (September 09, 2024): The subsequent 4.5 feet of the wall was cast on top of the first phase. This required meticulous preparation to ensure a strong bond between the two layers. The use of Dr. Fixit in this phase further enhanced the wall's resistance to potential water damage, ensuring long-term durability.
Importance of Phased Casting
Phased casting in shear walls is crucial for several reasons:
Quality Control: Each phase allows for thorough inspection and quality control, ensuring that any potential issues can be addressed before the next phase begins.
Strength Development: Phased casting allows the concrete in the initial phase to gain sufficient strength before additional loads are applied, reducing the risk of cracks or structural failure.
Structural Integrity: Ensuring a strong bond between phases is essential for the overall integrity of the shear wall. This is especially important in high-rise buildings or structures in seismic zones, where shear walls are a critical component of the structural system.
Conclusion
The shear wall casting project at CRP, Savar, stands as a testament to the importance of meticulous planning and execution in construction. By employing a phased approach and using high-quality materials like the 1:1.5:3 RCC mix and Dr. Fixit chemical, the project team ensured that the shear wall would not only meet but exceed the necessary safety and durability standards.
As this project progresses, the focus remains on maintaining the highest levels of quality and safety, ensuring that the structure at CRP will stand strong for years to come.
Below are some snaps of phase 1 and phase 2:
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