The column casting work was carried out for the proposed guard room constructed above the existing water tank at Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP). This structural element plays a critical role in supporting the superstructure of the guard room, which features a sloped tin (corrugated metal) roof.
The guard room was designed with a non-uniform height configuration:
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One side height: 11 feet
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Opposite side height: approximately 10 feet
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Roof type: Slope tin slab (lightweight roofing system)
The variation in height was intentionally maintained to facilitate proper drainage and to achieve the desired roof slope.
Structural Importance of C-10 Column
The column serves as a primary vertical load-carrying member. Since the guard room is located above a water tank structure, careful consideration was required to ensure:
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Safe load transfer to the tank structure below
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Proper alignment with beam and slab system
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Structural stability against wind and lateral forces
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Adequate anchorage with existing structural components
Given the elevated nature of the construction, quality control during casting was a key priority.
Reinforcement Detailing
Before casting, reinforcement placement was thoroughly checked:
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Vertical main bars positioned according to structural design
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Stirrups provided at specified spacing for confinement
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Clear cover maintained using cover blocks
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Proper lapping ensured where necessary
Special attention was given to verticality and alignment to avoid eccentric loading, especially due to the roof slope and height variation.
Formwork and Preparation
Formwork (shuttering) was installed after reinforcement inspection. The following measures were ensured:
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Proper bracing to prevent displacement during casting
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Alignment checking using a plumb bob and a level
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Tight joints to prevent slurry leakage
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Cleaning of column base before pouring concrete
Because the column supports a sloped tin roof structure, accurate vertical alignment was essential to maintain correct roof beam level differences between the 11 ft and 10 ft sides.
Concrete Casting Process
The column was cast using a motored RCC mix as per the project specification. During casting:
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Concrete was poured in layers
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Needle vibrator used to avoid honeycombing
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Continuous monitoring maintained for segregation
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Top surface properly finished
Adequate curing was ensured after de-shuttering to achieve the required strength and durability.
Roof Consideration: Slope Tin Slab
Unlike conventional RCC roof slabs, this guard room utilizes a lightweight sloped tin sheet roof, which offers:
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Reduced dead load
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Faster construction
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Cost efficiency
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Effective rainwater drainage
The difference in column heights (11 ft and ~10 ft) directly supports the roof slope, eliminating the need for excessive beam depth adjustments.
Engineering Challenges
Some practical challenges encountered included:
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Working at an elevation above the water tank
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Ensuring structural compatibility with the existing tank structure
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Maintaining a precise level difference for the roof slope
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Quality control in confined working space
These challenges were addressed through careful supervision, measurement checks, and adherence to structural guidelines.
Conclusion
The successful casting of the column marks an important milestone in the construction of the guard room above the water tank at CRP. Despite height variation and structural integration constraints, the work was completed with structural safety, accuracy, and quality control as top priorities.
This project reflects the importance of precision in small-scale structural components, where even minor height differences significantly impact overall structural behavior and architectural functionality.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if you’d like to discuss the tendering process further. Your interest and support are greatly appreciated!
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