A BSS news report published in your daily on 19th July says that the Hon. Food & Disaster Management Minister believes that risky buildings could be made risk-free through retrofitting. It is not such a simple matter! I wonder if this was just an off-the-cuff remark, or was based on clear understanding of the subject.
The time and expertise needed for detailed investigation and redesign -- provided that correct drawings and designs are available -- will be time consuming and expensive! In many cases it may cost less to demolish the building and rebuild it!
Before such a measure is taken in hand, I would request the authorities to study the matter and prepare a professional criteria and evaluation methodology, by an expert committee, headed by a nominated Professor of Structural Design Engineering from BUET, with members from experienced and capable design engineers on the committee.
Based on their report, which should be made public, such a venture may be undertaken -- if it is estimated to be cost effective. Otherwise demolition and rebuilding should be allowed, with a punitive fine added, for building an unauthorised structure in the first place!
Also such rebuilt structures must have adequate clearances all round from neighboring land, buildings and roads or lanes
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Engr. S. A. Mansoor
Dhaka
E-mail: sam07@dhakacom.com
Retrofitting risky buildings
FE Team | Published: July 22, 2010 00:00:00 | Updated: February 01, 2018 00:00:00
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