Jayachandran K Point paper on Rehabilitation of CLT

REHABILITATION OF CENTRAL LECTURE THEATRE AT

IIT MADRAS
Ravindra Gettu, Ajay Krishnan, Vineetha N R, Arumugam R

Introduction:
The Central Lecture Theatre (CLT) of IIT Madras (Chennai) was constructed in the
year 1962-1963; hence it has its own heritage value.
Diagnosis tests like NDT and laboratory test was performed which include Half-cell
potential, ultrasonic pulse velocity, rebound hammer test, carbonation check,
checking of girder bar damage, compressive strength tests on cores.
This paper explains about the rehabilitation of the CLT, as the roof got damaged due
to stagnation of the water because of the improper provision for drainage.
Main Body:
CLT has a plinth area of about 310 m2. The dimension of CLT was 16m x 21m x 8m.
The roof of the CLT was a reinforced concrete slab with 10cm thick and was
supported by a grid of inverted reinforced concrete girders with the cross section of
300 mm x 1200 mm.
Many defects such as spalling, honey combs and corrosion of reinforcement in slab
and some extent on girders were observed, when the false ceiling was removed.
From the results arrived from the NDT and laboratory tests, the pH is 11.8 which is
above safe limit, the surface hardness of concrete was poor, ultrasonic pulse velocity
test doubts the density and the uniformity of concrete, and Half-cell potential shows
presence of corrosion.
It was decided to strengthen the girders and to remove the slabs between girders.
The beam was strengthened by increasing the depth in which rebars coated with anti-
corrosive agents are provided additionally. Shear strength and ductility of roof girders
was increased by wrapping FRPs.
Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) was used for easy concreting to avoid the honey
combing, and proper bonding with existing concrete.
The light weight steel (Ondulit) roof was placed on the top of the girders to avoid
further deterioration and also to function as a good sound insulator.
In addition to that, the interior were fascinated by,
o Fixation of new acoustical panels on the walls and ceiling,
o Air-conditioning and lighting were upgraded,
o Seating’s were replaced.
Conclusion:
The CLT building was rehabilitated effectively and it was upgraded with some more
facilities and is still in effective service.
The total cost for rehabilitation of CLT incurs about Rs. 40 Lakhs approximately.
Demolition of an old building was avoided; hence its heritage value was restored.

MRCF Assignment II January 2011