Mumbai: After receiving multiple complaints of cracked concretised roads, the BMC has appointed IIT Bombay for a third-party audit and rigorous monitoring. Also, to address high temperatures, concrete work is scheduled at night, with engineers remaining on-site during shifts for real-time oversight and immediate resolutions of any issues.
The BMC is currently working on the concretisation of 1,173 roads spanning 433 kilometers, with 260 roads completed in Phase 1 and 496 under construction in Phase 2. The civic body aims to complete 324 kilometers of road concretisation in Phase 1 before the monsoon.
However, concerns have been raised by citizens regarding the quality of the work. To address the issues a brainstorming workshop was recently held at the IIT Bombay in Powai, with road engineers. The discussion focused on improving quality, overcoming challenges, and resolving engineers' concerns.
Abhijeet Bangar, Additional Municipal Commissioner (project) while addressing the session, stated, "In the implementation of any project, it is crucial for engineers to remain vigilant to avoid any quality or technical flaws. During road construction, engineers must be present at the actual work site. While work is being expedited, the focus must remain on maintaining high quality. Given that temperatures are lower at night, the concretisation work is being carried out during nighttime. It is essential for junior engineers and assistant engineers to be present at the project site during night shifts."
Dr. K.V. Krishnarao, Deputy Director of IIT Bombay, discussed concrete road design, stressing the importance of proper joint spacing to extend road life and timely joint cutting to prevent cracks. He highlighted that effective texturing of Pavement Quality Concrete (PQC) enhances tire grip, facilitates drainage, and improves durability.
He also mentioned the longitudinal lining method to reduce noise and increase safety, emphasising the need for quality control and thorough testing to avoid common construction issues.
The session covered key issues such as the curing period for Dry Lean Concrete (DLC), the impact of traffic on narrow roads before completion, and how to address surface wear. It also discussed proper cutting of expansion joints and challenges with large equipment not reaching edges, exploring the use of smaller machinery.
Professor Dr. Solomon Debarna provided insights into the causes of cracks in cement concrete roads, identifying crack types, and selecting appropriate technologies for repairs. Over 300 participants, including municipal engineers, quality inspection agencies, and contractor representatives, took part in this interactive workshop.
