Buildings in India- Unsafe: Developers do not follow the building material guidelines
Unfortunately India has developed a lot post-independence; however some basic safety measures have been completely overlooked in this maddening growth. There is no regulation or rule in the real estate sector which recommends the checks on the quality of materials used for the construction of buildings, and this puts lakhs of lives in India at risk in dangerous and unsafe buildings.
The authorities turn a blind eye to quality of construction material, often, builders save money by using substandard iron and cement. The rampant corruption in the real estate sector add more fuel to this practice and many unsafe buildings dotting our cities and towns are passed by the authorities after the builders pay bribe to the officials.
The biggest compromises are made in the use of concrete making the base and the pillars of the building weak. The quality recommended is of the strength of M40, M35 and M30. Concrete comes from ready mix plants and in some cases these are located onsite. What is a matter of grave concern is that there is no quality control that takes place in 90 %of these plants. Structural engineers state that if samples were to be tested in most of the sites, then the quality used would be M15 which is far lower than the expected standard.
There are specific codes in place that state what quality concrete is to be used for columns and sheer walls and for beams and slabs, however are seldom followed by the developers while constructing these multi storeyed buildings.
Source- Hindustan Times (Delhi Edition)
building material guidelines, buildings in India, dangerous and unsafe buildings, Multi-storeyed buildings, Unsafe buildings
