PANAJI: IIT Madras has requested Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) and L & T for additional details about the waterproof and asphalting processes used for Atal Setu to try and determine the frequently printed causes.
IIT Madras also asked GSIDC to give the core pieces of the bridge surface layer to find out why the adhesive layer failed to comply with tar or asphalt.
GSSIDC has approached IIT-Madras for assistance to identify why the asphalt placed above the adhesive bond layer failed to hold the hot-mix, and if the variation of rainfall, moisture, salinity and cave temperatures could be a factor that hindered the right bond with bitumen.
“IIT Madras has asked for more detail.
They sent us a letter and also asked for core pieces from the road on the bridge to learn various layers,” said a GSIDC engineer.
Even when GSIDC collects the requested information, some large holes have erupted along the bridge which was built at the cost of Rs 546 Crore.
The bridge, which was in a hurry was inaugurated on January 27, 2019, had seen some defects arose since then, pushing GSIDC to bind in IitMadras to find a solution.
“Adhesion bond between waterproof and asphalt membranes slips and does not hold.
That is the problem.
We need a solution to it,” said a senior GSIDC engineer.
In October, GSIDC has sent data to the Chennai-based Institute, which will conduct peer-reviewed studies to identify the causes that often paint.
GSIDC officials said that L & T is likely to patch the crater that has been developed on a cable-lived bridge which is 3.1 km long while putting the asphalt for the Merces-Porvorim ramp.
“The road that is closed will also be discarded immediately,” said GSIDC official.
Based on the results obtained by IIT Madras, L & T may be asked to take corrective steps.
Also, given that the same adhesive bond will be used for the Zuari bridge, the engineers want to immediately find a solution.