Road built for self destruction
Road No. 8 in Gulshan 1, for about 100 meters for the main avenue towards the best was badly damaged. Recently Gulshan Municipality had it rebuilt. The top layer was of 2 to 30 inch thick concrete. The concreting was done throughout the day on 30th October. However, no arrangements were made to cure the concrete, and the concrete cast, was not kept wet. Without curing the concrete road surface will crumble within the next few months.
Seeing the road surface totally dry next morning (31st October), since I live nearby, I went to the Municipal office and told this to the Executive Engineer and requested him to ensure that the concrete road surface is properly cured at least for a week, if not more. I saw the road again on the next two days (1st & 2nd November) and found the road surface totally dry! Only on 31st October after I told the Executive Engineer the road was wetted late in the afternoon of that day; and that was all the curing done. No wander this road will start cracking and breaking up in the next few weeks. After casting concrete must be cured (kept wet round the clock) for at least a week. Quite often, concrete floors and roof slabs are kept flooded under 2 or 3 inch of water throughout the curing period, which is essential for the concrete to rich full strength.
Without any curing this road surface (Road No. 8) will be damaged since it is under heavy traffic with motorcars and trucks moving throughout the day. It is really sad and unfortunate that such is wasting materials and money of the taxpayer cross negligence of the concerned Municipal authorities. This is a practical example of poor quality of work because of no supervision being done; while the contractor who has done this job will make extra profit by not spending any money for curing the concrete, which is mandatory. Does any one care?
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments