Diaphragm Wall Collapse Halts Construction at Surat Hospital Site
A significant structural failure occurred at an under-construction hospital building near Adajan Cross Road in Surat on Sunday, leading to immediate intervention by municipal authorities. A portion of a diaphragm wall was damaged, prompting the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) to halt all construction activities at the location to assess safety and prevent further incidents.
Restoration Efforts and Construction Details
Restoration work commenced on Monday, focusing on refilling the excavated area to stabilize the site. The construction involved digging a land parcel of approximately 1,000 square yards to create a two-floor basement. The incident occurred when workers began excavating for the third basement level, causing a section of the diaphragm wall to collapse unexpectedly.
Investigation Findings and Causes
A preliminary investigation conducted by SMC officers identified the likely cause of the wall damage. Heavy construction materials, including iron rods and cement bags, were stored on the ground adjacent to the excavation site. This storage created excessive weight on one side, leading to structural stress and the eventual collapse of the diaphragm wall.
Municipal Corporation's Response and Future Steps
An SMC officer stated that the hospital project will now require reapproval of its construction plans from the municipal corporation. "The hospital will have to get the construction plan reapproved from SMC again. At present, the restoration was done and, after proper checks, further actions will be planned and approved," the officer explained. The SMC has emphasized that thorough safety inspections will be conducted before any further construction is permitted, ensuring compliance with building codes and regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
