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February, 2005 On January 03, 2005, the Punjab Governor gave the green signal for a change of Chandigarh skyline when, during a presentation by the Architectural Department, he exhorted the architects and planners to come up with new ideas and plan high-rise buildings in the city by making practical and judicious use of land in the periphery. This landmark decision is in tune with the present times when the development arrow has shifted its direction from horizontal to vertical and there is no alternative to vertical expansion if the burgeoning population of the city is to be provided with homes and the slogan ‘Shelter for all’ is to be converted into a workable policy. While the department is busy in preparing new and attractive plans that may add to the beauty and utility of the city, there are certain essential features that must be kept in view during the design of these buildings to make them safe and workable. These features are discussed below: 1. Earthquake Resistant Design: It is obvious that the more is the height of a building, the more prone it is to earthquake forces. The buildings are, therefore, needed to be made earthquake resistant by adopting framed structure design, by following the latest BIS code stipulations and by designing them through "Shear Wall concept". Chandigarh falls in Seismic Zone IV and these days, buildings are designed for one zone up. In case Soft Storeys (for parking purpose) are planned in these buildings, design criteria for soft storey and extreme soft storey also needs to be kept in view. 2. Fire safety: Fire safety is another important factor to be kept in mind. The city has not to give birth to "Towering Infernos". Safe exit routes and escape stairs should be planned in the buildings. The electrical equipment and installations provided in the buildings must be of high standard as shortcircuits are the most common cause behind breakout of fires. The buildings should be designed to carry an emergency power supply in addition to the main supply which should automatically switch off in case of fire. The emergency supply should turn on to run ventilation fans. Sufficient area around each building should be kept open and unoccupied for free movement of fire-tenders. Shafts for electric cables should be run separate and not common with those for water supply and telephone lines. These should be provided with fire resistance seals. Provision of smoke detectors, automatic fire sensing systems and sprinkler systems should be made to the possible extent. 3. Transportation system: Having a fast and efficient vertical transport system is another factor that must be counted while planning the high-rise buildings. A "Traffic study" involving accurate assessment of building users may be made. Peak demand hours should be identified. Elevators should be located in the central core of the buildings. All cars (elevators) should be fitted with overload devices and automatic rescue devices (ARD) which send the cars to nearest floors in case of power failures and even open the doors. 4. Essential services: Provision of proper water supply, sewerage and drainage facilities is essential for successful and trouble-free use pf buildings. Water pressure on the upper floors should be same as that at lower levels. Sewerage and drainage must be adequate, efficient and having easy access for repairs and replacement of pipes and joints. 5. Parking facilities: The buildings must be provided with sufficient parking space. Underground parking system has its disadvantages. If enough ground space is not available, a common multi-storeyed parking lot for a cluster of buildings can prove attractive as well as practical. 6. Construction features: In order to ensure proper quality and safety in construction, the building plan drawings themselves should specify use of ready-mixed concrete in construction. Any good company will readily agree to set up a RMC plant if the quantum of work is sufficient. Use of super plasticisers and sophisticated form work should also be specified. Accidents should be declared intolerable and safety assigned top priority. Let us hope that not a single worker loses his life during construction of these high-rise buildings.
With the availability of user-friendly design software packages, sophisticated and versatile equipment and good quality ISI marked materials, it is not difficult to add the above features to the buildings.
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