When acquiring a residence, it's common to be captivated by interior aesthetics and amenities, overlooking the critical aspect of structural soundness. Yet, the integrity of a property's structure is paramount, as a failure could pose life-threatening risks or cause severe injuries. Therefore, adherence to approved layouts and construction in accordance with building bylaws is imperative.
In the dynamic realm of real estate, safety assumes a central role as Gurgaon’s district administration launches the second phase of structural audits for residential societies, set to commence on April 1, 2023. In tandem, Noida’s proactive approach involves enlisting seven technical institutions for structural audits of high-rise buildings, making it obligatory for builders to furnish safety reports for Occupancy Certificates. In the dynamic realm of real estate, safety assumes a central role as Gurgaon's district administration launches the second phase of structural audits for residential societies, set to commence on April 1, 2023. In tandem, Noida's proactive approach involves enlisting seven technical institutions for structural audits of high-rise buildings, making it obligatory for builders to furnish safety reports for Occupancy Certificates.
Amidst the growing demand for residential and commercial properties, developers are crafting exceptional spaces to allure potential buyers. However, within this surge, the safety of residents becomes paramount. Developers wield a crucial responsibility in ensuring a secure environment in both commercial and residential structures. Regrettably, in the pursuit of architectural aesthetics, the importance of construction materials is occasionally overlooked, amplifying the emphasis on 'premium construction quality' as a key selling point for builders.
The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA), while lacking a specific section dedicated to construction safety, incorporates rules to ensure safety standards during construction. For instance, builders are allowed to commence construction and sales only after obtaining all statutory approvals. Additionally, changes to building plans or specifications require the consent of two-thirds of customers. Preceding RERA, the Delhi, Gujarat, and Chandigarh governments mandated a structural safety certificate for property registration.
This certificate verifies compliance with Part-VI (structural design) of the National Building Code (NBC) of India 2005. The NBC governs safety norms, encompassing administrative regulations, general building requirements, construction specifications, and material standards. Non-compliance may lead to approval cancellation or building demolition.
Concerns over structural safety in Gurgaon have heightened due to incidents like roof collapses. Recent audits revealed deficiencies in residential apartments, including falling plaster, seepage, and balcony defects, though not posing serious threats. Audited societies include Antariksh Heights Sector-84, DLF Park Place, M3M Woodshire Sector-107, and Raheja Vedanta Sector-108. The second phase of audits follows incidents like the Chintels Paradiso mishap.
Residents of New Town Heights in Sector 91 demand structural and financial audits, citing design flaws and poor construction quality. Despite substantial maintenance payments, residents lack amenities, and developers allegedly breach completion certificate terms. The Gurgaon district administration's second audit phase invites suggestions from residents covered in the first audit.
In Noida, the Authority Board has outlined a structural audit policy for high-rise projects. If defects are found, builders and residents must repair them. Developers need to submit a structural audit report from institutions like IIT or NIT before receiving an Occupancy Certificate (OC). Even after OC issuance, complaints from 25% of allottees trigger committee examination for defects categorized as minor or major.
Noida Authority has enhanced structural audits by empanelling institutions like IIT Kanpur, BITS Pilani, and Central Building Research Institute Roorkee. Developers applying for an OC must submit a structural safety audit report from one of these institutions starting April 1, 2023.
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Ensuring the safety of a house is paramount, and a thorough assessment can provide peace of mind. Begin by checking the certification awarded by the relevant authority to the builder post-construction. This certification validates that the construction adheres to the specified standards and regulations.
In addition to this, each state has specific building bylaws that must be adhered to during construction, with authorities responsible for their enforcement. These bylaws encompass critical aspects such as ground coverage, Floor Area Ratio (FAR), material specifications based on soil requirements, tensile strength, beam and column strength, and height restrictions, particularly in seismic zones. Further scrutiny involves confirming compliance with the National Building Code (NBC) guidelines, serving as a comprehensive model code for construction.
However, relying solely on certification may not be foolproof, as builders might resort to unfair means. To address this, a structural safety audit and testing can be conducted. This involves assessments like a design load analysis, soil settlement examination, and beam and column strength tests using samples from various areas of the building to determine its overall safety.
According to Kushagr Ansal, Director at Ansal Housing, ensuring structural safety is imperative for multistoried buildings, especially in mitigating risks during natural calamities like earthquakes and cyclones. The strength of a structure hinges on various elements, including the foundation, walls, roof/ceiling pattern, beams, and the quality of materials used. An essential aspect of this assurance is the issuance of a Structural Stability Certificate by a qualified and registered structural engineer, attesting that the building is safe and durable for habitation.
Emphasizing the importance of structural robustness in life-threatening scenarios, an authorized inspector should oversee construction to ensure alignment with design and specification. Key considerations during inspection encompass potential causes of structural failures, such as rotten floors in high-rise houses, unstable foundations, corroded metal in stairs, posts corroded at ground level, unstable or leaning walls, storm water erosion of piers, stumps, and footings, as well as unsafe structures due to fire or severe termite damage.
Reducing accidents, injuries, and fatalities while upholding safety standards should be the primary objective of the construction industry. Employing quality materials, adhering to safety codes, and ensuring a safe work environment for employees are crucial steps in achieving this goal. Developers should also comply with guidelines outlined in the Building and Other Constructions Workers (BOCW) Act, 1996, which regulates and supports workers engaged in construction activities.
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