Soil test before fixing cracks on Ripon Buildings

Gujarat-based Helifix India has been appointed to renovate the Ripon Buildings and repair the cracks on the 105-year old heritage structure, a Corporation official said. “The representatives of Helifix India, who have expertise in renovating heritage structures, conducted various studies on the building and the ongoing Metro rail works. However, they have requested to carry out a detailed soil investigation before commencing the works,” the official said.

Meanwhile, the civic body has floated a tender for digging bores in specified spots to a conduct study on the sand, soft disintegrated rock, laterite, deposited medium rock and others. “Renovation plan will be prepared based on soil investigation results and study on the heritage structure. The renovation will be carried out at a cost of Rs 58 lakh,” the official added.

This the second time that the Greater Chennai Corporation has taken steps to fix the cracks on the building. The civic body planned to renovate the building before its centenary celebration between 2012 and 2013. However, the work got delayed and was completed only in 2015 at a cost of Rs 13 crore.