Views that construction of government buildings are often behind schedule and lag behind in terms of technology have to change after looking at Tamilnadu Legislative Assembly complex. This large complex, estimated to cost Rs 348 crore, is designed by GMP International, Germany and being built by East Coast Construction Industries Ltd ECCI and supervised by the Public Works Department.

The work commenced in November 2008 and is expected to be completed by March. The remarkable speed with which 87,058 square metres of built up area spread over seven floors is heading for completion is impressive.

“Labour force of 4000 people at peak time with strict adherence to schedule is maintained. Adopting new technologies with careful project management has delivered the results” says Mr.Yusuf, Assistant Manager Planning, and ECCI.

Starting from foundation, advanced techniques have been used. Piling was done using Rotary Piling method where four piles are done in a day against one through conventional methods.

Due to heavy nature of the building, large beams with enormous reinforcement were required, but by using post-tensioned slabs, the beam sizes and quantity of steel required were reduced. As a result, the cycle time between casting two slabs was also reduced to ten days instead of 21 days.

Elevated circular slab

A 30 m high dome has been proposed over the Assembly chamber. This complex form will be a composite structure made of steel and aluminium fins. It will rest on an elevated circular slab which is designed with only eight radial beams to ensure low cost and reduced construction time.

Heavy duty staging towers and cuplock scaffolding systems specifically designed for this construction are used to support the circular slab and large post-tensioned beams.

The façade of the building is a combination of structural glazing of about 20,000 sq.m and sapphire blue Granite cladding spread over 10,000 sq.m. In order to hold the weight of this granite, Reinforced concrete walls (Pardi walls) are built all around the structure. These concrete walls were constructed in quick speed using plastic formwork system which can be easily assembled through screws. This formwork is light in weight and is easily transportable. A perforated aluminium sheet will be used on top of the glass facade to act as a filter to ensure better comfort inside.

IGBC registration

The Assembly complex building has been registered with Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) for assessment. The rating it gets will be indicative of the eco-friendly nature of the building. Things that are assessed under this rating scheme includes design of the building which is climate responsive, methods of construction, usage of resources and paints with low volatile organic component (VOC) content. The low E coated glass in the external façade is expected to reduce the thermal content. Variable Frequency device VFD motors are used to reduce the voltage consumption and improve the energy efficiency of the building.

The entire complex was planned with five construction milestones targets [refer table below} and we are on schedule, adds Mr.Yusuf.

The architects who are involved with this building explain that “latest construction methods are incorporated in this project with extensive pre-planning. Error free architectural drawing with a well worked out detailed design drawings has improved the quality of design and construction. It is not only cost and time that is reduced but it has also enhanced the performance of the building.”

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