Kochi: Stating that there was “no willful negligence” on their part, contractor RDS Project Ltd, which constructed Palarivattom bridge, on Monday said the new construction method used didn’t go as planned and that rectification works are being carried out to satisfaction of IIT experts.
“The bridge was designed adopting deck continuity joint system, a new innovative concept. Within three months after it was opened for traffic in October 2016, it was observed the above theory did not function as envisaged, presumably due to additional stress developed in the support zone of girders. Hairline cracks on girders and piers started developing. This was immediately brought to the notice of RBDCK /KITCO and we had requested permission to rectify it at our expense,” the company said in a statement.
Earlier, a study by an IIT Madras team found major construction deficiencies and the report claimed compromise being done both in quantity and quality of raw- materials used in the flyover construction.
“The IIT team suggested replacing the deck continuity joint system with normal strip seal expansion joints. The above works are being carried out to the satisfaction of IIT team and the technical experts appointed by the Government.
“We reiterate that there was no willful negligence by us. We constructed this bridge as per the approved design, using standard products,” it said.
The company further said it spent Rs 2 crore to implement the recommendations of the IIT team.
“There is enough money due to us against the final bill to an extent of Rs 2.3 cr. apart from the performance guarantee of Rs 4 crore to meet all contingencies.”
