Tamil Nadu - Sivaganga   

“Technology helped gauge conversion”

SIVAGANGA: The conversion of the rail bridge between Pamban and Mandapam from metre gauge to broad gauge is an example of latest structural engineering techniques, N. Lakshmanan, Director, Structural Engineering Research Centre (SERC), Chennai, has said.

He was delivering the 59th Foundation Day lecture at Central Electrochemical Research Institute, Karaikudi, near here on Monday.

The SERC played a major role in modifying the 95-year-old structure. It was thought that several hundred crore rupees was required to construct a new bridge. However, using structural modification techniques, the existing bridge was upgraded by providing extra weights and structures. The job was completed with a few crore rupees. The basic structure was not changed. The bridge, which was cleared by the Commissioner for Railway Safety, was ready for use.

Mr. Lakshmanan said that the construction of concrete basement for 500 MW turbo generator at Talcher in Orissa was another example of the SERC’s success. The task had been pending for nearly five years.

The SERC had also studied the impact of earthquake on massive concrete structure at the atomic power plant in Kalpakkam. A novel convolution and de-convolution technique was adopted for the study.

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“Technology helped gauge conversion”

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