BENGALURU: Following the recent incident of a tilted apartment tower that revealed shortcomings in a geotechnical investigation report, the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (Credai)-Karnataka chapter has proposed double verification of soil investigation reports as a best practice in its developers’ handbook.
The recommendation is advisory and not mandatory, encouraging members to adopt it. Developers will be urged to have geotechnical investigation reports independently reviewed prior to foundation work to reduce errors in soil assessments, crucial for structural design and foundation planning.
According to Credai officials, the handbook is regularly updated based on industry experiences and advancements in construction practices. This latest recommendation was prompted by the recent incident, underscoring the necessity for additional scrutiny of technical reports. While such cases are infrequent, they highlight the importance of strong quality assurance mechanisms.
The recommendation follows an 18-storey apartment tower at SNN Raj Etternia near Kudlu that tilted, allegedly due to inaccuracies in the original geotechnical report. The developer plans to demolish and rebuild the affected 49-unit tower, having discovered discrepancies in the soil report, while asserting that the other towers in the project are safe.
Credai also advised homebuyers to select only reputable and registered developers.
SNN Raj Corp emphasized to fellow developers that the incident illustrates the critical need for accurate geotechnical investigations. They urged builders to seek independent verification of soil reports before finalizing foundation designs, noting that the cost is minimal compared to the potential for structural risks, challenges for homebuyers, and damage to reputations.
Builders remarked that the incident emphasized the necessity for thorough geotechnical investigations and adherence to engineering standards, especially in Bengaluru, where soil conditions can vary significantly. They stressed that soil testing should be complemented by quality checks, ongoing supervision, and accountability during construction. While acknowledging existing guidelines as sufficient, they underscored that effective implementation is crucial to avoid structural issues.
Koshy Varghese, director at VDB Property Ventures Pvt Ltd, stated that peer reviews and cross-verification of soil test reports are essential for high-rise buildings, with samples drawn from various points across the site. He noted that soil investigation is foundational to structural design, and inaccurate reports can lead to building failures or overdesign.
He also expressed concerns about the structural safety of illegal ground-plus-six buildings cropping up throughout the city, where such safeguards are often lacking.
Suresh Hari, managing partner at Vishal Promoters and Builders, mentioned that Bengaluru’s diverse soil profile complicates geotechnical investigations. “Proper soil testing, along with quality construction materials, engineering-based structural systems, continuous supervision, and strict quality control, are vital for structural safety. The existing guidelines are comprehensive and sufficient; the focus should be on diligent implementation,” he added.
