By: Olufadi Balarabe Ayuba
Ed Markey, a U.S. senator, argues that “Education is not only a ladder of opportunity, but it is also an investment in our future” (Markey, 2019, para. 3).
This qoute underscores the importance of investing in education for a better future. Consequently, The Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, has embarked on the renovation of the Old Institute of Technology (IOT) building, which has been in existence since 1990. The renovation is part of the infrastructural development in the institution, which aims to foster academic convenience and institutional progress.
The IOT building was initially awarded to Engr. Adeoye in 1990, but the project was abandoned in 1994. It was later re-awarded to another contractor during the regime of Col. Rasheed Alade Shekoni, who started a new work but did not finished it either.
During the administration of Alh. Masud Elelu, The management inspected the unfinished/unoccupied building and decided to provide furniture and other facilities to enable lectures to commence there. However, the building was later evacuated after receiving information that it is vibrating and could collapse.
The present administration decided to dig into the cause(s) of the vibration by engaging a structural engineering firm as consultant to check the cause(s) of the vibration and to know if the building can still be put into use. The consulting firm then carried out the investigation and came up with a solution called RETROFITTING
Based on consultant advice, A square meter section was cut out using bostch grinding machine through the terrazzo surface layer on to the concrete slab of the first floor. This is to diagnose the course of the vibration.
Result of professional investigation shows that sharp-sand was sandwiched between the 103.4m x 13.7m concrete slab and terrazzo overlay. It was also discovered that the slab thickness was 125mm which is below the minimum standard of 150mm. It was also observed that the 125mm concrete slab, the sandwiched sharp-sand and the terrazzo floor makes the 200mm overall thickness of first floor. Same observation was recorded on the second floor.
Consequent upon the findings, the terrazzo floor and the sharpsand was completely removed. 12mm Steel reinforcement and 75mm concrete floor was laid to make 200mm slab thickness.
In addition, reinforcement was added to the beams too, the original thickness was 225mm x300mm depth and 100mm was added to the thickness and 50mm was added to the depth.
The above procedure completely eradicated vibration of the floor and the 2-storey building is ready for occupation.
With the retrofit on the 2 storey building, the institution now have additional 8 big lecture halls, 8 laboratories and 47 staff offices.
The renovation of the IOT building is another milestone in the history of the Polytechnic and this administration and the Visitor the Executive Governor of Kwara State Mall. AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq.
BEFORE RENOVATION
DURING RENOVATION
AFTER RENOVATION
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