There is a need to set up an institution or formulate a curriculum to train masons and artisans to impart safer construction skills and ensure better durability of structures.
This was one of the salient points discussed in a workshop on ‘Defect-free construction’, organised by Construction Academy- South — a city-based academic institution — at Anna University on Friday.
“There is no formal training for masons and artisans as of now. Courses must be offered at the diploma-level to develop such skills for quality construction. Buildings constructed in the recent decades suffer shorter life span,” said A.R. Santhakumar, former dean, Department of Civil Engineering, Anna University.
Means to ensure durability of buildings, making the right choices in terms of construction materials and use of suitable materials in different locations were some of the aspects discussed during the workshop.
“Ways to implement the provisions in the National Building Code in constructing disaster-resilient structures and conserving heritage structures were also discussed,” he added. The workshop’s aim was to spread knowledge about the developments in the construction field and also build structures that withstand the test of time for 80-90 years, said Sindhu Bhaskar, founder, Construction Academy-South. There are also plans to conduct such workshops for students. About 120 participants from academic institutions, government departments and construction firms took part in the workshop.