Experts begin final phase of tests on dam

CUMBUM: The testing of the compression strength and other parameters of lime surkhi mortar used in the construction of the Mullaiperiyar dam begun on Wednesday.“These are the final phase of tests being conducted by technical experts deputed by the Empowered Committee to ascertain the stability of the Mullaiperiyar dam,” sources said.On the directions of the Empowered Committee appointed by the Supreme Court, various tests were conducted at the dam premises, including non-destructive test, cable anchor stress test and study by Geological Survey.Engineers and technicians of Maharashtra government, led by Sangli, senior engineer, Prasith, engineer, were conducting the final phase of the tests, testing various parameters of the lime Surkhi mortar used during the dam’s construction.Sources added that they were in the process of collecting sample from the 1,200 foot long dam at four places at a depth of 70 feet using drilling machines.Similarly, they are collecting samples from the Baby dam. The work would continue for a period extending to a few weeks.The team of engineers would send the samples to the Central Soil and Materials Research Station (CSMRS), Delhi, sources said.During the process of collecting sample, engineers from Tamil Nadu, including Executive Engineer of the dam Rajesh and Kerala Irrigation Department’s Executive Engineer Domy George, were present.