Geotechnical Distress Evaluation and Remediation of Gulzar Mahal Bahawalpur

Abstract

Gulzar Mahal located in the city of Nawabs, Bahawalpur is a very important heritage site. But unfortunately its beauty is endangered due to the cracks appearing in its walls, roofs, floors and in the entire building due to differential settlement. To preserve the integrity of the Gulzar Mahal an investigation was carried out. The research involved to study the geological and geotechnical conditions of the site and also to review the structural condition of the building. The research was based on field tests and lab tests. Settlement analysis was carried out using the modern techniques. The investigation revealed that the foundation soil compromises low plastic silt at the top, The temporal, geophysical and geotechnical evaluations have concluded that the foundation soil over the past was subjected to variations in the land use , poor drainage patterns , overloading the roof at one of the corner and fluctuations in ground water table ; all contributed to the differential settlements manifesting in the form of visible shear crack across the length and breadth of the building . In view of the findings, the proposed remediation involves stabilization of the foundation soil using steel push pier systems. The authors are of the view that this research would enhance understating about the distresses of the historic buildings and would contribute preserving the heritage sites.