Ahmedabad: The restoration work of the historic Calico Dome is being carried out as per the directions of the Gujarat High Court to reinstate the structure in its original architectural form. Detailed information regarding the project has been released by the civic authorities.

The project was approved under the Standing Committee Resolution dated August 27, 2020, with an estimated cost of ₹2,48,18,635, while the estimated tender amount stood at ₹2,43,31,995.43. The final tender was approved at ₹2,26,04,423.75, which is 7.10 per cent lower than the estimated tender value. The restoration work was awarded to Savani Construction Company Pvt. Ltd., and the Vadodara Design Academy (VDA) Institute was appointed as the Project Management Consultant (PMC). The work commenced on October 12, 2020.

As per the approved design, the dome is being reconstructed using advanced technology and precise geometric calculations to ensure accuracy. Panels of different sizes in tetragon and triangular shapes will be cut from 18 mm plywood using CNC machines. Epoxy adhesive will be applied to the plywood panels, over which 1 mm copper sheets will be fixed. Specially designed rivets will be used at the joints of the panels.

The dome restoration is being carried out using a specially designed scaffolding system to ensure structural stability and worker safety during execution.

The sample approval process for materials to be used in the restoration including plywood sheets, copper sheets, rivets, adhesives, stainless steel connectors, flats, pipes and monocoat has been completed by the PMC consultant, Vadodara Design Academy (VDA) Institute.

As the structure requires high precision, the restoration work is being executed using a computer-based geometric calculation model and CNC laser technology. This methodology aims to eliminate defects during mock-up and on-site execution, minimise material wastage, and restore the Calico Dome faithfully to its original architectural design. DeshGujarat