Learning Beyond Classroom!

 “It is beyond a doubt that all our knowledge begins with experience”

There are a few exciting new additions coming up on campus. The construction of the open stage is progressing steadily despite the heavy rains and is expected to be completed by mid-August. This project has provided our students with a valuable opportunity to witness and learn from a live construction process right here on campus. On 17th July 2025, at 11:00 AM, the final-year B.Tech students of our department were given a guided tour of the open stage construction site. 

About 55 students of the seventh semester actively participated in the event. They were proactively guided by assistant professors of the department Ms. Preethi M and Ms. Keerthi Sabu. The Civil Supervisor Mr. Jaison Joseph, technical staff of the department also accompanied them.

The open stage construction started on 10th June 2025 and is expected to be completed by 15th August 2025. On the day of the visit, foundation work was complete and superstructure construction commenced. Mr. Jaison Joseph detailed the structural plan of the building provided by the consultants. He conveyed that a thorough soil investigation was done and based on the soil properties and ground water table level,  consultants recommended a raft foundation along with around 6 piles in a row. 

He explained the scenario with a  well-detailed structural plan incorporating appropriate pile foundation, slab layout, and reinforcement design. The pile layout, pile cap detailing, strip slab reinforcement, and cross-sectional details were briefly explained by Ms. Preethi M. Reinforcements for pilecap, curved strip slab and retaining wall were progressing in the site. Students were able to see the accurate transferring of water levels from the temporary bench mark provided by the workers on site. 

The Pile Foundation System is designed with P60 (600 mm dia) with M25 mix and mechanical auger boring method was adopted for piling on site. From the results of SPT tests it was found that hard strata were available within 4m depth, so end bearing piles were provided throughout, and the foundation works were completed on June 2025.  Students were able to see reinforcement works of pile cap (900x900x900 mm), columns (two types of columns: C1 (20x30 cm) and C2 (20x40 cm)), Strip beam/slab and retaining wall. All these structures were constructed monolithically and the layout onsite matches well with the stage curvature which enhances the elegance of the expecting structure. 

Section details from the plan provide elevation, showing the vertical profile of the stage with levels (+120.00 LVL and  +60.00 LVL), steps/ramps and one brick wall on the back side of stage. It was conveyed to students that the open stage is planned to have two platforms in two levels. One for accommodating the light and sound equipment and the other for serving the purpose of the stage/elevated platform. The surface will be finished by kota stone flooring and sufficient weep holes will be provided for drainage. To achieve different elevations the excavated earth along with other soils are to be filled and compacted using vibratory rollers by properly monitoring the settlement. The position of theatrical stairs and ramps on either side of the stage were well explained to students. The ramps with granite finish and special curvature improves the aesthetics of the structure. 

The students expressed their fulfilment and gratitude on detailing the construction of the much awaited Open stage construction in FISAT. Also, they mentioned their interest in visiting the same during its development stages as the work progresses. 

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Keerthi Sabu, AP, CE