ILOILO City – The Regional Development Council’s Infrastructure Development Committee (RDC-IDC) urged the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to look for solutions to the defective P680-million Ungka flyover as soon as possible.
Chaired by Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, the RDC-IDC reiterated its call to the DPWH to fast-track the funding for the repair during a meeting on Thursday, June 8.
At least P250 million is needed to repair the vertical displacement in piers 4, 5 and 6 and the minimal settlements detected in the other 13 piers of the flyover, according to third-party consulting firm Abinales Associates Engineers + Consultants.
The firm was tapped by DPWH to do a geotechnical investigation on the structure.
Treñas said the RDC-IDC was assured of DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan’s commitment to provide solutions.
“Ginapangitaan na budget. Basi pa lang mapangitaan budget within the year para ma-organize na naton dayon ang whatever construction scheme para dira,” he said.
Meanwhile, the RDC-IDC backed the proposed solution of Ilonggo structural engineer Nilo Jardeleza.
“I think all proposed solutions will be studied very well. Ang aton to nga ginhambal nga dapat ma-istorya si Engr. Nilo upod sa DPWH,” Treñas said.
Jardeleza already presented his proposed scheme to the RDC-IDC and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Iloilo. He added the scheme is faster and costs less.
His recommendation covers the strengthening of the foundation of the flyover using a hydraulic static pile driver, an intelligent heavy equipment which is currently available in Indonesia.
He suggested that the procurement agency or the DPWH should look for an engineering procurement and construction contractor with specialty on foundation and has the equipment.
According to Jardeleza, his proposed concept does not require any demolition of the super structure of the flyover.
“I-klaro ko lang, ang iya sini nga detailed design sang mga structures, obrahon pa ina siya sang third-party consultant. Pero ang gin-present ko is the concept or solution nga indi ka na magguba sang structure para maka-pile ‘kaw. This time, we are going to utilize an intelligent heavy equipment or the hydraulic static pile driver – wala noise kag wala sang may naga-drop sang hammer parehas sang ordinaryo nga pile driver nga nagalagpok kag kagahod,” said Jardeleza.
Abinales Associates Engineers + Consultants’ recommended schemes of rectification are the following:
* Scheme 1: Provide additional bored piles, especially for piers 4.5 and 6
* Scheme 2: Provide portal frame to support existing pre-stressed concrete girders
* Scheme 3: Underpinning the existing piers and abutments including the bored piles by intense jet grouting
It added that the repair is projected to take 10 months to complete./PN
