Pune’s infrastructure is bearing the brunt of an intense heatwave, with temperatures consistently surpassing 40°C, leading to severe cracks in the walls and ceilings of buildings. Structural engineers and architects are increasingly concerned about the long-term effects of the sweltering temperatures, especially in older constructions, which are more vulnerable to the extreme thermal stress caused by fluctuating daytime heat and cooler nights.
Buildings, particularly those constructed using cement-based materials, are undergoing significant strain as the materials expand during the heat of the day and contract as temperatures dip at night. This constant cycle of thermal expansion and contraction is causing visible damage, with cracks appearing across the structures. These issues are becoming more prevalent in buildings with inadequate ventilation or those constructed with heat-conductive materials, which exacerbate the effect of temperature variations. “The rising temperatures this summer have already started to cause noticeable damage at some of our older sites. We are seeing more and more cracks in the walls and ceilings as the thermal fluctuations take their toll,” said the owner of Quickk Solutions Interior and Renovation Services. This growing phenomenon highlights the need for better construction techniques and materials to withstand increasingly extreme weather patterns.
One interior designer currently working on a farmhouse project in Mulshi shared insights into the challenges faced by workers due to the intense heat. “The rising temperatures make working conditions very uncomfortable, especially when applying synthetic paints. The fumes from these materials intensify in the heat, forcing workers to wear masks. To mitigate this, we have to either work during the cooler hours of the night or create artificially cooled environments, which isn’t always feasible.” The problem extends to various aspects of construction and renovation. During tile installations, proper water curing becomes essential to prevent cracks, yet the severe heat dries out moisture quickly, making it difficult to maintain the necessary levels of hydration for the tiles. Landscape designers have also faced setbacks, as the extreme heat has dried out the soil, hindering proper assessment of digging depths and soil conditions. In many cases, hardscape elements are being prioritised over softer landscaping due to the difficulty in managing plant growth in the arid soil.
For many architects, the underlying issue is the inherent vulnerability of modern building materials, such as concrete, steel, and brick, when exposed to prolonged heat. These materials, while strong, are prone to expansion and contraction under fluctuating temperatures. As the materials shift, they place significant stress on the structure, causing cracks in walls, ceilings, and windows. Glass windows are particularly at risk, as they can expand with heat, leading to breakage if the frames are too tightly fitted to accommodate this movement. In taller buildings, the thermal movement can be even more pronounced, leading to larger cracks, especially at corners and joints where expansion joints are either inadequate or completely absent. Experts warn that the increase in such structural issues underscores the need for better planning in urban design. To counter the adverse effects of rising temperatures, there is a growing call for sustainable and climate-resilient construction methods. Buildings need to be designed to withstand thermal stress, with materials that can better cope with temperature fluctuations. Insulation, proper ventilation, and eco-friendly construction practices are becoming key considerations for developers aiming to future-proof their structures against the intensifying heatwaves.
The current heatwave is a reminder of the urgent need to adapt urban infrastructure to the changing climate. As Pune and other cities across India face increasingly severe weather patterns, the long-term durability of buildings must be ensured through innovative, climate-resilient design practices. With global temperatures continuing to rise, it is clear that urban infrastructure will need to evolve to address these challenges, fostering a shift toward more sustainable and climate-conscious construction strategies.
Also Read : https://urbanacres.in/pune-residents-rally-to-protect-biodiversity-parks/
Pune Faces Infrastructure Damage Amid Record-Breaking Heat
