What is the life expectancy of the structure that we are constructing using modern methods and materials of constructions? With reinforced concrete, the life expectancy of the structure reaches 50 years and with some maintenance and precautions during construction, it can be extended to 70 years. Whereas, with steel structures and with post-tensioning it reduces to 30 to 50 years only.

We are constructing massive infrastructures in the country without much considerations for its durability. As such, if we look in the past then the structures which are constructed by our forefathers are standing for many centuries, some structures are standing for more than a thousand years. The example of such structures can be many, Pantheon, St. Perter Basilica, Hagia Sophia and Taj Mahal are a few of such wonders standing for many centuries. We are standing far behind in terms of technology for the durable structures from what was constructed by ancient builders. What made these structures stand for so many centuries and why our built structures are failing to even serve our lifespan? This is the question we are trying to address through research and technical consultancy services at Nandadeep for the construction of arches, vaults, and domes using stone (or bricks) and hydraulic lime mortar.

Following are some stone masonry (or brick masonry) arches, vaults, and dome (AVD) structures designed by Nandadeep: