Ceiling renovation in the old building of the "Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi" learning support centre
At its meeting yesterday, the city council approved the over-scheduled provision of funds amounting to 890,000 euros for the renovation of the ceiling in the old building of the "Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi" learning support centre and the immediate implementation of the measure.
The background to this is renovation and disposal measures in odour-prone rooms in which old parquet adhesives are being removed to improve the situation.
As the ceilings exposed after the demolition of the parquet floors did not have a uniformly solid base, static calculations were carried out. As a result, it was determined that the reinforced concrete ceilings were of insufficient thickness and concrete quality. A risk assessment showed that the classrooms in the old building could be used for normal lessons. However, this assessment is linked to an immediate refurbishment requirement, which also includes regular structural monitoring of the affected ceilings until implementation. The short-term refurbishment of the ceilings in all classrooms and ancillary rooms in the old building is therefore necessary.
Several refurbishment options have been analysed to eliminate the defects. The demolition and new construction of the ceilings is the most cost-effective and quickest solution. By completely demolishing the storey ceilings and replacing them with new reinforced concrete ceilings, existing height differences between the classrooms and corridors will be eliminated and impact sound insulation will be improved.
The construction work is scheduled to begin in the 2016 summer holidays and will be completed by the start of the 2017/2018 school year after a construction period of around eight to ten months. The refurbishment will take place without disrupting school operations.
As the damage to the ceiling could not be foreseen, the measure could not be regularly included in the city's budget. An unscheduled reallocation of funds is therefore necessary. The funds totalling 890,000 euros will be taken from the 2016 financial year and returned with the planning of the 2017/2018 double budget.