Kasthamandap Report:

QUARTER 1 May – July 2018

KASTHAMANDAP RECONSTRUCTION COMMITTEE

Singha Sattal, Kathmandu

Organizational Activities during Quarter 1

S
Particlulars Date BS Date AD
No

1 Formation of Kasthamandap Reconstruction 2075/1/18 1 May 2018

Committee (KRC)

2 Registration of Kasthamandap Reconstruction 2075/1/19 2 May 2018

Committee (KRC) at Ward No 20 Office, KMC
completed

3 Internet connected at its office at Silyan Satah, 2075/1/23 6 May 2018

Courtesy of World Link Pvt. Ltd.

4 Held First full meeting of KRC, passed the Concept 2075/1/24 7 May 2018
Paper on Reconstruction of Kasthamandap.
Nomitated the office bearers, formed sub committees
and Secretariat

5 Registration of Kasthamandap Reconstruction 2075/1/25 8 May 2018

Committee (KRC) at Tax Office completed

6 Office of Kasthamandap Reconstruction Committee 2075/1/26 9 May 2018

(KRC) established at Silyan Satah, Maru Tole, Ward
No 20, KMC

7 Shifting of Timber from Hanuman Dhoka Palace, 2075/1/27, 10, 11, 12

Gaddi Baithak Choke to former District Police Office 28, 29 May 2018
Campus began

8 Kshama Puja ritual held at site of Kasthamandap 2075/1/31 14 May 2018

9 Telephone Line with no 01 - 4 4240185 connected at 2075/2/1 15 May 2018

its office at Silyan Satah

10 Shifting of Timber from Hanuman Dhoka Palace and 2075/2/3 17 May 2018
other areas to former District Police Office Campus
with the Support from Nepal Army for Man Power & Continued till Continued till
Transport from KMC 2075/2/31 14 June 2018
total 9 Days
total 9 Days

11 Shifting of Timber from Hanuman Dhoka Palace and 2075/2/5 19 May 2018
other areas to former District Police Office Campus
continued with the Support of 50 Volunteers from
Tawa Khala of Om Bahal, Ward 23, KMC

12 Bank Account of Kasthamandap Reconstruction 2075/2/6 20 May 2018

Committee (KRC) opened at Prime Commercial
Bank, New Road Branch
13 Held first formal meeting of Team of Experts 2075/2/12 26 May 2018

14 Held discussion with volunteer technical team 2075/2/12 26 May 2018

15 Held second meeting of Team of Experts 2075/2/23 6 June 2018

16 Held Second full meeting of KRC 2075/2/29 12 June 2018

17 Written to TCN for first phase of timber requirements 2075/2/30 13 June 2018

18 Formal MOU signed with KMC and a seed grant of 2075/2/31 14 June 2018
Rs 5 Million received from KMC

19 Formal Agreement signed with Resilient Structures P 2075/3/15 29 June 2018

Ltd. for Structural Analysis

20 Held first joint meeting of Experts, technical 2075/3/26 10 June 2018

volunteers' team and team of artisans

21 Held first joint meeting of Patrons, Advisors, Experts 2075/3/28 12 June 2018
and Office Bearers

22 Held third meeting of Team of Experts 2075/3/24 8 July 2018

23 Selection of the carpentry team

24 Established Technical Office at former District Police 2075/4/1 17 July 2018

Office Campus

25 Held fourth meeting of Team of Experts 2075/4/9 25 July 2018

26 Held first meeting of Construction Sub Committee 2075/4/13 29 July 2018

Project outline

The Reconstruction of Kasthamandap will be carried out under the responsibility of the
Kasthamandap Reconstruction Committee under which various sub- committees has been
formed including an expert team committee, technical team and the working team along with
office administration staffs.

The emphasis on the use of traditional materials and skills is vital to this restoration and
rebuilding project. Intervention using appropriate materials for the improvement of the building
performance during major earthquake will be considered. To ensure the quality work, the
committee will be responsible for the procurement of the materials and the working team hired
on the daily basis led by the team leader will be responsible for the execution of the work.
Project team manger and site supervisor will have major responsibility of supervision of quality
and timely execution of the work as per the schedule prepared.

Detail documentation and Community participation will be major aspect in this project.
ORGANIZATIONAL ACTIVITIES DURING QUARTER 1

1. Project Preparation Works

Considering the fact that already 3 years have passed since the earthquake a lot of work
has already taken place. The question would be how best to integrate that into this project
without creating any confusion in the process. Some of these points have been discussed
during the Quarter 1 establishment of the project.

The technical team with Project Manager Mr. Manindra Shrestha and site supervisor Mr.
Amrit Shakya has been formed under whose guidance various working teams is being be
formed as per the requirement. Till date the technical team has been gathering the
information from various agencies that have been doing research, documentation and
design work for Kasthamandap. In addition some of the material tests have been
commenced.

1.1 Documentation

• Drawings collected

o The architectural drawings that have been prepared are based on those
submitted by Wolfgang Korn to DoA, which have been redrawn several
times, including a set prepared by the Department of Archaeology which
has been made available to the committee

o The proposed architectural and structural drawing previously designed by

MRB associates which was approved by DoA has been made available to
the committee.

• Research Reports collected

o The report entitled 'Post-disaster urban archaeological investigation,

evaluation and interpretation in the Kathmandu valley world heritage
property' was available. The report contained the findings of
archaeological excavation carried out by the DoA with support from
Durham University in its two seasons in 2015 and 2016.

o A report on salvaging, screening and inventorying wooden artefacts of

temples in Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square was available. The work was
carried out from November 2015 to October 2016 by the Department of
Archaeology with support from UNESCO Kathmandu and in collaboration
with ICOMOS Nepal. It carries the information on major wooden artefacts
of Kasthamandap.

(http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0024/002468/246817e.pdf)

• Old photographs and written documents from various online sources has been
collected.
 • Conservation Note from DoA

o The conservation note on Kasthamandap is under finalization from the

Department of Archaeology.

1.2 Research and assessments

i. Archaeological

• Post-disaster urban archaeological investigation was carried out by the

Department of Archaeology with support from Durham University in Oct-Nov
2015 and second phase in Nov-Dec 2016. This revealed the information related
to the underlying wall structures including tentative date of their construction.

ii. Structural and material

• The tentative structural behaviour of Kasthamandap is being studied using

structural modelling technique. An agreement has been signed by the Committee
to get this done under the supervision of Expert Committee Member Er. Prem
Nath Maskey.

• Engineering test of samples of old mā appā (three different sizes) was previously
done and result received from KMC.

• Existing mud mortar has been sent for engineering test; result awaited.

• Samples two different ma-appa of the best possible quality has been requested
from Shree Dakshin Barahi Udhyog. After the sample has been provided the
strength and quality test for the new brick is envisioned.

• A new sample of mud mortar has been received which has been sent for
engineering test; result is waited.

iii. Architectural

• The architectural evolution of Kasthamandap will be very interesting to be studied

as the site evolves, which will be started from next quarter

• The sectional drawing of the foundation was prepared during the archaeological
excavation project which has been made available.

iv. Intangible

• The various intangible aspects of the Kasthamadap will be very important to be

studied which will be planned and integrated in future.

1.3 Inventory of Salvaged Materials

 • An original inventory was prepared of all materials found in Hanuman Dhoka by
ICOMOS Nepal with financial support of UNESCO. This was however not
specifically focused on Kasthamandap. Over the past three years various
activities were carried out to cover and protect particularly the timber elements,
however nothing comprehensive was achieved.

• Further materials have been identified in various locations. Some of this material
has been moved to the Police Station where one of the wood-workshops will be
located. However further sorting is still required. Report is available with the
KRC.

1.4 Temporary Interventions

• The site of Kasthamandap was protected fencing and covered with a temporary
structure using bamboo and trampolines. This will however need to be improved
for the construction phase since the area within the fencing needs to be enlarged
and accessibility under the trampoline covers improved. These points were
discussed but no clear solution was decided upon yet.

• The clearing of the site was however recommended, particularly of foreign debris
which would need to be carefully separated from the material that could be
reused. It was decided that all the material would however need to be stored
somewhere to ensure that while dumping debris nothing gets lost. The brick bats
will be deposited nearby Tankerswar bridge in Sankhadhar Park. The site
clearing activity was initiated and will be continued in second quarter.

• The reusable materials will be stored along the northern side of the
Kasthamandap, the negotiation for the place is being worked out.

• The space for material storage to the southern side of the Kasthamandap will
only be used after the indra jatra festival on 24th September 2018.

• The temporary wooden workshop in Basantapur square has been designed and is under
the process of getting approvals from the concerned authorities.
2 Project Design

2.1 Structural

• The structural drawings previously approved and provided by DoA has been
made available. But there has been a lot of controversy in the past owing to the
proposed use of non-traditional elements in this design.

• It has been considered necessary for structural analysis to be carried out. Certain
analysis was done by Er. Manohar Rajbhandari, however these might need to be
reviewed in consideration of the change in proposed design and materials from
what he had suggested.

• Furthermore the structural analysis of foundation and plinth are still outstanding.
An agreement has been signed by the Committee to get this done under the
supervision of Expert Committee Member Er. Prem Nath Maskey.

• It has been proposed that structural analysis and design follow the traditional
design of the monument crosschecking on the work carried out by the local
artisans under the leadership of the Naike.

2.2 Architectural

• The drawings that have been prepared are based on those submitted by
Wolfgang Korn, which have been redrawn several times, including a set prepared
by the Department of Archaeology.

• In the discussion, it was recommended by the expert team to update the

drawings as the work progresses.

• Once the site is cleared exact measurements of the existing condition of the
plinth will need to be drafted. With the positioning of the existing staddle stone, it
will be the basis for reconstruction.

• There is still some confusion in respect to measurements verses conceptual

proportions based on traditional construction principles. This will require more
research and discussion among the experts.

• Research is still required in respect to detailing out some points.

2.3 Material Management

• Brick: Mā appā used in foundation and that in superstructure vary in size. Once
the sample is approved, the required quantity of mā appā will be ordered from
selected manufacturer. However, since the brick manufacturing process is often
guided by the season, the manufacturer has told that he will be able to deliver the
bricks in around 4 months by the end of December 2018 (Paush 2075) only. It is
 only after the required bricks are received that the repairing of the foundation and
completing the plinth structure can be carried out.

• Timber: Old timber members are piled at least 4 different locations as per the
availability of the storage space. Besides they have weathered for almost four
seasons. A lot of these timber members have to be screened before they are
reused. Since all of the old timber members can not be reused owing to their age
and condition, a considerable quantity of new timber will also be required. The
acquiring process of new timber is already commenced.

• Mud: The original content of mud mortar used in Kasthamandap is being

analyzed. It is suggested that the mortar to be used now should be similar in
composition to the original mix. To that end, the composition of new sample of
mud is also being analyzed. Some experiments need to be carried out before we
arrive at a satisfactory mix.

• Stone: The quotation for the staddle stone has been requested to the vendors.

2.4 Artisan Management

• A group of experienced carpenters from Bhaktapur is selected for the woodwork

in Kasthamandap. Under the leadership of Laxmi Bhakta Rajchal, the group has
agreed to work in Kasthamandap. The information on the experience of Laxmi
Bhakta Rajchal and his team is attached.

2.5 Implementation Planning

• A couple of weekly expert meeting has given some guideline to start initial works
in Kasthamandap. The expert team along with the technical team are targeting
the plinth restoration as the first milestone.

• The material procurement might take some time, during which the screening and
preparing old wooden members can be done in parallel. The working team will
start their work on 4th Bhadra 2075 (20th August 2018)

• Space for the preparation work like carpentry workshop and salvaged material
storage has been proposed and is in process of getting the approval from
concerned authorities.
3 Project Implementation

Project implementation will begin in Next Quarter

3.1 Rituals

• Chema puja was performed to initiate the onsite work

3.2 Documentation of Implementation

• Preparation works have been documented.

3.3 Supervision and Monitoring

• Supervision and monitoring teams and procedure have been put in place.

3.4 Handing over procedure

• N/A

3.5 Audit

• N/A
Overall planning for next quarter: Quarter 2 August – October 2018

(At this stage this section is the proposed plan which then become the reporting for Quarter 2)

Organizational Activities during Quarter 2

Documentation

• Proper documentation of the existing pavilions

• Preparation of the drawing of the existing plinth

Site preparation

• Complete clearing of debris from the site on the eastern and southern side

• Dismantling of the pavilions after proper documentation

• Removing the existing backfilling from the archaeological trenches and refilling using
appropriate method and material

• Completion of carpentry workshop

Research and assessment

• Completion of the material test including the ma-appa for foundation, backfilling mortar
and mud mortar.

• Finalise the structural analysis report and foundation design.

Material procurement

• The backfilling materials will be ordered as per the specification

• The mud mortar for the foundation will be ordered as per the specification

• The bricks for the foundation will be ordered as per the result of the strength test

• The saddle stone as per the specification will be ordered.

Project implementation

• Starting the carpentry workshop in regards to ground floor

QUARTER 2 ACTIVITIES

Quarter 2 will need to focus on preparations and design for the rehabilitation of Kasthamandap
to plinth level along with connection to the first floor structure. These points would need to be
clarified within Q2 allowing work to begin in Q3 which would be after Dasain. For this the
required materials will also need to be manufactured, procured and prepared so that work isn’t
delayed.

This means the following will need to be completed:

1. Site clearance and preparation

Clearing of site of all loose material as well as debris. However it was found necessary to
keep all this materials to ensure that nothing get’s lost in the process of disposal. A nearby
site will need to be determined where material that is not going to be reused can be stored.
The clearing of the site will also include the dismantling of the remaining superstructure
walls which must follow the dismantling protocol. Once the site is cleared exact
measurements need to be taken of the ground floor, including the existing levels of the
existing saddle stones. Furthermore it would be necessary to clarify the extension of the
fencing to maximum area without hindering traffic. Furthermore the future improvement and
adjustment of the covers/roofing need to be discussed.

2. Brickwork

The brickwork up to the plinth level needs to be restored. This requires detailed
understanding of material specifications as well as design. The size of required brick for the
specific area will need to be identified. Samples need to be tested for strength and material
constitution. Requirement for new bricks up to plinth level need to be estimated and possible
production planned. Furthermore the mortar needs to be tested for material composition.
Earth with similar consistence and composition will need to be found. The type of brick bond
must also be determined along with rough measurement of brick courses. This information
would need to be discussed with the traditional brick masons.

3. Infill

The material composition for infill within the plinth walls need to be determined based on
research (previously carried out by Sterling University). Similar material needs to be
obtained as per requirement for infill of areas that were excavated or destroyed during post-
earthquake response.

4. Saddle stone

Most saddle stones are still in their original position, some have been found while there are
still several missing. The exact position of these need to be identified along with levels
measured. The missing saddle stones need to be replaced which requires detailed
understanding of the type of stone, strength and workmanship required for their production.
It would then be necessary to order these.
5. Plinth and flooring

The exact level of the saddle stones and the brickwork need to be determined. The design
of the plinth and the flooring is still not quite clear. This would urgently need to be discussed
in respect to traditional design principles as well as structural considerations. Futhermore
the details of the surrounding

6. Wooden elements

The salvaging, sorting, assessment of the wooden elements must move forward. The
wooden elements need to be documented. The main question that would arise would be
whether the elements could be reused as they are, restored or replaces. This would allow
for a more detailed understanding of what kind of new wood needs to be procured.

General

The possibility of putting date stamps on main materials used in the restoration would be a
consideration to be discussed. This could be for timber elements but also for bricks.