32TS.13
13. TA KAV WEST GATE:
The ad hoc group of experts:
a) Finds that the gate is in a dangerous situation because its elevations are greatly distorted, the inner wooden linkages are rotting away and no longer stabilizing the structure, the Buddha images are split open and cracked, allowing water to get inside the gate and cause further problems, and because the central tower is now exposed.
b) Also notes that the said deformations have increased the lateral thrust that is not properly held back by the enclosure walls, which situation has seemingly appeared very early considering the different structure of the walls.
c) Notes furthermore that the temporary strutting put in previously to stabilize the structure involved the use of metal cables and banding on the three towers, along with side braces for shoring.
d) Finally, observes that the said breakdown appears to be ongoing, given the vegetation growth and water infiltration that are destabilizing the masonry, along with the very great age of some of the shoring. Many stones have already fallen down.
e) Additionally, notes that the passageway through the gate, though very narrow, is used by many local people on their way to work and supplying the various shops from the Western Baray.
f) Recommends therefore, as a matter of urgency, that this gate be restored after a thorough survey, including a structural study and proposal for partial dismantling and restoration.
g) Recommends that emergency safety measures be taken on the site in order to prevent bodily injury to anyone going through that gate, which could include closing off the gate entirely if an alternative passageway can be found for the local people to travel in and out.
i) Such a solution would involve limiting passage only to people traveling on foot or using a hand-held two-wheel vehicle. A reinforced safety tunnel would be put in through the gate, extending well beyond the opening of the structure on either side, thus allowing the local people to go through.
In either event, the group of experts recommends that safety measures be implemented in the upper sections (check how the tie rods are holding, put in additional bracing, temporarily remove unstable stones, put in temporary waterproofing, etc.) with the use of a crane, while awaiting work startup.