Mechanisation is the process of changing from working largely or exclusively by hand to doing that work with machinery. It can also be defined as replacing extensive dependency on labour with usage of tools, equipment and machines thereby achieving better and faster performance.

One reason why mechanisation has not been very widespread thus far is mainly because of its high costs against the easy availability of cheap labour. However, as projects get larger, greener and more quality-conscious; and as project timeframes get tighter; manual labour is likely to be increasingly replaced by mechanisation.

Need for mechanisation
There is already shortage in skilled labour and this would become acute in the next few years. With the growth in construction industry there is always a demand supply gap in the availability of skilled labour. Hence mechanisation is the only solution for achieving faster and quality output with the available labour. It also allows taking up larger volumes and usage of complex, technically superior products more effectively. It can also assist in better time management and allow us to plan for optimum use of machines, manpower and finance for faster completion of the projects.

Advantages of mechanisation
Although the initial cost is higher, this is compensated by the following reasons:
1) Faster completion of work. This allows firms to take up larger volume targets and get faster return on investment.
2) Better quality. The usage of tools and machines will give a uniform and better quality output.
3) Considerable reduction in labour which would be directly converted to savings. This would also reduce other related expenses such as food, accommodation, statutory expenses, etc. Overtime expenses also can be considerably reduced.
4) Better control on output. The management would have more control on the progress of the work and monitoring becomes easier.
5) Can earn the goodwill because of higher quality standards and timely achievement of targets.

Mechanisation in waterproofing industry
In waterproofing, better quality standards and faster completion of work can be achieved by usage of tools, machines and equipment. Mechanisation can start from the initial stage of surface preparation to finishing stages to get uniform, better and faster results.
Surface preparation
For any waterproofing product, the surface should be prepared so to get the best and optimum results. Scarifiers and floor grinders can be used to prepare the floor i.e. removal of loose mortar, debris, etc. Angle grinders are used for preparation of vertical surfaces. Usage of these machines helps in completing these activities in a very short span of time.

Tools
For proper application of the membranes, tools can be used to improve the performance of waterproofing materials. There are pressure rollers, silicon rollers, brass rollers, hot air blowers, platens, etc are used for the purpose.

Machines
For the new generation membranes like HDPE, TPO, EPDM, PVC, machines like hand extruders, welders, and scraper are used for desired results.

For liquid systems both cementitious as well crystalline, sprayers can give a uniform coating with a faster output. Two component systems using this machine give optimum results.

For products like polyurethane and polyurea, different machines are available that can be for application of these products.

Rectification and maintenance
This is an important part of the waterproofing industry: widely used methods are PU grouting and epoxy grouting. One component and two-component systems can be used for this purpose along with the required spares and accessories.

Positive Waterproofing & Insulation Pvt Ltd is associating with various waterproofing firms for mechanisation of the application methods. It has association with Percept Waterproofing Services Ltd, a Pidilite Group company, in the mechanisation of the waterproofing in their projects. Positive Waterproofing & Insulation can guide companies interested in mechanisation on the machines they can use for each purpose.

Contact

Franz Mundaden
Chief Executive
Positive Waterproofing & Insulations Pvt Ltd
3rd Cross, R J Garden,
Marathahalli Outer Ring Road
Bengaluru 560 037
Tele: +91-99020 28768
Email: positivewaterproof@gmail.com