The utilization of precast requires lesser manpower on-site and since companies now are operating with limited manpower, likewise the use of construction machines on site is also reduced. So in a way, the lockdown may be actually good news for the precast industry says Shridhar CN, Head – Technical & Marketing, Preca Solutions India Pvt Ltd.

How will the role of precast evolve in the current market scenario?
Precast is emerging as the preferred choice in the construction sector and most of the clients/consultants/builders are adopting precast technology in their upcoming projects. Also, as RERA is implemented in the country, the completion time of the project is monitored by the government authority. This will bind developers to complete the projects on time and this scenario will lead to precast technology being a prominent option for the future projects.

The utilization of precast requires lesser manpower on-site and since companies now are operating with limited manpower, likewise the use of construction machines on site is also reduced. So in a way, the lockdown may be actually good news for the precast industry. 

Which are some of the prime sectors you feel will drive growth for the precast industry?
The affordable housing projects are one of the prime projects adopting precast technology. Precast wall and slabs system have found favour in the market since it makes way for reducing the building maintenance cost. Even in the high-rise commercial buildings, the framed structures with columns, beams and slabs are being put to good use. 

All the countries around the world use precast technology to construct villas. In India however such is not the case, builders need to understand the cost advantages to be garnered, more so, when a number of villas are being designed continuously. It will also reduce the maintenance cost for buyers.

The infra sector in India has to change its thinking of constructing projects in conventional methods. For example, constructing of drains, trenches will lead the traffic congestion in years’ time due to roadblock. If the same thing was done in precast, all elements will be cast off-site, precast vendors will transport them at night and assemble them on-site and finish the job. Even roads can be done using precast technology. Precast pre-stressed roads are more durable and faster for construction. If all departments plan together, all the trenches required can be planned in the same interval. This will ensure that drainage pipes, conduits and cross can be laid out without any further digging.

In the wake of the current situation, how easy or difficult is it to manage the supply and demand curve?
At present, the supply and demand is not critical. Supply is available more than demand. If demand comes in the market, supply will increase automatically.

Currently, due to the lockdown situation, an enormous construction labour shortage will occur in so many states. People are stuck in different places and they cannot move easily wherever required. This will scale up the demand for precast supply. The precast vendors have to gear up to address this demand. 

When it comes to offering customized precast solutions, what is Preca’s USP, can you cite a project wherein you have offered customized precast solutions?
As Preca is involved in the construction of precast buildings, it is very difficult to standardize the precast elements. Because the shape and sizes of building elements depend upon the architectural and structural requirements. Preca has established re-adjustable moulds for beams, columns and wall panels. These types of moulds are imported from Spain and Italy. We order these moulds in such a way that the elements from minimum to maximum sizes can be produced in the same mould with minor adjustments of side shutters.

Sometimes, irregular elements can be produced in local project base moulds to satisfy architectural intent. But if you see each project individually, Preca always tries to design typical elements to reduce the production cost, which makes the project economical.