Steel buildings are also becoming popular for multi-story commercial and residential apartments because of their time and quality.

Walking us through the trends in the pre-engineered buildings, Ashok Kulkarni, Managing Director of Nikitha Buildtech, mentions the new technology for large structures using Composite Beam design, a new-generation technology.

What are the most recent advancements in roofing and steel/metal structures?
Standing seam roofing is the latest trend where sheets are fixed only with clamps, and we do not puncture the roofing sheets, which will avoid leaks 100 percent. PUF panel roofing is another system gaining popularity in all market segments. Earlier, these panels were used only for cold storage and clean rooms. These panels are more popular and practical considering the acoustics and temperature.

Universal Beams, columns, and large-size tubular sections are the best now for steel structures, considering the speed of the project and quality.

These are available from E250 to E450 grade, which is very efficient and economical with better quality and ease of fabrication. Using these sections will further allow us to reduce steel consumption while cutting down the wastage.

What role does metal grade have in the design of PEB structures?
The steel grade is vital in making the structure light and economical. Steel consumption can be reduced by using a higher grade of steel, making steel structures more viable and economical.

Which PEB designs and structures do you provide? What distinguishes it?
We provide PEB designs with IS codes and MBMA as well. Unless specified, we use MBMA to make the structure more economical. PEB can cater to all project segments, including industrial, warehouse, educational institutions and infrastructure projects. Considering the time and quality, steel structures are also becoming familiar for multi-story commercial and residential apartments.

How do you envision the future demand for prefabricated structures in infrastructure projects?
To a large extent, the steel per capita is increased for various reasons, including quality and speed, since they are factory-made under a controlled system. On the contrary, RCC structures are made at sites where the quality depends on various factors like aggregate input, skills, labour etc. Hence all structures, including infrastructure, are either steel or composite structures. We are also working on New Technology for large-span structures using Composite beam design, a new-generation technology.

How do you define cost-competitiveness and dependability in your product and service offerings?
The total cost is comparable with RCC considering the various factors, including quality, time and ease of execution.