Project procurement has changed in a simple way. The focus has shifted from immediate savings to larger, more effective savings. Owners and consultants are viewing costs on a more long-term basis. They are keeping in mind not just the construction and possession stage, but the complete life-cycle of the structure.

Is the solution saving time, labour and repair costs? Is the solution adding durability to the structure? Is the solution easy to find and apply? These questions are now an essential part of decision making in project procurement and every site be it private or public is asking these questions before deciding on a product or service.

It is pertinent to understand the difference between value and cost. Traditionally, value was understood as the amount of product one received per rupee spent. Today, value means the additional benefit a project will receive with a solution.

“At Kryton, our technology is a value-based technology. We take pride in the fact that every product we develop and sell adds value to any concrete structure. Our products increase the structure durability, decrease construction time, reduce labour costs, reduce repair costs (if any), completely waterproof the structure,” says Umesh Kakkar, Managing Director, Kryton Buildmat Co. Pvt. Ltd.

Kryton products add value at every step of construction from pre to post construction. The range of products can be used at any point in the construction and it will improve the life and add value to every shareholder of the structure.

New technology
The team develops, manufactures and market products that waterproof, repair and protect concrete structures. The patented Krystol Technology is unique in terms of not just its chemical properties, but also physical properties. Where other systems use lime and other depleting resources to form a chemical reaction, this technology uses water and un-hydrated in cement as a catalyst to create long, needle-like narrow crystals within the concrete itself. These crystals permanently fill the pores, capillaries and hairline cracks of the concrete mass, and continue to grow throughout the lifespan of the concrete, reaching lengths of many inches over time. Once the concrete has cured, the crystalline chemicals sit dormant until another dose of water (through a new crack) causes the chemical reaction to begin again.

The ability to reactivate in the presence of water gives Krystol-treated concrete the ability to “self-seal”. When cracks form due to curing shrinkage, settling, etc., water entering through them begins catalytic reactions resulting in formation of new needle-like crystals to form and grow, blocking and filling the cracks. This ability to self-seal can help to dramatically reduce the long-term maintenance and repair costs of a concrete structure. As compared to any traditional system, the company’s technology is easy to apply and saves on time and cost and replaces the need for any external waterproofing barrier. The chances of leaks are drastically reduced and if required repair work can be localised. It also eliminates the need for petroleum-based membranes that are harmful for the environment and a strain on natural resources.

Providing impetus
“Make in India has added more India-based customisation and fulfilment of project-wise requirements to procurement,” he believes.

Easy access to raw and finished products has been the main contribution. For example, Kryton Buildmat products are made in India keeping in mind the unique requirements of project sites of the Indian subcontinent. The products come with 10-year warranty along with on-site technical support and complete Indian standard testing which is supported by BIS certification. Small customisations in packaging and solution delivery can be easily executed thanks to the local manufacturing and the time lag between manufacturing and usage of product is minimal.

“Locally-sourced products are better suited for local terrain requirements, and hence our locally-manufactured products help create value and suit the special requirements of the unique Indian terrain,” he added.

Make in India has added more India-based customisation and fulfilment of project-wise requirements to procurement.
Umesh Kakkar, Managing Director, Kryton Buildmat Co. Pvt. Ltd.