Established in 1999 by the Government of India (Ministry of Steel) and major steel producers, the Institute for Steel Development & Growth (INSDAG) is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to advancing the steel industry in India. Inspired by the Steel Construction Institute (SCI) in the UK, INSDAG’s primary objective is to promote the consumption of steel, particularly in construction and infrastructure development.

INSDAG’s contributions to the steel industry are multifaceted. It focuses on developing advanced design methodologies for steel-based construction and upgrading Indian Codes and Standards through collaborations with organisations like the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the Indian Roads Congress (IRC). Additionally, INSDAG conducts seminars, webinars, and workshops to enhance skills and knowledge regarding steel-intensive structures. The institute also explores innovative steel applications and offers specialised consultancy services.

Collaboration with stakeholders

INSDAG’s close collaboration with major steel producers, including Tata Steel, JSW Steel, SAIL, AM/NS, RINL, and the Ministry of Steel, significantly influences its initiatives and projects. As an interface between its founding members and other stakeholders, such as manufacturers and academicians, INSDAG ensures alignment with industry requirements and directives. The institute’s management committees, comprising experts and academicians, provide valuable guidance on project selection and execution.

Advancing design methodologies

INSDAG’s pursuit of innovative design methodologies encompasses three core areas: “Steel Concrete Composite Design,” “Light Gauge Steel Design,” and “Green Buildings with Steel.” With a dedicated focus on these domains, the institute is actively driving initiatives to deepen expertise and proficiency. INSDAG aims to accumulate comprehensive knowledge and insight within these specialised fields through systematic efforts.

The institute plans to leverage this expertise to develop guidebooks and technical materials, which will serve as invaluable resources for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Additionally, they are committed to facilitating knowledge dissemination through structured training programs and workshops. This ensures widespread access to the latest advancements and best practices in steel-related design and construction methodologies. By nurturing expertise and fostering a culture of continuous learning, INSDAG is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future landscape of structural engineering and sustainable architecture.

Promoting steel applications

INSDAG recognises the importance of technical and institutional marketing in expanding steel applications across various construction industry segments. The institute adopts a multifaceted approach to address this, including nationwide seminars highlighting the advantages of steel utilisation in diverse construction projects. Recent seminars organised by them include “Steel Structure: Health Checkup and Cure” in New Delhi, “Steel – The Preferred Material for Construction in Seismic-Prone Areas” in collaboration with IIT-Guwahati, “Structural Steel for Innovative Pursuits in Architecture” with the School of Planning and Architecture in Bhopal, and “Innovations with Steel” with Reva University at Bangalore.

Moreover, INSDAG extends its outreach through presentations at seminars organised by other institutions nationwide. These presentations meticulously articulate steel’s inherent advantages over alternative materials, emphasising its superior qualities in construction projects. Additionally, they delve into the latest developments in design methodologies and codal provisions, providing valuable insights into the evolving landscape of structural engineering. Through these efforts, INSDAG actively promotes knowledge exchange and encourages the widespread adoption of steel, contributing significantly to advancements in the construction industry.

Exciting upcoming projects

INSDAG is eagerly working on several upcoming projects that promise to contribute significantly to the growth and sustainability of the steel industry in India. These initiatives include:

Rolling out Teaching Resource Materials (TRM) for Teachers of Diploma Engineering courses: INSDAG is compiling comprehensive TRMs covering all steel-related topics in the Diploma Engineering syllabus. This compilation will serve as a guidebook for teachers in Diploma Colleges, aiding them in effective teaching.

Updating Standard Designs for Low-Cost/Rural Housing Structures: The institute updates standard designs for steel-intensive low-cost and rural housing structures. These updated designs will be available on the INSDAG website soon, providing valuable information to the public.

Developing New Steel-Intensive Designs for Rural Applications: INSDAG is collaborating with the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR) to create new steel-intensive designs tailored for rural applications.

Launching Additional Certificate Courses: INSDAG plans to introduce more certificate courses in the near future to enhance knowledge in steel design among professionals.

Organising Online Training Courses with SCI UK: The institute is collaborating with the Steel Construction Institute, UK (SCI UK), to organise online training courses focusing on light gauge steel design with Eurocode 3.

Collaboration with Implementers and Contractors: INSDAG collaborates with implementers and contractors, such as JSW Severfield, to promote steel-related construction projects.

Focus on Domain Expertise: Three critical areas for domain expertise at INSDAG have been identified: Steel Composite Design, Light Gauge Steel Design, and Green Buildings, as mentioned earlier.

Envisioning growth and sustainability

As awareness, availability, technical expertise, and logistical support continue to improve, INSDAG anticipates a significant surge in demand for steel. This confidence is rooted in steel’s inherent advantages and versatility as a construction material. As stakeholders increasingly recognise and use these benefits, there will be a corresponding increase in steel use across various sectors.

With ongoing advancements in technology, infrastructure, and supply chain management, steel is poised to emerge as the preferred choice for a wide range of applications. This optimism underscores INSDAG’s commitment to promoting the widespread adoption of steel and leveraging its immense potential to shape the future of India’s construction and engineering industries.