India’s concrete precast experts emphasise precast technology’s environmental benefits, including reduced carbon footprints, minimal on-site pollution, and conservation of resources. Combining steel and concrete composite construction enhances structural integrity, fire resistance, and sustainability, further shaping the industry’s future.

The construction industry has witnessed a significant transformation through the widespread adoption of concrete precast technology. This innovative approach has not only boosted efficiency but has also accelerated project timelines. Construction progress can proceed concurrently by manufacturing precast elements off-site under controlled conditions, reducing the overall construction duration. The rigorous quality control measures applied during manufacturing ensure consistency and durability.

Anil K. Banchhor, Managing Director & CEO of RDC Concrete, emphasises, “Precast construction’s reduced site disruption, weather independence, and sustainability benefits contribute to a more streamlined and environmentally conscious construction process, ultimately resulting in shorter project lifecycles and improved overall project outcomes.”

Shridhara C. N., Associate Director (Technical & Marketing) of PRECA Solutions, notes that the Indian market has wholeheartedly embraced the benefits of precast technology, completing numerous projects in significantly shorter timeframes than traditional construction methods. He adds, “The market has recognised that precast technology enhances building efficiency by providing larger internal working spaces, superior quality, precise execution, impeccable finishes, and enhanced durability.”

C.A. Prasad, President of the Pre-engineered Structures Society of India and Director of Metey Engineering & Consultancy Pvt. Ltd. highlights how composite construction combines steel and concrete strengths to bolster structural integrity, particularly in multi-story buildings. This method improves load-bearing capacity, maintains sleek profiles, and enhances fire resistance through fire-resistant coatings. The construction industry has embraced prefab, precast, and composite methods, all centred around steel’s versatility and strength. Steel continues to be indispensable for innovative and sustainable construction, shaping iconic structures and functional spaces worldwide. This fusion of modern construction techniques with steel’s enduring power symbolises the industry’s commitment to progress and excellence.

He adds, “Precast construction involves the off-site manufacturing of building components, which are later assembled on-site. Precast elements such as columns, beams, slabs, and walls are seamlessly integrated to form robust structures. Precast concrete offers numerous benefits, including reduced construction time and enhanced quality control.”

Innovations shaping the construction industry’s future
In the construction industry, which constantly seeks efficiency, ongoing research development and innovation are prioritised. Recognising that traditional methods can take up to 6 to 7 days, the company dedicated extensive research and development efforts to create CRP-FLR. This revolutionary solution restores and rehabilitates concrete floors within just 4 hours. This self-levelling, two-component product promises rapid hardening and exceptional abrasion resistance, surpassing traditional floor materials.

Aslam Logade, the founder and partner at Zara P Care, adds, “The product’s compressibility and flexibility are impressive, and it can withstand heavy traffic loads without exhibiting cracks due to its superior elasticity. CRP-FLR also exhibits excellent adhesion to concrete and can withstand temperatures exceeding 3000°C.” Meanwhile, Betolar’s journey into concrete innovation is rooted in a Finnish R&D team with patented chemical formulations. Commencing in 2016, their research efforts have been revitalised despite incurring expenses between 2016 and 2019. They are exploring diverse applications to meet various durability standards, demonstrating their commitment to advancing sustainable concrete solutions.

Speaking from a concrete equipment perspective, V. G. Sakthikumar, Managing Director of Schwing Stetter India, comments, “Our IoT-enabled concrete pumps, mixers, and loaders enable easy logistics monitoring and fleet management. Our boom pumps have easy mode and single-side pumping features and concrete mixers with spirals for better homogeneity and higher mix strength.” The company also provides solutions to conserving cement, fuel, and time, including open-loop hydraulic systems, optimised prime movers, fast-erection batching plants, and in-house automation with CRM and IoT capabilities. Their product range is meticulously designed to cater to the diverse needs of customers while ensuring top-tier performance and quality.

Embracing greener construction practices with precast technology
Sustainability and environmental awareness have taken centre stage in various industries, and the construction sector is gradually transforming towards sustainable practices. Companies like RDC Concrete are at the forefront of this shift, championing sustainability through concrete precast technology. Anil Banchhor, Managing Director and CEO of RDC Concrete, highlights the significant reduction in carbon footprint achieved through precasting. He states, “Precasting allows precise control of materials and processes, minimising waste and energy consumption during production. Factories can adopt sustainable practices, such as utilising recycled aggregates and efficient curing techniques. Moreover, precast elements can be designed for a longer service life, reducing the need for replacements and associated carbon emissions. The controlled manufacturing environment also enables using low-carbon concrete mixtures, aligning with sustainable construction goals.

Shridhara C. N., Associate Director (Technical & Marketing) at PRECA Solutions, underscores the carbon footprint reduction in precast construction using materials like fly ash or GGBS. This approach involves casting all building elements in factories, significantly reducing on-site pollution, dust, and noise. Additionally, it conserves natural resources like water, as curing processes primarily occur at the factory rather than the construction site.

Betolar pioneered concrete production by completely replacing cement with industrial waste materials while maintaining the exact specifications. This innovation embraces the circular economy and recycled aggregates, contributing to environmentally responsible construction practices. By repurposing leftover cement particles from construction and demolition debris, Betolar ensures that chemical activators find new life in future projects. In a world where sustainability and environmental consciousness are paramount, the construction industry’s evolution towards greener practices is commendable and indicative of a promising future. As these innovations shape the construction industry’s landscape, we can anticipate reduced environmental impact, less noise pollution, lower fuel consumption, and heightened reliability, all contributing to a more responsible and eco-conscious built environment. Spokespersons and Quotes – Abhishek Bhattacharya, Managing Director, Betolar Our method replaces cement with industrial waste for concrete with the same specifications. Anil K. Banchhor, MD & CEO, RDC Concrete Precast methods reduce carbon footprints, promoting environmentally responsible construction. CA Prasad, President, Pre-engineered Structures Society of India Composite construction combines steel and concrete for strength and durability. Shridhara C. N., Associate Director, PRECA Solutions We use fly ash, or GGBS, to reduce carbon footprints in precast construction. VG. Sakthikumar, MD, Schwing Stetter India Battery-operated equipment shapes future projects, reducing emissions and noise and enhancing efficiency and comfort.

Spokespersons and Quotes –

Abhishek Bhattacharya, Managing Director, Betolar

Our method replaces cement with industrial waste for concrete with the
same specifications.

Anil K. Banchhor, MD & CEO, RDC Concrete

Precast methods reduce carbon footprints, promoting environmentally
responsible construction.

CA Prasad, President, Pre-engineered Structures Society of India

Composite construction combines steel and concrete for strength and durability.

Shridhara C. N., Associate Director, PRECA Solutions

We use fly ash, or GGBS, to reduce carbon footprints in precast construction.

G. Sakthikumar, MD, Schwing Stetter India

Battery-operated equipment shapes future projects, reducing emissions
and noise and enhancing efficiency and comfort.