The aesthetically done Hyderabad metro project structures consume lesser space than any elevated metro project in the country, said Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited Managing Director NVS Reddy.
Giving a thumbs up to the precast technology, he said that they had experimented with unconventional cantilever structures instead of the usual three pier portable one to avoid occupying too much space. “If we can produce precast models in factory environment then it can open up lot of marketing opportunities,” said Mr. Reddy.
The revolutionary changes in the construction industry, the usage of newer variants of concrete and the role of precast were some of the topics dwelled in to by experts at the Concrete Construction Technology Summit-2015 which got off to a start on Monday. The event is being organised by Indian Concrete Institute (ICI) and World of Concrete (WOC), India.
The Hyderabad Metro MD invited the guests and the young engineers to visit the precast yard at Uppal and Qutbullapur to study their technology. “We require a quantum leap and technological advance in concrete as it happened in IT and telecom sector. The young engineers should push boundaries, interact with cross discipline and explore the markets.”
Some also chose to address the environmental concerns attached to the concrete production.
The speakers felt that there have been improvements in the recent past that lead to lesser energy consumption and carbon footprints due to concrete production. Longevity of construction projects was also suggested to decrease environmental degradation.
“The conditions of some of the government projects are in a bad shape. To make it cost effective, longevity is compromised. Some of these projects have to be demolished within 20 years. Need to see what government agencies are doing while construction and by providing long term structures we will be aiding the environment,” said K. Bikshapathi, Director General, National Academy of Construction.
S. Saraswati, President, Kolkata, ICI informed that their organisation had about 10,500 members from the construction industry. The technical committee’s of ICI are brining out papers and aiding policies and framework in the sector, according to him. He also said that they will bring out an international journal and are already in talks with the publishers.
Others who were part of the event included Tom Cindric of WOC- USA and S.P. Anchuri, convenor of the summit. The three-day event will see more than 25 sessions on various topics related to concrete.
