Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-M) and French cement major Lafarge Group’s research arm have launched a joint project which will conduct research to test the durability of concrete as a building material in different climatic conditions. This will be the first joint project between the two and is expected to start soon. The cement major’s research arm, Lafarge Research Centre, and IIT-M have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, last year under which the IIT’s civil engineering department would set up a laboratory to carry out joint research programmes. Lafarge Research Centre has funded the laboratory to the tune of Rs 1.5 crore over a period of three years. Revindra Gettu, professor at IIT-M’s department of civil engineering, while explaining about the project mentioned that the tests will be conducted on concrete in different parts of India to identify the carbonation and its effects on concrete in different atmospheric conditions. "Lafarge aims to improve the performance of concrete to address sustainable construction and global warming challenges. This is done through cutting-edge scientific research and forming partnerships with other institutes and organisations," said Pascal Casanova, Head of Lafarge Group’s Research and Development. The French group has four cement plants in India – two in Chhattisgarh, and one grinding plant each in Jharkhand and West Bengal. Lafarge has also set up a gypsum plasterboard plant at Khushkhera in Rajasthan.