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Currently, we are not using fly ash in the cement and concrete blend due to regulatory issues

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Sudhir Hoshing, CEO-Roads, Reliance Infrastructure Though the regulatory systems are yet to evolve and embrace the new construction material, fly ash has already proved its worth in several large-scale construction projects all over the world. Fly ash has been used in tall building structures like the Petronas Towers in Malaysia. Eurotunnel, the second largest rail tunnel had fly ash mixed in the concrete. In India it has been used in Bhakhra Dam, Rihand Dam, Rajasthan Atomic Power Plant, private builders like Hiranandani Developers, DLF have been using fly ash in residential buildings. ICR interacts with Sudhir Hoshing, CEO-Roads, Reliance Infrastructure, to gauge how the trend is catching up in India.

What are the benefits of blending fly ash in cement?
Fly ash, being a by-product of coal combustion, offers environmental advantages by diverting the material from the waste stream, reducing the energy investment in processing virgin materials, conserving virgin materials, and by allaying pollution.

It also improves the performance and quality of concrete as it:

  • Affects the plastic properties of concrete by improving workability, reducing water demand, reducing segregation and bleeding, and by lowering heat of hydration.
  • Fly ash increases strength, reduces permeability, reduces corrosion of reinforcing steel, increases sulphate resistance, and reduces alkali-aggregate reaction.
  • Fly ash reaches its maximum strength more slowly than concrete made with only Portland cement.
  • Reduces requirement of cement for same strength of concrete thus making the mix economical.
  • No special technique is needed to use fly ash blended concrete. It is to be used as per standard established method.

Does blending vary, based on the type of fly ash or application?
Based on the type of coal used, two different types of fly ashes are produced. Anthracite and bituminous coal produces fly ash classified as Class F. Class C fly ash is produced by burning lignite or sub-bituminous coal. For sulfate environments, only Class F fly ash will be permitted and under no circumstances will Class C fly ash be used.

Class F fly ash will typically require an air entraining agent to be added. Class C fly ash will not.

How is the availability of good quality fly ash in the country?
In India fly ash is being used to produce fly ash based PPC. Because in India the power plants basically use lignite and sub-bituminous coal, the Class F fly ash is relatively easy to obtain.

Do you use fly ash in your cement/concrete blends? To what extent?
Currently, we are not using fly ash in cement/concrete blends due to regulatory issues. However, fly ash is permitted for use in embankments, earthwork, etc. Generally, 15 to 28 per cent fly ash is used in such applications.

No special technique is needed to use fly ash blended concrete.

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Concrete

Steel companies face Rs 89,000 crore inventory crisis

Steel firms grapple with Rs 89,000 crore stockpile amid import surge.

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Steel companies in India are facing a significant challenge as they contend with an inventory crisis valued at approximately Rs 89,000 crore. This situation has arisen due to a notable increase in steel imports, which has put pressure on domestic producers struggling to maintain sales in a competitive market.

The surge in imports has been fueled by various factors, including fluctuations in global steel prices and increased production capacities in exporting countries. As a result, domestic steel manufacturers have found it difficult to compete, leading to rising stock levels of unsold products. This inventory buildup has forced several companies to reassess their production strategies and pricing models.

The financial impact of this inventory crisis is profound, affecting cash flows and profitability for many steel firms. With domestic demand remaining volatile, the pressure to reduce prices has increased, further complicating the situation for manufacturers who are already grappling with elevated production costs.

Industry experts are urging policymakers to consider measures that can support local steel producers, such as imposing tariffs on imports or enhancing trade regulations. This would help to protect the domestic market and ensure that Indian steel companies can compete more effectively.

As the steel sector navigates these challenges, stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation, hoping for a turnaround that can stabilize the market and restore confidence among investors. The current dynamics emphasize the need for a robust strategy to bolster domestic production and mitigate the risks associated with excessive imports.

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Concrete

JSW and POSCO collaborate for steel plant

JSW Group and POSCO ink MoU for steel project.

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JSW Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with South Korea’s POSCO Group to develop an integrated steel plant in India. This collaboration aims to enhance India’s steel production capacity and contribute to the country’s growing manufacturing sector.

The agreement was formalized during a recent meeting between executives from both companies, highlighting their commitment to sustainable development and technological innovation in the steel industry. The planned facility will incorporate advanced manufacturing processes and adhere to environmentally friendly practices, aligning with global standards for sustainability.

JSW Group, a leader in the Indian steel industry, has expressed confidence that the joint venture with POSCO will bolster its position in the market and accelerate growth. The project is expected to attract significant investments, generating thousands of jobs in the region and contributing to local economies.

As India aims to boost its steel output to meet domestic demand and support infrastructure projects, this partnership signifies a crucial step toward achieving those goals. Both companies are committed to leveraging their expertise to develop a state-of-the-art facility that will produce high-quality steel products while minimizing environmental impact.

This initiative also reflects the increasing collaboration between Indian and international firms to enhance industrial capabilities and foster economic growth. The MoU sets the stage for a promising future in the Indian steel sector, emphasizing innovation and sustainability as key drivers of success.

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Concrete

Ambuja plans expansion through acquisitions

Ambuja Cements targets 140 million tonne capacity.

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Ambuja Cements, a subsidiary of the Adani Group, is strategically positioning itself for substantial growth with plans to expand its production capacity to 140 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). This ambitious target will be pursued primarily through a series of acquisitions, reflecting the company’s intent to strengthen its foothold in the Indian cement market.

The company aims to tap into the growing demand for cement driven by ongoing infrastructure projects and urbanization across India. Ambuja Cements has identified several potential acquisition targets that align with its long-term growth strategy, aiming to bolster its existing capacity and operational efficiency.

With this expansion plan, Ambuja Cements is poised to enhance its competitive advantage in the rapidly evolving cement industry. The company’s proactive approach underscores its commitment to maintaining a leadership position in the market, particularly as the construction sector continues to rebound post-pandemic.

Ambuja Cements’ expansion initiative will also contribute to the Adani Group’s broader goals of sustainability and innovation. By incorporating advanced technologies and sustainable practices in its operations, the company seeks to minimize its environmental footprint while maximizing productivity.

The anticipated growth in capacity will not only support Ambuja Cements’ business objectives but also play a crucial role in meeting the infrastructure needs of a growing nation. As the demand for cement escalates, Ambuja Cements is determined to ensure that it is well-equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the Indian market.

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