Concrete

Modular Concrete Curing: A green alternative to curing process

Published

12 years ago

July 31, 2014

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The traditional process of curing concrete is cumbersome, requires extensive labour work and leads to significant quantities of water loss. Ambuja has introduced a waterless curing technique in India that is economical and environment friendly.

Any cement concrete product or structure has to go through a curing process when the product or structure gains strength. The process of curing is done mainly with water. The chemical action between cement and water helps in hardening of concrete.

Curing must be done for a certain period of time so that concrete achieves its potential strength. It is very important to do curing properly as it crucial for the strength and durability of the concrete product or structure. The amount of time curing is to be done depends on the purpose of the concrete product or structure, temperature and humidity of the atmosphere.

Traditional curing process

Traditionally, curing is done by pouring or spraying water on concrete or mortar surfaces for an adequate period of time. Water has to be continuously replenished as and when it evaporates due to high temperature and low humidity. If the water dries out the strength of the concrete structure or surface will be impacted.

On flat surfaces such as pavements, roads, sidewalks and floor slabs curing is done by ponding water on the exposed top surface. This is done by making small bunds a few hours after the concrete work is over.

Typically, masons and labourers build bunds with cement and sand on flat concrete surfaces. Water is then poured on the surface and retained for a few days. On surfaces that cannot hold water, labourers spray water several times during the day for several days.

History and description of the technology

Ambuja Cements has come up with an alternative to combat difficulties in managing the traditional method of curing, the Ambuja Modular Curing Solution (AMCS). AMCS entails the use of a plastic sheet to prevent water losses due to evaporation, protects against strong winds, low humidity and high ambient temperatures.

How it can be used/ installed

Surfaces, which are concreted or cemented, are covered by plastic sheets primarily to prevent loss of humidity. All that the contractor has to do is to inform the service providers at Ambuja. The site engineer from Ambuja visits the premises where concrete is being poured and makes necessary arrangement at the site to cover the laid concrete. Once concrete is poured the cover is laid on top. The polymer covering comes in standard sizes that can be joined end to end to make a larger sheet. The joint is strong and water tight and does not let water or moisture to seep out. It is a quick and hassle free process.

Advantages for the construction industry

The biggest benefit is saving of water. About 12,000 litres of water required for curing 100 square metres of slab surface could be saved on an average. In India, many places are extremely hot and arid. Water availability is a serious issue. Under these circumstances curing process is not always done well. Also, labourers are required to build bunds on cemented surface or spray water several times during the day. Many a times the slab may have dry patches due to inappropriate/insufficient water application on the surface. AMCS is a service that helps reduce water usage and lower labour and other costs.

Its availability in India

At present AMCS is a service and is being expanded through its channel partners. The response to AMCS has been quite encouraging as curing is done effectively without hassles, water or labour. For Ambuja Cements, AMCS is yet another initiative towards sustainability.

Concrete

JSW Cement Commissions 1 MTPA Unit in Rajasthan

Rajasthan grinding capacity rises to 3.50 MTPA after commissioning

Published

3 days ago

October 9, 2026

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JSW Cement has commissioned an additional 1 MTPA cement grinding unit in Nagaur, Rajasthan, taking the company’s total cement grinding capacity to 25.1 MTPA. The commissioning was announced on Tuesday, October 6.

The company said the new unit had increased the total cement grinding capacity at its Rajasthan plant to 3.50 MTPA. The expansion adds to JSW Cement’s production infrastructure as it continues to build capacity across its operating network.

The company’s total clinker manufacturing capacity, including capacity at its joint venture JSW Cement FZC, stands at 9.74 MTPA. Clinker is an intermediate material used in cement production, and its availability supports the company’s grinding operations.

JSW Cement is also pursuing a proposed merger of its listed subsidiary Shiva Cement with the company. The scheme, approved by the boards of the respective companies, involves issuing five fully paid-up JSW Cement equity shares for every 41 shares held by Shiva Cement shareholders other than JSW Cement.

The arrangement remains subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals. JSW Cement currently holds 66.23 per cent of Shiva Cement’s paid-up equity share capital, and the shares held by JSW Cement in the subsidiary will be cancelled under the proposal without any issue of JSW Cement shares against that holding.

The scheme has an appointed date of April 1, 2026, and the company has indicated that completion could take 12 to 14 months, depending on the receipt of approvals. These include clearances from stock exchanges, the Securities and Exchange Board of India, the National Company Law Tribunal and other applicable authorities, along with approvals from shareholders and creditors where required. JSW Cement shares closed at Rs. 113.15 on the BSE, up Rs. 2.05, or 1.85 per cent.

Concrete

Wonder Cement appoints Mahesh Singh as VP Corporate Brand Communication

Published

3 days ago

October 9, 2026

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Singh brings 20+ years of brand and marketing experience, and will lead integrated corporate brand communication initiatives at Wonder Cement

New Delhi

Wonder Cement, a leading cement manufacturer, has appointed Mahesh Singh as Vice President – Corporate Brand Communication. In his new role, he will oversee corporate brand strategy and communication, including digital and performance marketing, public relations, trade, events, exhibitions, sports and experiential marketing.

Singh brings over two decades of experience across marketing and communications, with roles spanning the automotive industry, agencies and entrepreneurship. He spent more than a decade with Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, working across integrated communication, media, digital, retail and consumer engagement. His stint also included helping build the company’s digital marketing capabilities.

He moved to dentsu X India as Vice President – Strategy & Planning, working across categories such as automotive, auto components, electric vehicles, FMCG, consumer electronics, BFSI, apparel and brand consulting. His responsibilities included media and marketing strategy, product launches, content, performance marketing and consumer activations.

Singh subsequently took an entrepreneurial route with Radiant Brands before joining Shriram Ltd (SPR Autotech) as Head – Marketing & Communications. There, his remit included brand and corporate strategy, communications, PR and ORM, retail identity, loyalty programmes and events.

At Wonder Cement, Singh will be responsible for bringing together the company’s corporate brand communication initiatives across digital, performance marketing, PR, trade, sports and experiential platforms. The role will focus on creating an integrated approach to communication across consumers, trade partners and other key stakeholders.

The appointment brings to Wonder Cement a marketer whose career has spanned the brand, agency and entrepreneurial sides of the communications ecosystem.

Wonder Cement, part of the RK Group, is a cement manufacturer with roots in Rajasthan and a focus on quality, trust and transparency. The company has grown to six manufacturing plants, and a cement capacity of 21.5 MTPA. With more than 2,000 employees and a network of over 5,000 dealers, its operations span manufacturing, distribution and customer engagement, with a focus on consistent product quality and efficient execution.

Concrete

JSW Cement commissions additional 1 MTPA grinding unit in Rajasthan

The Nagaur expansion takes JSW Cement’s total grinding capacity to 25.10 MTPA.

Published

4 days ago

October 8, 2026

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JSW Cement has commissioned an additional 1 million tonne per annum (MTPA) cement grinding unit at its Nagaur Integrated Plant in Rajasthan. The commissioning takes the company’s total cement grinding capacity to 25.10 MTPA.

JSW Cement’s total clinker manufacturing capacity, including its joint venture JSW Cement FZC, now stands at 9.74 MTPA.

The company began operations in North India in March 2026 with the Nagaur Integrated Plant, comprising a 3.30 MTPA clinkerisation unit and a 2.50 MTPA cement grinding unit. With the latest expansion, the plant’s total grinding capacity has increased to 3.50 MTPA.

The additional capacity will cater to cement demand across Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and the National Capital Region (NCR). The expansion has been funded through a combination of equity and long-term debt.

During the quarter ended September 30, 2026, JSW Cement also commissioned an Alternate Fuel Handling System and a Waste Heat Recovery System (WHRS) at the Nagaur plant.

Nilesh Narwekar, CEO, JSW Cement, said the additional grinding capacity was a strategic priority for the company’s expansion in North India. He added that the Alternate Fuel Handling System and WHRS were expected to reduce production costs.