Concrete

A new-age concrete that minimises void by 50%

Published

9 years ago

May 31, 2017

admin

A new-age self-compacting, self-levelling concrete, Agilia – recommended by Nuvoco Vistas Corp (formerly Lafarge India Limited) – was used for constructing a state-of-the-art Oncology Radiation Chamber in Kiran Multi Specialty Hospital in Surat; making it the first-of-its-kind in Gujarat.

The scope of work involved construction of three bunkers of 256 sq m (2,754 sq ft) as per the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) regulations. These require the density of concrete to be uniform throughout the structure, with minimum density being more than 2,400 kg/m3. It bears pointing out that AERB has non-negotiable and stringent guidelines, and does not permit commissioning of a facility unless those specifications are met.

Nuvoco’s Construction Development and Innovation Centre (CDIC) team provided method statement for placement of concrete; evaluation report of performance of different mix-designs to fulfil the requirements of the job-site, and designing of proper shuttering for better performance of Agilia. With proper planning and execution, the team was able to complete the project and hand it over to the hospital team an entire month before schedule, thereby saving considerable costs. Nuvoco supplied 800 m3 of M30 Agilia with temperature control for this project.

Agilia is an ideal solution for structures with complex configurations or requirements. In this case, Agilia was used to achieve the desired density and to minimise voids within the concrete by more than 50 per cent as compared to normal concrete. One of the challenges faced during execution was that the structure was approximately 5 m below ground level. The laying and changing of the pipeline was critical to maintain a cohesive mix and to avoid pump choking. This was done by maintaining the maximum core temperature below 70?C and a temperature gradient less than 20?C by using higher Pozzolana materials in concrete.

Frederic Guimbal, Chief of RMX and Aggregates, said,’We were sure Agilia would be the answer since it offers better packing density and cohesiveness over regular concrete. Due to its self-consolidating nature, Agilia drastically reduces voids, thereby minimising the risk of radiation leakage.’

Concrete

Niraj Cement JV Wins Railway and Metro Contracts

Two orders worth over Rs 1.64 billion boost infrastructure portfolio

Published

3 days ago

December 11, 2025

admin

Niraj Cement Structurals (JV) has secured two major contracts from the Northeast Frontier Railway (NF Railway) and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), strengthening its position in large-scale infrastructure development.

The first contract, valued at Rs 815.2 million, has been awarded by NF Railway. It involves the construction of multiple-span 12.20-metre PSC slab underpasses, a major bridge (No. 727), retaining and guide walls, embankments and one minor bridge along the proposed UP and Down line near Deepor Beel. The project covers Km 163/00 to 164/200 between Azara and Kamakhya stations and forms part of the New Bongaigaon–Goalpara Town–Kamakhya (NBQ–GLPT–KYQ) railway doubling programme.

The second contract, worth Rs 826.6 million, has been awarded by MMRDA for constructing a foot overbridge (FOB) equipped with a travellator to improve connectivity between the SGMC monorail station and the Mahalaxmi metro and suburban railway stations.

The two projects underscore the company’s technical capabilities in both transportation infrastructure and environmentally sensitive construction, further strengthening its portfolio in key railway and urban mobility developments.

Concrete

Peddapalli MP Seeks Clear Timelines for Rs 42.10 Bn Projects

Peddapalli MP Gaddam Vamshi Krishna has urged the Union Government to specify execution timelines for major infrastructure projects worth Rs 42.10 billion in his constituency.

Published

3 days ago

December 11, 2025

admin

Peddapalli MP Gaddam Vamshi Krishna has called on the Centre to provide definitive timelines for a series of sanctioned infrastructure works that he said are essential for the region’s economic progress. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, he stressed that many approved projects remain stalled without clear implementation schedules, limiting their potential impact on connectivity and employment.

A key pending work is the Peddapalli–Manuguru Railway Line, a 137 km stretch linking Peddapalli with Manuguru in Bhadradri Kothagudem district. Although the line has received required approvals and special project status, the execution schedule has not yet been announced. The project is expected to support freight efficiency, improve coal logistics, and strengthen local job creation.

Extending his appeal beyond physical infrastructure, the MP urged the Centre to consider including Peddapalli in the India Semiconductor Mission, citing the district’s industrial ecosystem, skilled workforce, and readiness to support advanced manufacturing.

By pressing for structured timelines, Krishna emphasised the need for coordinated planning and timely execution to advance the constituency’s long-term development goals.

Concrete

IndiaAI, Gujarat Govt Host Regional Conclave Ahead of 2026 AI Summit

A regional pre-summit event in Gandhinagar recently gathered leaders to advance AI for good governance.

Published

3 days ago

December 11, 2025

admin

The IndiaAI Mission under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, along with the Government of Gujarat and IIT Gandhinagar, convened a Regional Pre-Summit Event at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar. The initiative is part of the build-up to the India–AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled for 15–20 February 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

The conclave brought together senior policymakers, technology leaders, researchers and industry practitioners to examine how AI can accelerate economic, digital and social transformation across sectors. The programme focused on the overarching theme of ‘AI for Good Governance: Empowering India’s Digital Future’.

The inaugural session featured key dignitaries including Bhupendrabhai Rajnikant Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat; Harsh Rameshbhai Sanghavi, Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat; Arjunbhai Devabhai Modhwadia, Minister for Science & Technology, Government of Gujarat; Manoj Kumar Das, Chief Secretary, Government of Gujarat; Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, MeitY and Director General, NIC; and Ponugumatla Bharathi, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, Government of Gujarat.

High-impact keynote sessions led by national and global experts from MeitY, Bhashini, Google Cloud, Microsoft, IBM Research, NVIDIA, Oracle and AWS examined themes including AI in governance, public service delivery, urban development, rural transformation, healthcare, agriculture, fintech and multilingual accessibility enabled through Bhashini.
Delegates also visited an Experience Zone curated by IndiaAI and DST Gujarat, which showcased AI solutions across governance, agriculture, health and industry.

By convening government, industry and academic stakeholders, the conclave aimed to strengthen India’s AI ecosystem through frameworks that prioritise trust, scalability and public interest. Insights generated from the event will contribute directly to the agenda and outcomes of the India–AI Impact Summit 2026.