Connect with us

Economy & Market

Blending Green and Grit

Published

on

Shares

Blended cements are slowly but steadily increasing their presence felt in the market. With the introduction of composite cement, the industry’s green commitment is getting reinforced further.

Blended cements – Portland Slag Cement (PSC) and Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) – are making headway by cornering a major share of the cement market, nudging the Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) which was the market leader at one time, into the corner, in the recent years. The exciting journey of blended cements has seen them taking an equal share of 50:50 in the late 1970s even before introduction of fly ash-based blended cement, only to lose share to OPC which touched 76 per cent by 1983, and to totter at about 30 per cent by the end of the twentieth century, it has now scaled the peak market share of three-fourths.

"Ever since government allowed blending of cement with OPC, there has been continuous growth in the sales of PSC/ PPC cement. There has been a very good penetration of blended cements in the market. Earlier OPC used to be the market leader in India. However, today, it represents only about 20-25 per cent of the market share. In this context, it is encouraging to note that nearly 75 per cent of cement production in India at present is in the form of blended cement of various types," says Raakesh Jain, Chief Sales Officer, Nuvoco Vistas Corp.

Blended cements have been gaining almost over the last couple of decades, particularly since introduction of fly ash-based cement, which combines the advantages of OPC on cost front, and strength and durability of slag cement, its blended peer. "This has been possible through education of customers on the merits of blended cement, which has led to higher awareness and increased usage," says Ujjwal Batria, Chief Operating Officer, Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited.

With the introduction of composite cements, the market is expected to become even more exciting in the years to come.

Institutions still prefer OPC
Still, OPC is preferred in certain geographies and particularly by several institutional users, for various reasons. "While there is an improvement in the acceptance of blended cements, there are certain segments like RMCs, select infrastructure projects, where the preference continues to be for OPC due to the cost economics and flexibility available to the contractor," says Nilesh Narwekar, CEO, JSW Cement.

OPC grades 43 & 53 are more preferred in major infrastructure projects such as national highways, bridges, transmission lines, power plants, industrial and residential structures. "Also in major infrastructure projects, OPC Grade 43/ 53 is approved through the Central/ state government/ local governing bodies/ institutions over PPC/ PSC, making OPC a preferred product in institutional segment," says Jain.

Institutional customers have their own batching plants in most cases and prefer to do blending at their end. However, efforts of the blended cement manufacturers over the last few years in educating their customers on environmental benefits and durability they offer have resulted in their increased use.

Applications
Both PPC and PSC are environment-friendly cements as they use industrial by-products as an input. PPC classically uses fly ash, while PSC uses slag generated in the blast furnace of steel plants.

Blended cements are suitable for high rainfall areas and coastal areas as these offer higher longevity of structures, offering the highest resistance against sulphate and chloride attacks and environmental pollutants. PSC’s chemical composition gives it high compressive strength and offers excellent resistance to chloride and sulphate attacks. It boasts a superior finish and minimise shrinkage and cracks. For this reason, it is mostly used for marine constructions.

PPC’s hydration process is slower than PSC cement, therefore, making it suitable for mass concreting. It shows greater resistance to aggressive weather and is cheaper than PSC. PPC has an amazing pore refinement leading to an improved density of concrete, says Batria.

New kid on the block
Taking cue from the Bureau of Indian Standards’ (BIS) decision to permit manufacturing and selling of composite cement in India a couple of years ago, several cement manufacturers have already introduced composite cement. Composite cement is a blend of fly ash and slag based cement, offering the best of both worlds.

Composite Cement is being typically manufactured by companies where both these commodities are readily available. Eastern region is where most of the players have introduced composite cement by now. JSW has introduced it in Karnataka and in the east, while Dalmia Cement has introduced it in the eastern region, and Nuvoco already has a thrust towards blended cements.

"We have already introduced composite cement to our customers in Karnataka and more recently in Salboni. We also plan to make it the core product from Jhajpur, our upcoming plant in Odisha," Narwekar says.

Being a new product in the market, the manufacturers are already undertaking awareness programmes for their customers and influencers like engineers and architects. Composite cement is still not accepted in RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete) by BIS posing a challenge in selling it as an all-purpose cement, besides getting government approvals for composite products.

Looking ahead
If one has to go by what the experts have to say, bended cements are going to be the future of cement industry, being greener and offering several advantages. Perhaps in the process of vouching for its future of cement in blended ones, JSW Cement, being largest manufacturer of PSC, is planning to take a plunge into blended cements headlong.

"We are planning to double our cement production capacity in the next few years to meet the growing demand for "Green" cement in the eastern region by a combination of brownfield expansions at our new facility at Salboni, West Bengal and Shiva Cement, Odisha. These projects are expected to be commissioned in various phases until 2023. We are also debottlenecking our plants in South and evaluating opportunities for a grinding unit GU in TN," Narwekar says. JSW is in the process of commissioning a new greenfield 1.2 million tonnes per annum plant in Jajpur, Odisha, which is expected to be optimizes by December 2019.

In order to promote sustainable alternatives in every area in line with India’s commitment at the Paris Summit, blended cements, which use factory waste and other by-products, should be encouraged through use in government projects. Thus, cement manufacturers, who are planning to increase their use of alternative fuels and raw materials (AFR), will be contributing immensely to sustainable manufacturing and sustainable products in future.

– BS SRINIVASALU REDDY

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Concrete

The RAHSTA to Innovation

Published

on

By

Shares

As part of the 10th India Construction Festival, the RAHSTA Awards recognised outstanding contributions to the road construction industry.

On October 10, 2024, the RAHSTA Awards were held at the Jio Convention Centre in Mumbai, forming a significant part of the 10th India Construction Festival. This esteemed event serves as a pivotal platform for recognising and honouring outstanding contributions in the road construction industry, particularly those that prioritise sustainability, innovation and excellence.
RAHSTA, an acronym for ‘Roads and Highways Sustainable Technologies & Advancement’, has become synonymous with the promotion of advancements in road construction equipment and technologies. Organised by the FIRST Construction Council, the awards seek to highlight the importance of sustainable practices in infrastructure development and celebrate those organisations that lead the way in this critical area.
At the event, Pratap Padode, Founder, FIRST Construction Council, underscored the importance of skilling the workforce in the construction sector. He pointed out that construction is India’s second-largest employer, with the potential to reach 100 million jobs by 2030. However, he emphasised that a significant portion of this workforce remains unskilled, with 80 per cent of the 70 million workers lacking adequate training.
“To bridge this skill gap, we must incorporate practical orientation in engineering and management courses,” Padode urged. He highlighted the Indian Government’s initiative to onboard 1 crore interns through CSR funding over five years, encouraging construction companies to participate actively
in this programme. By doing so, he said, the industry could not only enhance skill development but also position itself for future growth and sustainability.

The RAHSTA Awards recognised seven outstanding contributions to the road construction sector, celebrating innovations that drive sustainability and efficiency:

  • Award for Highest Standards of Excellence in Road Engineering & Construction: Patel Infrastructure
  • Award for Excellence in Bridge Engineering: L&T Construction, DIAL Phase 3A Project
  • Best Road Financier Award: HDFC Bank
  • Award for Best Use of Waste Material Recycling in Road Construction: Tata Steel
  • Best Digital Technology Award in Road Building: Cube Highways and Transport Assets Advisors
  • Award for Excellence in Project Management: Haryana Rural Road Infrastructure Development Agency
  • Innovation Award in Project Execution:
  • CC Precast Solutions
    Indeed, the RAHSTA Awards 2024 were more than just a ceremony; they represented a vital call to action for the road construction sector in India. By highlighting the importance of sustainability and technological advancement, the awards inspired industry stakeholders to strive for excellence
    and innovation.
    As the event concluded, it left attendees with a renewed sense of purpose and a collective vision for a more sustainable and efficient future in infrastructure development. The RAHSTA Awards stand as a testament to the possibilities that lie ahead when industry leaders come together to embrace change and foster growth.

Continue Reading

Concrete

Equipment India Awards 2024!

Published

on

By

Shares

The titans of the construction equipment industry were honoured at the 12th BKT Equipment India Awards 2024.

On October 10, 2024, Mumbai played host to the much-anticipated 12th BKT Equipment India Awards 2024, an event that recognised and celebrated the outstanding achievements within the construction equipment sector. The grand ceremony took place at Jio Convention Centre and was among the highlights of the India Construction Festival, which gathered industry leaders, manufacturers and financiers from across the nation to honour innovation and excellence in this vital sector.
The inaugural addresses set a reflective tone for the evening, emphasising the importance of collaboration and information sharing within the industry. In his opening speech, Pratap Padode, Founder, First Construction Council, remarked, “At Equipment India, we have always tried to enhance the standard of the industry. During this 17th year of our existence, we still find that companies are trying to hide behind a veil as far as the disclosure of factual data is concerned.” His emphasis on transparency resonated with the audience, highlighting the critical need for the construction equipment sector to adopt best practices for data sharing, akin to those seen in the automobile industry.
For his part, Vipin Sondhi, Chairman, RAHSTA Committee, and former MD and CEO, JCB India and Ashok Leyland, also shared optimistic insights, stating, “Today, we celebrate not just the figures but the remarkable individuals behind them – the innovators, manufacturers and teams that push the boundaries of what’s possible.” He highlighted the impressive growth of equipment sales, which saw a 26 per cent increase during FY2023-24, reflecting strong market recovery and renewed confidence.
The 12th BKT Equipment India Awards not only celebrated the achievements of key players in the construction equipment sector but also served as a reminder of the collective effort required to drive the industry forward. The event reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the industry’s ongoing evolution, ensuring that India remains a significant player in the global construction equipment market. With the industry poised to grow at a CAGR of 12 per cent, reaching $25 billion by the end of the decade, the evening left attendees inspired and motivated to continue pushing boundaries in their respective fields.
A significant highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Equipment India Person of the Year 2024 award to Jaideep Shekhar, Managing Director, Terex India. Under his astute leadership, the company has achieved remarkable growth, marked by innovation and a commitment to excellence. The jury praised his strategic vision, which has not only propelled the company’s success but also contributed positively to the broader industry landscape.
Receiving the award, Shekhar expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating, “I’m deeply grateful to the jury and Equipment India for this remarkable honour. This award reflects not only my contributions but also the dedication and hard work of my team. I have been associated with the industry for more than 25 years and this award motivates me to keep pushing boundaries and to lead the growth
with integrity.”
The award presentation was made all the more special by the presence of previous winners of the Equipment India Persons of the Year, including Vipin Sondhi, former MD and CEO, JCB India (Equipment India Person of the Year 2013); Sandeep Singh, Managing Director, Tata Hitachi Construction Machinery (Equipment India Person of the Year 2015); and Dimitrov Krishnan, Managing Director, Volvo Construction Equipment India (Equipment India Person of the Year 2013).
The event also witnessed the recognition of numerous companies across various categories, showcasing the best of the best in the construction equipment sector. Indeed, as the industry gears up for future challenges, the awards stood as a testament to resilience, creativity and the unwavering spirit of collaboration. Together, the participants are set to build a brighter tomorrow for the construction equipment industry in India, fostering innovation and sustainable practices that will serve the nation for years to come.

Winners of the 12th BKT Equipment India Awards

  • Equipment India Person of the Year 2024:Jaideep Shekhar, Managing Director, Terex IndiaGreen Factory of the Year: Tata Hitachi Construction Machinery
  • Best After-Sales Service Provider: Tata Hitachi Construction Machinery
  • Concrete Pumps: Schwing Stetter India
  • Truck Cranes: Sany Heavy Industry India
  • Asphalt Plants: Ammann India
  • Asphalt Finishers: Ammann India
  • Batching Plants: Schwing Stetter India
  • Crawler Cranes: Sany Heavy Industry India
  • Piling Rigs: Sany Heavy Industry India
  • Rigid Dump Trucks: Caterpillar India
  • Motor Graders: Caterpillar India
  • Mini Excavators: Tata Hitachi Construction Machinery
  • Crawler Excavators: Tata Hitachi Construction Machinery
  • Mobile Cranes: Action Construction Equipment
  • Crawler Dozers: BEML
  • Skid-Steer Loaders: Doosan Bobcat India
  • Wheel Loaders: LiuGong India
  • Self-Loading Concrete Mixers: AJAX Engineering
  • Tower Cranes: Action Construction Equipment
  • Compaction Equipment: Case Construction
  • Mobile Cranes: Action Construction Equipment

“I congratulate ASAPP Info Global on the outstanding success of the conference and award shows! It was a privilege to be part of such an insightful session with industry leaders.”
– Sanjay Koul, President- India and South East Asia and Managing Director, Timken India

Continue Reading

Concrete

22nd CONSTRUCTION WORLD Global Awards Excellence Revisited!

Published

on

By

Shares

At the 22nd CONSTRUCTION WORLD Global Awards, over 50 awards in 21categories were presented to industry stalwarts.

The 22nd CONSTRUCTION WORLD Global Awards, was held on October 9 and 10, 2024, at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, and hosted by infrastructure think-tank FIRST Construction Council in partnership with CONSTRUCTION WORLD (CW) and Equipment India (EI) magazines. Incidentally, the spectacular RAHSTA Expo was India’s first indoor trade fair for construction equipment technology.

Benchmarked to global standards
At the inaugural session, Sanjay Bhatia, Upa-Lokayukta, Government of Maharashtra, along with Vipin Sondhi, Chairman, RAHSTA Expo Committee, and Pratap Padode, Founder, FIRST Construction Council, inaugurated the RAHSTA Expo. Expressing delight at the huge display of construction technology, Bhatia said, “The expo has put the construction industry on an international standard. India is experiencing nation-building at a robust pace and I am truly impressed with the work now being done by our youth with their startups, many of whom are showcasing their innovation here.”

Special bytes
At the 22nd CONSTRUCTION WORLD Global Awards, over 50 awards in 21 categories were presented to over 50 companies.
“I am thrilled to accept this award on behalf of Century Ply,” said Anup Mangaserri, Chief Executive Officer – Laminates, Century Plyboards India.
“It’s an honour to be recognised and I extend my heartfelt thanks.”
“Tata Consulting Engineers has made significant strides in nation-building projects in India and
high-impact engineering efforts abroad,” said BR Parthasarathy, Senior Vice President and Head – Infrastructure Cluster, Tata Consulting Engineers (TCE), sharing his pride in receiving the ENR Award. “This recognition underscores our global capabilities and we are honoured to be part of this journey.”
For his part, Sarat Chandak, CEO, H&R Johnson, said, “We are truly delighted to receive this award as the most admired brand in the construction world. This recognition reflects the dedication and hard work of the brand over its six-year journey in India. Thank you for acknowledging our efforts.”
And Sandeep Desai, Executive Director, and Ananta Rayaprolu, Director, Afcons Infrastructure, noted, “This is a proud moment for the entire Afcons team to have this particular trophy and prestigious award. Afcons has always been at the forefront of extreme engineering, and we are really happy for this acknowledgment, which motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation.”
Joining the chorus of gratitude, Manish Kumar, Executive Vice President, ITD Cementation, stated, “It is an incredible honour to receive this award and to be here for this event, which is very well organised. Being recognised among the best of our peers in the industry is truly a privilege. I accept this on behalf of my team and company and we are deeply grateful for this recognition.”
Many winners addressed the efforts that led to their recognition. “We are extremely proud and thankful that our founder has received the CW Person of the Year (Private Sector) award,” said Hardik Agrawal, Director, Dineshchandra Agrawal (DRAIPL). “This recognition reflects the relentless efforts of the entire Dinesh Chandra Group. We are deeply motivated by this honour and we thank the CONSTRUCTION WORLD Global Awards for this acknowledgment.” And Lalit Chhabra, Managing Director, PINI India, added, “It is a tremendous honour to receive this award. We are delighted that our global efforts have been recognised. This is a testament to what we have done in the past and our hard work. We look forward to improving our ranking in the years to come.”
Sharing his excitement, Ryoya Watanabe,
Senior Manager – BD & Marketing Division, Nippon Koei India, said, “We are headquartered in Tokyo and I am excited and honoured to accept this prestigious award. Thank you very much for this recognition.”
Meanwhile, Saji Samuel, Executive Vice President (Long Products), JSW Steel, brought the conversation around to India’s bright future. “I feel elated with this award because this is going to propel India into a five trillion-dollar economy as quickly as possible,” he remarked. “I wish CONSTRUCTION WORLD all the very best and hope many new companies will participate in this event going forward. I feel very proud to hold this trophy in my hand on behalf of my company.”
This collection of leaders from different sectors was a showcase of the diversity and excellence celebrated by these prestigious awards, marking significant milestones in their respective industries.
As Rajiv Poddar, Managing Director, BKT, observed, “India Construction Festival 2024 has once again proven to be an invaluable platform for the construction equipment industry. The convergence of innovative ideas and collaborative efforts showcased here reflects our collective commitment to growth and excellence. Congratulations to ASAPP Info Global for orchestrating such a successful event and to all the award winners – your achievements are a testament to the bright future of our industry.”

An event to remember Another highlight of the event was the launch of Pratap Padode’s book, Tarmac to Towers – India’s Infrastructure Story.
Indeed, in keeping with tradition, the annual CWGA Awards ceremony was a memorable celebration of architectural achievements and a platform for dialogue on critical issues affecting the construction industry.

 

Continue Reading

Trending News

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER

 

Don't miss out on valuable insights and opportunities to connect with like minded professionals.

 


    This will close in 0 seconds