Concrete

How safe are our buildings

Published

5 years ago

July 1, 2021

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One crack, a tremor, a loud sound??nd Collapse! Buildings fall. This is true to India, And the string of accidents reported in recent Years is testament to this. Consider this: last September, five people were killed after an Apartment block collapsed in delhi; months earlier, A six-storey building collapsed on the outskirts of Delhi, killing nine; in march, a four-storey, underconstruction Building collapsed at dharwad in north Karnataka. These are just some recent mishaps ??Unfortunately, there have been more.

In fact, millions of indians live in dilapidated Buildings at the risk of collapse during the rains. Recent reports have indicated some statistics from The busy cities: mumbai has 4,299 dilapidated buildings, Of which, 633 come under the c1 ??xtremely Dilapidated??category; the bruhat bengaluru Mahanagara palike has so far identified 52 structures That are in a dilapidated state and run the risk of Collapsing; last year, Kolkata Municipal corporation Issued notices to 52 old and dilapidated buildings Located in different areas under its jurisdiction. What?? More, the condition and quality of the indian building Stock is poor when it comes to seismic performance And fire-outbreaks.

What leads to a collapse? The reasons are often related to planning, design And material. The use of inferior construction material Is believed to be the root cause that reduces the life Of a building. Some common causes for collapse Today, according to Dr Paresh Shah, professor and Dean, faculty of technology, cept university, Are ??mproper geotechnical investigation; poor quality Rcc construction practices; and improper formwork Practices, inadequate stripping time, lack of re-shoring Or shoring to lower floors.??/p>

According to Dr Pramod Kumar Gupta, professor, Structural engineering, department of Civil Engineering, IIT-Roorkee, ??n planning, we have To check the load transfer mechanism. Here, the External load, which may be owing to gravity or Earthquake, should be transmitted to the foundation Without creating any structural damage to the structural Elements. The foundation should be strong and stiff Enough to transfer the load to the soil or earth. So, An appropriate structural form may address this Issue.??/p>

Dr gupta adds that before designing any structure, An analysis is carried out, where reactive forces and Associated deformations in different structural elements Are determined using appropriate techniques. Thereafter, the design of elements is carried out by Choosing a suitable material. ??hoice and quality Of material are key parameters these days and properquality control should be ascertained when it comes To material,??affirms Dr Gupta. In his view, if all These steps are followed with due care, it would be Near on impossible for any structure to collapse before Reaching its age.

Building a strong foundati on A building?? foundation performs a number of Functions, such as bearing the load of the building, Anchoring it against natural forces, and isolating it From ground moisture. Thus, a poorly constructed Foundation can be hazardous for the occupants. ??he primary function of a building?? foundation Is to form the basis and hold the structure together,??Avers Shabbir Kanchwala, Senior Vice President, K Raheja Corp. ?? house anchored to its foundation Will retain its structure better and be less likely to be Swept away in a natural disaster.??/p>

And, Dr Niranjan Hiranandani, Founder & Managing director, Hiranandani group and President, Naredco, shares, ??n accurate Geotechnical investigation helps to build a strong Foundation. Selecting the correct type of foundation ??pile or open foundation ??and ensuring the most Appropriate founding strata are other important Factors.??he believes the concrete foundation should Be properly vibrated to ensure voids in the concrete Have refrained.

??tructural consultants and civil contractors have A significant role to play,??says Deepak Suvarna, Chief projects officer-head projects, Mahindra Lifespaces developers. ??xpertise in concrete Technology is a prerequisite. Also, exhaustive soil Investigation and effective designing of foundation Systems as per soil conditions are essential. Waterprone Areas are best avoided and a detailed subsoil Drainage system helps to ensure foundation strength.??/p>

A strong foundation can withstand natural disasters Or shocks and take adequate loads in most eventualities. ??esigning a building foundation is done in a Way that the weight of the entire structure is distributed Evenly to prevent the subsoil from spreading,??says Samyak Jain, Director, Siddha Group. ??t is crucial To assess the soil type; loam, rock, sand and gravel Are good as foundation-friendly soil. To get a stronger Base, concrete need to be poured in deeper trenches Dug in the soil till a hard surface is reached.??For his part, Rohit Poddar, Managing Director, Poddar Housing and Development, and joint Secretary, Nardeco Maharashtra, lays down Various steps: ??irst, you need thorough soil Investigation; then half-meter contour. After this, You need to slightly overdesign the load-bearing capacity of the foundation; strengthen the foundation Through a continuous pour process; give sufficient Time and use a modern curing compound; and provide Anti-termite treatment and waterproofing treatment According to international standards.Material advantage Concreting operations such as mixing, transporting, Placing, compaction and curing are important to Deliver optimal quality. The complete strength of a Structure is directly proportional to the properties And quality of materials and the quality of construction. Samyak Jain refers to two types of concrete that Construction companies use: ready-mix concrete (rmc) and site-mixed concrete. ??he quality of Both types is dependent on the number of formulas And steps,??he says. While application of rmc is Recommended for construction of high-rise structures, Especially during lack of proper logistical support, The quality of concrete mixed on site can be enhanced With stricter supervision and correct inputs.

That said, Prof Manu Santhanam, Department Of civil engineering, IIT-Madras, Avers, ??MC Has an advantage in terms of the quality of the blend Used, compared to site-mixed concrete.??further, Speaking from his experience over the years and data Analysis, Dr Hiranandani believes mixed concrete On site that has been produced with a scientific and Systematic way along with appropriate r&d helps Establish a system in place that ensures better quality. ??urther, the ??arbage-in, garbage-out??concept also Applies to the production of concrete,??he contends. ??ence, it is important to set criteria for the right. ??roper cover to Rebars and durable Concrete are key for a Safe structure.??- Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Founder & Managing Director, Hiranandani Hroup and National president, Naredco ?? house anchored to Its foundation is less Likely to sweep away In a natural disaster.??/p>

– Shabbir Kanchwala, Senior vice president, K Raheja Corp

Concrete

Cement Makers Reaffirm Commitment to Sustainable Growth

Published

5 days ago

June 5, 2026

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World Environment Day spotlight on innovation and circularity

On World Environment Day, the Indian cement industry reiterated its commitment to supporting India’s climate ambitions through sustainable manufacturing, resource efficiency and the adoption of cleaner technologies.

The Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA) said the sector remains aligned with the Government of India’s Net Zero commitments and is accelerating efforts to reduce its environmental footprint while supporting the country’s infrastructure and development agenda.

Parth Jindal, President, CMA and Managing Director, JSW Cement, said the industry is increasingly adopting cleaner technologies, improving energy efficiency and expanding the use of alternative fuels and raw materials. He also highlighted the growing importance of circular economy practices, where industrial by-products and waste streams from one sector are utilised as resources in another.

“The Indian Cement Industry is aligned to the Government’s commitments on carbon mitigation and is accelerating the adoption of cleaner technologies, resource efficiency and circular economy practices while actively exploring the potential of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) as a critical pathway for deep decarbonisation,” said Jindal.

He added that coprocessing industrial waste and by-products helps conserve natural resources, reduce disposal requirements and lower the environmental footprint across multiple sectors.

According to Jindal, sustainability is no longer limited to manufacturing processes but is increasingly influencing investment decisions, innovation strategies and long-term growth plans within the industry.

Echoing similar views, Dr Raghavpat Singhania, Vice President, CMA and Managing Director, JK Cement, said sustainable development extends beyond emissions reduction and must also focus on responsible resource utilisation and waste minimisation.

“Sustainability in the built environment cannot be measured by emissions alone. It is equally about how efficiently we use resources, how effectively we minimise waste and how responsibly we create the infrastructure that will serve future generations,” said Singhania.

He noted that the cement industry is advancing its sustainability agenda through greater resource efficiency, increased circularity, technological innovation and continuous improvements in manufacturing practices. As a key contributor to India’s infrastructure development, the sector has a critical role to play in balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.

On the occasion of World Environment Day, industry leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting India’s climate goals while delivering the materials required for resilient, durable and sustainable infrastructure.

Concrete

Building a Greener Future Together

Published

6 days ago

June 4, 2026

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Environmental sustainability requires immediate action, not just long-term commitments and discussions. Recycling, circular economy practices, and technology-driven waste management can help industries reduce environmental impact while supporting sustainable growth.

Author: Jignesh Kundaria, Director and CEO, Fornnax Technology

World Environment Day serves as an important reminder that environmental sustainability can no longer remain confined to discussions, reports, or long-term commitments. The environmental challenges facing the world today demand immediate, measurable, and collective action. Across industries and communities, waste generation continues to outpace our ability to process it responsibly, placing increasing pressure on ecosystems, natural resources, public health, and the well-being of future generations.

One of the most significant shifts required today is a change in how society perceives waste. Rather than being viewed as a material to be discarded, waste must be recognised as a valuable resource that can contribute to both economic growth and environmental protection when managed through the right technologies and systems. This mindset forms the foundation of the circular economy model that countries across the world are increasingly adopting to reduce landfill dependence, recover valuable materials, and create more sustainable industrial ecosystems.

India has made meaningful progress in strengthening awareness around sustainability, recycling, and environmental responsibility over the past decade. Significant efforts are being made to formalise the recycling sector through improved infrastructure, technology adoption, policy implementation, and broader stakeholder participation. These developments are creating a stronger foundation for responsible waste management and resource recovery across the country.

However, achieving long-term environmental impact requires collaboration from all stakeholders. Industries, policymakers, technology providers, and communities must work together with greater accountability to strengthen recycling ecosystems, encourage responsible waste management practices, and create sustainable outcomes through consistent execution rather than temporary interventions.

As someone closely associated with the recycling industry, I firmly believe that technology will play a decisive role in addressing future environmental challenges. Advanced recycling systems have the potential to recover valuable resources, reduce pollution, minimise landfill burdens, and conserve energy, creating a more sustainable future for generations to come. This belief is deeply reflected in Fornnax’s motto, “Committed to Create a Green Future,” which embodies our commitment to building long-term environmental value through innovation and responsible action.

At the same time, technology alone cannot deliver meaningful change. Real progress requires intent, awareness, participation, and a shared sense of responsibility. Sustainable development can only be achieved when innovation is supported by collective action and a genuine commitment to environmental stewardship.

On this World Environment Day, let us move beyond conversations and take meaningful steps towards creating a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable planet. By embracing innovation, strengthening recycling ecosystems, and acting responsibly today, we can create lasting environmental impact and secure a better future for generations to come.

Concrete

JK Lakshmi Advances LC3 Cement Expansion

Company highlights commercial production and research partnerships

Published

1 week ago

June 1, 2026

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The meeting reviewed progress in limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) technology and its commercial adoption in India’s cement sector, focusing on low-carbon alternatives to conventional binders. JK Lakshmi Cement noted that limestone calcined clay cement can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 40 per cent compared with conventional cement and said this reduction supports industry decarbonisation. The company highlighted that it was among the first two cement manufacturers in India to move LC3 into commercial production after the Bureau of Indian Standards approved the technology as a cement standard.

Vinita Singhania said the transition of LC3 from research to commercial production reflected collaboration between industry, academia and international institutions. Maya Tissafi acknowledged JK Lakshmi Cement’s role in advancing LC3 adoption in India and its contribution in taking the technology from laboratory trials to commercial implementation. Both representatives underlined the growing relevance of sustainable construction materials as India expands infrastructure and urban development.

The meeting explored continued collaboration with Swiss research institutions such as EPFL, EMPA and ETH Zurich alongside Indian academic partners and development organisations. JK Lakshmi Cement has been associated with the LC3 initiative since 2014 and worked with EPFL, IIT Delhi, IIT Madras, Development Alternatives and Technology and Action for Rural Advancement. The company conducted one of the earliest industrial trials of LC3 and recently announced commercial production of Green Pro LC3 cement from its Jaykaypuram plant in Rajasthan.

India remains the world’s second-largest cement producer and expansion of infrastructure, urbanisation and housing demand continue to support long-term sector growth, increasing interest in low-carbon technologies. The company reported an annual turnover of more than Rupees (Rs) 60 bn and current cement capacity of about 18 million (mn) tonnes (t) per annum, with a target of reaching 30 million (mn) tonnes (t) by 2030. Apart from grey cement, the company also makes ready-mix concrete, gypsum plaster, wall putty, primers, adhesives and fly ash blocks, and both sides concluded on the need for continued collaboration to develop sustainable construction solutions.