Concrete

Assessment of structures

Published

4 years ago

October 19, 2021

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All civil engineering structures are initially designed depending on certain design criteria, such as design loads, allowable stresses etc. But, damage due to an extreme event is always possible in a structure during its design life. Sometimes, undetected and un-repaired damage may lead to structural failure demanding costly repair and a huge loss of lives. Therefore, the problem of maintenance and repair of existing engineering structures involves damage detection at an early stage.

For massive structures like bridges, dams, flyover, ROB, RUB, chemical plants, thermal and nuclear plants, silos, pre heater towers, chimneys, etc., which were constructed some 20-40 years ago, it is necessary to test its functionality under the present load situation and quantify damage if any. Since it involves huge expenditure to demolish and reconstruct them, it is important to evaluate the residual life-RLA (residual life analysis) of these structures.

Performing NDT of concrete structures, which is a basis for the evaluation of RLA/remnant life analysis ??RLA studies. Many methods are traditionally used for flaw characterisation and measurement of residual stress. Combining these inputs many parameters, including mechanical properties, factor of safety in design, conservative operation of unit, inaccuracy in data extrapolation, overestimation of corrosion effects, etc., would be assessed.

Damage Detection and Condition Assessment of Civil Structures

In the assessment of existing structures, engineers are increasingly faced with not only the challenges of early detection of damage, but also the evaluation of structure performance and behavior under damage, and economical and efficient retrofitting of the damaged components commonly found in older structures. In order to maintain the safety and integrity of structures, research on the damage mechanism, assessment of structure performance in damaged status, and innovative technologies and materials to rehabilitate, repair, and retrofit structures are of great significance.

Retrofitting of a cement Plant Preheater Tower

Inspection by plant personnel revealed cracking in the concrete frame of a 326-ft-tall, 7-level preheater tower. Onsite plant engineers deemed the cracking significant, especially since the structure supports critical manufacturing process equipment. A structural engineering consulting firm was retained to evaluate the extent of the problem and formulate a repair plan on a fast-track basis. The firm mobilised at the site in less than 24 hours and performed an initial structural safety assessment. A comprehensive structural evaluation indicated that the structure required strengthening. Restoration consultants were engaged to assist locally with engineering and construction administration.

A specialty repair contractor also was engaged to review the constructability of several alternate repair schemes and maintain the fast-track schedule. After considering structural capacity and serviceability requirements, durability issues, the high-temperature operating environment, constructability, and an aggressive construction schedule, the team recommended a retrofit consisting of bonded post-tensioning within internal holes drilled in the beams. This solution was quite extraordinary, as it required precision-drilling horizontal holes up to 87 feet long in the beams of the elevated frame structure, without cutting existing embedded reinforcement.

Nondestructive impulse radar testing was used to locate existing embedded reinforcing steel, as well as to monitor the drilled holes’ trajectory. This process helped ensure proper hole alignment and prevent damage to embedded steel. The cored holes served as post-tensioning ducts. The repairs were executed on a fast track basis and under challenging circumstances, which included working high on the exposed structure through a cold winter with severe wind conditions. The unique retrofit resulted in a structure that is stronger, more serviceable, and more durable than the original tower. The project represented an exceptional team effort, and its success is attributable to the leadership of the owner and client, the ingenuity of the engineering team, and the resourcefulness of the contractor.

Case study authored by: Kolf, Peter R, Oesterle, Ralph G

Concrete

World Cement Association Annual Conference 2026 in Bangkok

Global leaders to focus on decarbonisation and digitisation

Published

21 hours ago

March 2, 2026

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The World Cement Association (WCA) will host its 2026 Annual Conference from 19–21 April 2026 at The Athenee Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand. The two-day programme will convene global cement industry leaders, policymakers, technology providers and stakeholders to examine strategic, operational and sustainability challenges shaping the sector’s next phase of transformation. The conference theme of shaping a sustainable future through digitisation, innovation and performance will frame sessions and networking opportunities across the event.\n\nThe programme will open with a comprehensive assessment of the global economic environment and its impact on cement markets, alongside regional outlooks across Asia and Europe. Speakers will address regulatory developments including carbon border adjustment mechanisms (CBAM) in Europe, progress in China’s carbon trading system and market dynamics in Thailand and South East Asia, and will outline practical decarbonisation pathways such as alternative fuels, next-generation supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) and calcined clay developments. Sessions will also examine AI-enabled kiln optimisation and other digital approaches to improve plant performance.\n\nDay two will focus on overcapacity challenges and industry restructuring, using case studies and regional perspectives to provide delegates with practical insights into unlocking performance while accelerating decarbonisation. Discussions will explore digital maturity and AI-driven plant operations, manufacturing optimisation, sustainable building solutions and circular concrete models, together with evolving customer requirements across the construction value chain. The event will include the WCA Awards Ceremony at the Awards Gala Dinner on 20 April to recognise excellence in sustainability, innovation, safety and leadership.\n\nPhilippe Richart, chief executive officer of the WCA, said the sector was navigating a period of profound transformation, from managing overcapacity and market volatility to deploying AI and delivering measurable decarbonisation, and that the Annual Conference would bring global leaders together to exchange practical solutions and strengthen collaboration. Registration is open and tickets include admission to the two-day event, all sessions, refreshments and lunch, exhibition access and the Awards Gala Dinner. Further information on the programme is available via the WCA Annual Conference 2026 event page and queries on sponsorship or exhibition may be directed to events@worldcementassociation.org.

Concrete

Assam Chief Minister Opens Star Cement Plant In Cachar

New plant aims to boost local industry and supply chains

Published

21 hours ago

March 2, 2026

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Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the Star Cement plant in Cachar on 28 February 2026, marking the opening of a manufacturing facility designed to serve the region. The event was attended by state officials and company representatives, and it was reported with inputs from ANI. The plant is positioned as a strategic addition to the industrial landscape of southern Assam and is expected to improve the availability of construction materials for local projects.

The establishment is expected to generate employment opportunities and to stimulate ancillary businesses in the supply chain, including transport and local vendors. State officials indicated that the plant will enhance logistical efficiency by reducing the need to transport cement over long distances, which may lower construction costs for public and private projects. Observers said the presence of a regional cement facility can support housing and infrastructure initiatives that are underway or planned.

Government representatives reiterated that the state seeks to attract responsible investment that complements regional priorities and that the administration will continue to facilitate infrastructure and connectivity to support industrial operations. The inauguration was presented as consistent with broader efforts to diversify the industrial base in the northeast and to create an enabling environment for small and medium enterprises that supply goods and services to larger manufacturers.

Company sources and the state leadership underlined the importance of maintaining environmental safeguards while pursuing industrial growth, and they signalled that compliance with applicable norms will be a priority at the new facility. The announcement was framed as a step towards balanced development that links job creation, regional supply chains and local economic resilience. The report was prepared by the TNM Bureau with inputs from ANI.

Concrete

Adani Cement, NAREDCO Form Strategic Alliance

Partnership to advance skills and sustainable construction

Published

21 hours ago

March 2, 2026

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Adani Cement has entered into a strategic partnership with the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) to support India’s expanding housing and infrastructure requirements aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

The collaboration brings together Adani Cement’s building materials portfolio, research capabilities and technical expertise with NAREDCO’s network of over 15,000 member organisations. The partnership will focus on skill development, knowledge exchange, technology adoption and sustainable construction practices across the real estate ecosystem.

Joint initiatives will include certification programmes for masons and contractors, along with training modules for site supervisors from NAREDCO member organisations to strengthen execution standards and quality control. The partners will also promote modern construction technologies, green materials and integrated building solutions, including ready-mix concrete, while exploring support for affordable housing.

Vinod Bahety, CEO – Cement Business, Adani Group, said, “This partnership reflects a shared commitment to nation-building and to creating an ecosystem where quality, innovation, and sustainability are integral to every project. By working closely with NAREDCO, we aim to equip developers with advanced materials, deeper technical support, and structured knowledge platforms that can improve performance across the entire project lifecycle.”

Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Chairman, NAREDCO, stated that the association aims to encourage responsible construction practices and promote adoption of green building norms across expanding urban centres.