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The market is moving towards a precast prestressing system.”

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Rais Khan, CEO, Dynamic Precast, talks about catering to the changing demands of designers and architects with innovative solutions in precast shapes to take India’s construction industry onto the next level.

Tell us about the process of casting concrete in shapes.
In precast, with the help of mould, concrete and steel skeleton, any shape can be cast as required. It may be a designer flower pot, fountain, pole, pillars, drain, covers, garden benches, paving tiles, column, beam, roof, boundary wall or even a complete house. For precasting, the mould could be of cement, wood, Fibre Reinforced Plastics (FRP), aluminium and mild steel.
Concrete mix is prepared in a mixer and then poured in mould, and it vibrates on a vibrating table or by surface and needle vibrator. Demoulding process is done after some time or after complete setting in 24 hours.

Are concrete shapes made with a variety of concrete grades?
Yes. It depends on the product’s quality. As per standard of BIS precast products, cast in different concrete grades from M-10 to M-50 grade.

What are the standard sizes and shapes of precast made by your organisation?
We make paver blocks and chequered tiles as well as cable covers, which are smaller products. Other products are kerbstone, dividers SFRC frame cover, gratings of different sizes, drain with covers of any size, precast and prestressed wall panel with columns, hollow core slabs in heavy and light duty in imported semi-automatic plant, precast toilets, house, prestressed electric poles and spun pipes with septic tank, etc.

Explain the moulds used to make these shapes. Do you customise moulds if the requirement arises?
Always! As our products are for roads, infrastructure and housing, customers have different choices for size, shapes and shades. For that we customise the size and shape of moulds as per choice and selection of the customer. All designers and architects want innovation in their projects. We create as per their requirement.

What are the quality standards followed while making precast shapes?
We have a Quality Manual Plan in our system. Presently, a testing laboratory is active in our manufacturing premise. Regular tests for raw materials and concrete and quality checks are done here using tools, equipment and calibrated testing machines.
Quality checks in our factory starts from system update, raw materials, measurements and weighing process, compaction and ultimately in finished goods. The required curing process used for these products is standard. Channels and sections are not compromised with quality aspects. Quality fabrication is an important part, where we follow the standards.

How does automation and technology contribute towards this process and does that make it less labour intensive?
Automation and technology are very important for the precast industry. Today, there are labour crises in each industry, but in the precast industry, it is too much because of its heavy elements and mostly working in open areas.
While we have a lot of shaded areas in our production premises and many mobile and lifting equipment, it’s necessary to make the system more and more automated.

What are the major challenges you face in the process of making precast shapes and in their transportation?
Major challenges in this industry that we face are in making proper mould to make good quality products or elements as per required by the customer. Secondly, availability of proper raw materials and procurement of subsidiary materials are useful for quality. No doubt packing and transportation of finished products are tough jobs in the precast industry.

How do precast shapes help in the profitability of a construction activity?
In the construction industry, precast elements and products have a big contribution in speedy completion of projects. Projects get finished before time because of precast and prestressed elements. Columns, beams and slabs have a bigger role to play in fast construction and economic growth. In India, acceptability for precast housing is quite slow, but only this industry can fulfil the requirement of infrastructure and housing sector in the country.

What kind of innovations can be seen in the near future in your industry?
The market is moving towards a precast, prestressing system. Systems and equipment are becoming available in the market. High grade concrete and PC wire will change the scenario of this industry. We are preparing for mass housing elements for the middle and low class on a priority basis, especially in towns and rural sectors.

-Kanika Mathur

Concrete

India Sets Up First Carbon Capture Testbeds for Cement Industry

Five CCU testbeds launched to decarbonise cement production

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The Department of Science and Technology (DST) recently unveiled a pioneering national initiative: five Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) testbeds in the cement sector, forming a first-of-its-kind research and innovation cluster to combat industrial carbon emissions.
This is a significant step towards India’s Climate Action for fostering National Determined Contributions (NDCs) targets and to achieve net zero decarbonisation pathways for Industry Transition., towards the Government’s goal to achieve a carbon-neutral economy by 2070.
Carbon Capture Utilisation (CCU) holds significant importance in hard-to-abate sectors like Cement, Steel, Power, Oil &Natural Gas, Chemicals & Fertilizers in reducing emissions by capturing carbon dioxide from industrial processes and converting it to value add products such as synthetic fuels, Urea, Soda, Ash, chemicals, food grade CO2 or concrete aggregates. CCU provides a feasible pathway for these tough to decarbonise industries to lower their carbon footprint and move towards achieving Net Zero Goals while continuing their operations efficiently. DST has taken major strides in fostering R&D in the CCUS domain.
Concrete is vital for India’s economy and the Cement industry being one of the main hard-to-abate sectors, is committed to align with the national decarbonisation commitments. New technologies to decarbonise emission intensity of the cement sector would play a key role in achieving of national net zero targets.
Recognizing the critical need for decarbonising the Cement sector, the Energy and Sustainable Technology (CEST) Division of Department launched a unique call for mobilising Academia-Industry Consortia proposals for deployment of Carbon Capture Utilisation (CCU) in Cement Sector. This Special call envisaged to develop and deploy innovative CCU Test bed in Cement Sector with thrust on Developing CO2 capture + CO2 Utilisation integrated unit in an Industrial set up through an innovative Public Private Partnership (PPP) funding model.
As a unique initiative and one of its first kind in India, DST has approved setting up of five CCU testbeds for translational R&D, to be set up in Academia-Industry collaboration under this significant initiative of DST in PPP mode, engaging with premier research laboratories as knowledge partners and top Cement companies as the industry partner.
On the occasion of National Technology Day celebrations, on May 11, 2025 the 5 CCU Cement Test beds were announced and grants had been handed over to the Test bed teams by the Chief Guest, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr Jitendra Singh in the presence of Secretary DST Prof. Abhay Karandikar.
The five testbeds are not just academic experiments — they are collaborative industrial pilot projects bringing together India’s top research institutions and leading cement manufacturers under a unique Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Each testbed addresses a different facet of CCU, from cutting-edge catalysis to vacuum-based gas separation.
The outcomes of this innovative initiative will not only showcase the pathways of decarbonisation towards Net zero goals through CCU route in cement sector, but should also be a critical confidence building measure for potential stakeholders to uptake the deployed CCU technology for further scale up and commercialisation.
It is envisioned that through continuous research and innovation under these test beds in developing innovative catalysts, materials, electrolyser technology, reactors, and electronics, the cost of Green Cement via the deployed CCU technology in Cement Sector may considerably be made more sustainable.
Secretary DBT Dr Rajesh Gokhale, Dr Ajai Choudhary, Co-Founder HCL, Dr. Rajesh Pathak, Secretary, TDB, Dr Anita Gupta Head CEST, DST and Dr Neelima Alam, Associate Head, DST were also present at the programme organized at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi.

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Concrete

JK Lakshmi Adopts EVs to Cut Emissions in Logistics

Electric vehicles deployed between JK Puram and Kalol units

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JK Lakshmi Cement, a key player in the Indian cement industry, has announced the deployment of electric vehicles (EVs) in its logistics operations. This move, made in partnership with SwitchLabs Automobiles, will see EVs transporting goods between the JK Puram Plant in Sirohi, Rajasthan, and the Kalol Grinding Unit in Gujarat.
The announcement follows a successful pilot project that showcased measurable reductions in carbon emissions while maintaining efficiency. Building on this, the company is scaling up EV integration to enhance sustainability across its supply chain.
“Sustainability is integral to our vision at JK Lakshmi Cement. Our collaboration with SwitchLabs Automobiles reflects our continued focus on driving innovation in our logistics operations while taking responsibility for our environmental footprint. This initiative positions us as a leader in transforming the cement sector’s logistics landscape,” said Arun Shukla, President & Director, JK Lakshmi Cement.
This deployment marks a significant step in aligning with India’s push for greener transport infrastructure. By embracing clean mobility, JK Lakshmi Cement is setting an example for the industry, demonstrating that environmental responsibility can go hand in hand with operational efficiency.
The company continues to embed sustainability into its operations as part of a broader goal to reduce its carbon footprint. This initiative adds to its vision of building a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.
JK Lakshmi Cement, part of the 135-year-old JK Organisation, began operations in 1982 and has grown to become a recognised name in Indian cement. With a presence across Northern, Western, and Eastern India, the company has a cement capacity of 16.5 MTPA, with a target to reach 30 MT by 2030. Its product range includes ready-mix concrete, gypsum plaster, wall putty, and autoclaved aerated fly ash blocks.

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Concrete

Holcim UK drives sustainable construction

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Holcim UK has released a report titled ‘Making Sustainable Construction a Reality,’ outlining its five-fold commitment to a greener future. The company aims to focus on decarbonisation, circular economy principles, smarter building methods, community engagement, and integrating nature. Based on a survey of 2,000 people, only 41 per cent felt urban spaces in the UK are sustainably built. A significant majority (82 per cent) advocated for more green spaces, 69 per cent called for government leadership in sustainability, and 54 per cent saw businesses as key players. Additionally, 80 per cent of respondents stressed the need for greater transparency from companies regarding their environmental practices.

Image source:holcim

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