Concrete

Innovation for Tomorrow

Published

2 years ago

July 16, 2024

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Samidha Pathak, Research and Development Manager, Nuvoco Vistas, discusses the future of cement and building materials.

The building materials sector has been a constant arena for innovation, evolving from the ancient use of stone and wood to the contemporary reliance on steel and concrete. Concrete stands out as the most widely utilised man-made material in the present day. Today, concrete remains a cornerstone in construction. The materials have evolved in coming times and will continue to do so with the rapid pace of innovations. As the industry continues to evolve, embracing new materials and techniques is crucial to meeting the demands of the modern world.
With the increasing stride in urbanisation and infrastructural boom, there will be a continued demand for increase in production of building materials. The industry should continue to emerge with new trends to ease the efforts for the end user and maximise productivity. However, it is the need of the hour that these innovations come with reduced carbon footprint and its reliance on virgin natural resources.
Cement sector is already being driven with many initiatives in operations like enhancing kiln and energy efficiencies, firing with alternate fuels to petcoke, utilising alternate raw materials and industrial wastes for clinkerisation, capturing flue gases which all initiatives are not only innovative but also sustainable.

Real time working
In processing and production, real time monitoring has become possible. Carbon Capture Utilisation and Sequestration (CCUS) is an emerging technology to offset the greenhouse gases emission. The ultra high-performance concrete with a composite of cement and fibres is now replacing reinforcement to a considerable extent. Design freedom with specialised concrete mix enabling digitised automated efficient and faster concrete structures is possible today because of 3D printed concrete.
Electricity conservation is possible with piezoelectric concrete, rainwater can now be harvested with previous concrete Smart glasses are able to control the heat and luminosity by changing their stimuli. Like the human body, which is able to self-heal, today concrete is able to heal its own cracks, too. To save water in curing, self-curing concrete is emerging with additives. Nano materials can improve reactivity at a micro level interface.
Construction chemicals are doing wonders in modifying the rheology, grindability, setting, acceleration and workability of cement, concrete, and mortars. The decarbonisation starts with cement, one of the key binders in the building materials and alkali activated binders and geopolymer concrete are eliminating clinker dependency using supplementary cementing materials.
Innovative building materials are reshaping the construction industry, offering novel solutions to longstanding challenges. A key characteristic of these advancements is circularity, emphasising meticulous design for reuse and recycling. This approach aims to significantly diminish waste and resource consumption, marking a pivotal shift toward more sustainable practices in the construction sector. Durability should be another benchmark for innovative materials ensuring that our cities stand the test of time with reduced maintenance. Futuristic innovation should be driven by maintaining resilience and efficiency, sustainable in the long run. Challenges like technical risks, lower acceptability to change, and increased costing can be a few barriers for scaling market acceptability of these innovative materials.
Innovation should become a value system rather than a selling pitch. The resourcefulness of human ingenuity and our innate search for easing jobs will continue to ignite an innovative spark thus overcoming the critical challenges we are facing today.

About the author
Samidha Pathak is the Research and Development Manager at Nuvoco Vistas Corp. With her expertise in R&D, she oversees the development of innovative products and solutions that meet the company’s strategic objectives. Her role involves leading cross-functional teams, collaborating with stakeholders, and driving projects from concept to execution.

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Dhanekula Institute Signs MoU with Adani Cement

Agreement to expand internships, industrial visits and practical learning

Published

5 hours ago

November 5, 2026

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The Department of Civil Engineering at Dhanekula Institute of Engineering & Technology, Ganguru, organised an industrial interaction programme under the Adani FutureX Programme on Thursday. The programme focused on strengthening engagement between the institute and the cement industry while giving students greater exposure to professional practices.

Yedukondalu, technical head for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana at Adani Cement, delivered a technical lecture on concrete as a man-made material. The session covered the importance of concrete in construction, its properties and applications, and its significance in modern infrastructure development.

The lecture also addressed the role of quality cement and suitable concrete technology in supporting durable and sustainable construction. The discussion connected classroom learning with the technical considerations involved in infrastructure projects and construction practices.

A key part of the programme was the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Department of Civil Engineering and Adani Cement under the Adani FutureX Partnership Agreement. The agreement is intended to strengthen industry-academia collaboration through opportunities for student internships and industrial visits.

The initiative is expected to provide students with practical exposure, improve their understanding of industrial practices and help bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications. Dhanekula Institute Chairman Dhanekula Ravindranath Tagore, Secretary Dhanekula Venkata Bhavani Prasad and Director DKRK Ravi Prasad supported the initiative, with the institute leadership highlighting the importance of industry-institution interaction in enhancing students’ technical employability.

Concrete

JK Lakshmi Cement Begins Rs. 110 bn Assam Plant Project

Project Kamakshi will produce 2.5 mn t of cement annually by FY2029.

Published

5 hours ago

November 5, 2026

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JK Lakshmi Cement has laid the foundation stone for Project Kamakshi, its first integrated cement manufacturing facility in Assam, marking the company’s entry into Northeast India. The groundbreaking ceremony took place at Umrangso village in Dima Hasao district in the presence of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

The project involves an investment of Rs. 110 bn, including the mining lease. It will have annual cement production capacity of 2.5 mn t and a 1 mn t clinkerisation unit, with completion scheduled for FY2029.

The facility is expected to create more than 2,000 jobs and will primarily serve the growing Northeast market. It will also include dedicated railway sidings for transporting raw materials and finished cement, supporting supply chain reliability and regional distribution.

Chairperson and Managing Director Vinita Singhania said the project represented the beginning of a long-term relationship with Assam and the wider Northeast. She said the plant would help provide locally produced cement, employment and dependable supplies as the region’s infrastructure development accelerated, while enabling the company to grow alongside the communities it serves.

The investment supports JK Lakshmi Cement’s strategy of expanding into high-growth markets beyond its established presence in Northern, Western and Eastern India. The company expects the project to contribute to regional economic development and infrastructure growth while pursuing its long-term objective of achieving net-zero emissions by 2047.

Concrete

Kshatriya Engineering College Signs MoU with Adani Cement

Agreement to provide students with industrial exposure and training

Published

5 hours ago

November 5, 2026

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The civil engineering department of Kshatriya Engineering College in Nizamabad has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Adani Cement to provide students with industry-oriented training and practical exposure. The agreement is intended to connect classroom learning with workplace requirements in the construction sector.

Under the partnership, students will receive opportunities to take part in industrial visits and internships. The arrangement will also include guest lectures by industry experts and guidance on live projects, allowing students to gain first-hand understanding of industry practices and emerging construction technologies.

College secretary and correspondent Aljapur Devender said the initiative was designed to bridge the gap between academic instruction and industry expectations. He said the collaboration would help students develop practical skills and improve their employment prospects after completing their studies.

Principal Dr Katakam Srinivas said exposure to industrial practices was important for civil engineering students and would complement their academic learning. He said the MoU would support the development of their technical knowledge and confidence through greater familiarity with professional work environments.

Administrative officer B. Narender said the collaboration would familiarise students with modern construction technologies, quality standards and project management practices. Civil engineering department head N. Deepika said the agreement would help students understand recent developments in the construction sector and prepare for professional careers. The college said the partnership would give learners a broader view of the processes and standards followed in the industry, while helping them relate their academic studies to practical project requirements.