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Concrete Making Materials

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Cement is never used as cement alone but is always converted to a value-added product in practice. Therefore application of cement becomes extremely important. The cement producers have a dedicated department that looks into the applications of product. Now onwards, we shall try and cover it through a series of articles in a structured way.
Construction aggregate, or "aggregate", is a broad category of coarse to medium grained particulate material used in construction that includes sand, gravel, crushed stone, slag, and recycled concrete and geosynthetic aggregates. Aggregates are the most mined materials in the world.
Cement concrete is a cement and water paste in which aggregate particles are embedded. Aggregate usually occupies approximately 60 to 75 per cent of the volume of concrete. Besides reducing volume changes due to drying shrinkage of the cement-water paste, aggregate is inexpensive filler that reduces the cost of the concrete. Aggregate properties significantly affect the workability of plastic (concrete in the wet stage) concrete and the durability, strength, thermal properties, and density of hardened concrete. Types of rocks
Aggregates are generally sourced from natural materials or from industrial by products. Natural aggregates come from rock, of which there are three broad geological classifications. Igneous rock: These rocks are primarily crystalline and are formed by the cooling of molten rock material beneath the earth’s crust (magma).Sedimentary rocks: These rocks are formed from deposited insoluble material (e.g., the remains of existing rock deposited on the bottom of an ocean or lake). This material is transformed to rock by heat and pressure. Sedimentary rocks are layered in appearance and are further classified based on their predominant mineral as calcareous (limestone, chalk, etc.), siliceous (chert, sandstone, etc.) or argillaceous (shale, etc.).Metamorphic rock: These are igneous or sedimentary rocks that have been subjected to heat and/or pressure great enough to change their mineral structure so as to be different from the original rock.
Natural sands and gravels are the product of weathering and the action of wind or water, while stone sands and crushed stone are produced by crushing natural stone. Screening and washing may be used to process aggregates from either of these categories. Aggregates may be produced from igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic rocks, but the presence or absence of any geological type does not, by itself, make an aggregate suitable or unsuitable for use in concrete. The acceptance of an aggregate for use in concrete on a particular job should be based upon specific information obtained from tests used to measure the aggregate quality, or upon its service record, or both. Synthetic aggregates may be either by products of an industrial process, such as blast-furnace slag, or products of processes developed to manufacture aggregates with special properties, such as expanded clay, shale or slate that are used for lightweight aggregates. Some lightweight aggregates such as pumice or scoria also occur naturally. Other classifications of aggregates may be based upon bulk density and particle shape, but these, as well as the ones previously discussed, serve mainly as aids in describing an aggregate. To understand the role played by aggregate in the performance of concrete, it is necessary to define specific aggregate properties and show their effect on concrete properties.Aggregates generally divided into two groups: Fine and Coarse aggregates.
Fine aggregates or natural or manufactured of particle size ranging from 10 mm to 0.075 mm. Coarse aggregates size ranging from 10 mm to 80 mm. The most commonly used maximum size of aggregate is 20 or 25 mm.Fine & Coarse aggregates
– IS-383 – 2016 Specification for concrete
– IS-2386 Part – I to VIII – Method of testWhy use aggregates?
We use aggregates mainly to reduce the cost of the concrete. Roughly aggregates would cost between 12 to 25 per cent of the cement price. Use of aggregate reduces thermal cracking. About 100 kg of OPC produces about 12o C temperature rise. Aggregates can reduce shrinkage, 10 percent of reduction in aggregate volume can double the shrinkage of concrete. High aggregate to cement ratio is desirable as it mainly influences cement content in concrete. Effect of aggregate size: Larger the (maximum) size; increases strength, decrease total surface area of aggregate that decreases required cement content. Improves rut resistance but increases problem with segregation of particles. Smaller maximum size can reduce segregation, reduces road noise, decreases tyre wear specially while transporting of ready mixed concrete. Why to specify sizes?
The foremost reason for specifying the size of aggregates is to control the cost of concrete, have a homogenous mix with higher bulk density, effectively use the water content and control the consumption of cement and other cementious
materials. By playing with the size of aggregates one can modify workability, pumpability, porosity and shrinkage of concrete.
Fine aggregates are nothing but the sand used in concrete. The size is down 4.75 mm to 0.075 mm and the content is usually 35 per cent to 45 per cent by mass or volume of total aggregate. Grading of aggregates: Grading is nothing but the particle-size distribution of an aggregate as determined by a sieve analysis using wire mesh sieves with square openings. As per IS:2386 (Part-1) for fine aggregate, 6 standard sieves with openings from 150 ?m to 4.75 mm. (150 ?m, 300 ?m, 600 ?m, 1.18 mm, 2.36 mm, 4.75mm) are used. For coarse aggregates , 5 sieves with openings from 4.75 mm to 80 mm. (4.75 mm, 10 mm, 12.5 mm, 20 mm, 40 mm and may be onwards). ?m is microns and 1 micron (?m) is 0.001 mm.
Grain size distribution for concrete mixes should be such that it will provide a dense strong mixture. Ensure that the voids between the larger particles are filled with medium particles. The remaining voids are filled with still smaller particles until the smallest voids are filled with a small amount of fines.
Generally in the city of Mumbai and around three type of aggregates are used which are termed as CA I( coarse aggregate),CA II and FA fine aggregates. For coarse aggregates the sizes vary from 20-25mm for CAII and 10-12 mm for CAI, the remaining third is Fine aggregate or Sand. The proportion of sand in concrete being 35 to 45 per cent, availability and price of sand has a direct impact on the production of concrete.
Fineness Modulus (FM) is a result of aggregate sieve analysis is expressed by a number called Fineness Modulus. It is obtained by adding the sum of the cumulative percentages by mass of a sample aggregate retained on each of a specified series of sieves and dividing the sum by 100. This measurement is important while designing concrete mixes with given materials at site.
Sand or fine aggregates is further graded in three categories and the following limits may be taken as guidance:Fine sand : Fineness Modulus : 2.2 – 2.6Medium sand : F.M. : 2.6 – 2.9Coarse sand : F.M. : 2.9 – 3.2
Sand having a fineness modulus more than 3.2 will be unsuitable for making satisfactory concrete.Colour of aggregates: Normally the colour of aggregates depend on the source of rock from which it is derived. The colour of aggregates that we see in Karnataka, Maharashtra and in the Northen part of India is much different. However colour has hardly any influence on the properties of concrete. But in case of decorative concretes the colour needs to satisfy the designer’s requirements. Tests on Aggregates: Fine aggregates
These are summarised as Grading, Silt & Clay content, Specific Gravity, Water absorption & moisture content, Soundness, Alkali Aggregate Reactivity, Organic Impurities and Soft Particles, Bulkage. We shall cover some of the important ones.
Impurities in fine aggregate and its effect: Clay particles, Shale, Mica, Weathered agate, Organic impurities-humus, sugar etc. These impurities lead to High water absorption, Low strength, High shrinkage, Retardation. (Slow strength gain for concrete).
Estimation of stilt content and organic impurities is very simple and can be easily carried out at site laboratory. It is recommended that every site laboratory must carry out these tests to ascertain the suitability of fine aggregates. Tests on Coarse aggregates:
– Specific gravity
– Dry Loose Bulk Density/Dry Relative Bulk Density
– Absorption & Surface moisture
– Shape
– Soundness
(Test methods – IS 2386 Part I to VIII)Tests on Coarse aggregates:
– Aggregate Crushing Value
– Aggregate Impact Value
– Aggregate Abrasion Value
– Alkali Aggregate Reactivity
(Test methods – IS 2386 Part I to VIII)Mechanical properties
Aggregate Crushing Value: Not more than 45 percent for other than wearing, surface and 30 percent for wearing surface.
Aggregate Impact Value: Not more than 45percent for other than wearing, surface and 30 percent for wearing surface.
Aggregate Abrasion Value: Not more than 50 per cent for other than wearing surface and 30 percent for wearing surface.
Aggregate Elongation & Flakiness: Not more than 40 percent (combined)
Soundness: (Loss after 5 cycles)
For fine aggregate: maximum 10 percent with sodium sulphate and 15 percent with magnesium sulphate.
For Coarse aggregate: maximum 12 percent with sodium sulphate and 18 percent with magnesium sulphate.
We thankfully acknowledge for making the articles available to us originally written by Suhas Dhuri and S Krishnan of e cube consultants, Thane and Prof. Gaurav H Tondan published on Linked in.Compilation by Vikas Damle Ex. Editor of ICR.

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Concrete

Adani’s Strategic Emergence in India’s Cement Landscape

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4 days ago

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September 16, 2025

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Milind Khangan, Marketing Head, Vertex Market Research, sheds light on Adani’s rapid cement consolidation under its ‘One Business, One Company’ strategy while positioning it to rival UltraTech, and thus, shaping a potential duopoly in India’s booming cement market.

India is the second-largest cement-producing country in the world, following China. This expansion is being driven by tremendous public investment in the housing and infrastructure sectors. The industry is accelerating, with a boost from schemes such as PM Gati Shakti, Bharatmala, and the Vande Bharat corridors. An upsurge in affordable housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) further supports this expansion. In May 2025, local cement production increased about 9 per cent from last year to about 40 million metric tonnes for the month. The combined cement capacity in India was recorded at 670 million metric tonnes in the 2025 fiscal year, according to the Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA). For the financial year 2026, this is set to grow by another 9 per cent.
In spite of the growing demand, the Indian cement industry is highly competitive. UltraTech Cement (Aditya Birla Group) is still the market leader with domestic installed capacity of more than 186 MTPA as on 2025. It is targeted to achieve 200 MTPA. Adani Cement recently became a major player and is now India’s second-largest cement company. It did this through aggressive consolidation, operational synergies, and scale efficiencies. Indian players in the cement industry are increasingly valuing operational efficiency and sustainability. Some of the strategies with high impact are alternative fuels and materials (AFR) adoption, green cement expansion, and digital technology investments to offset changing regulatory pressure and increasing energy prices.

Building Adani Cement brand
Vertex Market Research explains that the Adani Group is executing a comprehensive reorganisation and consolidation of its cement business under the ‘One Business, One Company’ strategy. The plan is to integrate its diversified holdings into one consolidated corporate entity named Adani Cement. The focus is on operating integration, governance streamlining, and cost reduction in its expanding cement business.
Integration roadmap and key milestones:

  • September 2022: The consolidation process started with the $6.4 billion buyout of Holcim’s majority stakes in Ambuja Cements and ACC, with Ambuja becoming the focal point of the consolidation.
  • December 2023: Bought Sanghi Industries to strengthen the firm’s presence in western India.
  • August 2024: Added Penna Cement to the portfolio, improving penetration of the southern market of India.
  • April 2025: Further holding addition in Orient Cement to 46.66 per cent by purchasing the same from CK Birla Group, becoming the promoter with control.
  • Ambuja Cements amalgamated with Adani Cement: This was sanctioned by the NCLT on 18th July 2025 with effect from April 1, 2024. This amalgamation brings in limestone reserves and fresh assets into Ambuja.
  • Subject to Sanghi and Penna merger with Ambuja: Board approvals in December 2024 with the aim to finish between September to December 2025.
  • Ambuja-ACC future integration: The latter is being contemplated as the final step towards consolidation.
  • Orient Cement: It would serve as a principal manufacturing facility following the merger.

Scale, capacity expansion and market position
In financial year-2025, Adani Cement, including Ambuja, surpassed 100 MTPA. This makes it one of the world’s top ten cement companies. Along with ACC’s operations, it is now firmly placed as India’s second-largest cement company. In FY25, the Adani group’s sales volume per annum clocked 65 million metric tonnes. Adani Group claims that it now supplies close to 30 per cent of the cement consumed in India’s homes and infrastructure as of June 2025.
The organisation is pursuing aggressive brownfield expansion:

  • By FY 2026: Reach 118 MTPA
  • By FY 2028: Target 140 MTPA

These goals will be driven by commissioning new clinker and grinding units at key sites, with civil and mechanical works underway.
As of 2024, Adani Cement had its market share pegged at around 14 to 15 per cent, with an ambition to scale this up to 20 per cent by FY?2028, emerging as a potent competitor to UltraTech’s 192?MTPA capacity (186 domestic and overseas).

Strategic advantages and competitive benefits
The consolidation simplifies decision-making by reducing legal entities, centralising oversight, and removing redundant functions. This drives compliance efficiency and transparent reporting. Using procurement power for raw materials and energy lowers costs per ton. Integrated logistics with Adani Ports and freight infrastructure has resulted in an estimated 6 per cent savings in logistics. The group aims for additional savings of INR 500 to 550 per tonne by FY 2028 by integrating green energy, using alternative fuel resources, and improving sourcing methods.

Market coverage and brand consistency
Brand integration under one strategy will provide uniform product quality and easier distribution networks. Integration with Orient Cement’s dealer base, 60 per cent of which already distributes Ambuja/ACC products, enhances outreach and responsiveness.
By having captive limestone reserves at Lakhpat (approximately 275 million tonnes) and proposed new manufacturing facilities in Raigad, Maharashtra, Adani Cement derives cost advantage, raw material security, and long-term operational robustness.

Strategic implications and risks
Consolidation at Adani Cement makes it not just a capacity leader but also an operationally agile competitor with the ability to reap digital and sustainability benefits. Its vertically integrated platform enables cost leadership, market responsiveness, and scalability.

Challenges potentially include:

  • Integration challenges across systems, corporate cultures, and plant operations
  • Regulatory sanctions for pending mergers and new capacity additions
  • Environmental clearances in environmentally sensitive areas and debt management with input price volatility

When materialised, this revolution would create a formidable Adani–UltraTech duopoly, redefining Indian cement on the basis of scale, innovation, and sustainability. India’s leading four cement players such as Adani (ACC and Ambuja), Dalmia Cement, Shree Cement, and UltraTech are expected to dominate the cement market.

Conclusion
Adani’s aggressive consolidation under the ‘One Business, One Company’ strategy signals a decisive shift in the Indian cement industry, positioning the group as a formidable challenger to UltraTech and setting the stage for a potential duopoly that could dominate the sector for years to come. By unifying operations, leveraging economies of scale, and securing vertical integration—from raw material reserves to distribution networks—Adani Cement is building both capacity and resilience, with clear advantages in cost efficiency, market reach, and sustainability. While integration complexities, regulatory hurdles, and environmental approvals remain key challenges, the scale and strategic alignment of this consolidation promise to redefine competition, pricing dynamics, and operational benchmarks in one of the world’s fastest-growing cement markets.

About the author:
Milind Khangan is the Marketing Head at Vertex Market Research and comes with over five years of experience in market research, lead generation and team management.

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Concrete

Precision in Motion: A Deep Dive into PowerBuild’s Core Gear Series

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1 month ago

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August 16, 2025

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PowerBuild’s flagship Series M, C, F, and K geared motors deliver robust, efficient, and versatile power transmission solutions for industries worldwide.

Products – M, C, F, K: At the heart of every high-performance industrial system lies the need for robust, reliable, and efficient power transmission. PowerBuild answers this need with its flagship geared motor series: M, C, F, and K. Each series is meticulously engineered to serve specific operational demands while maintaining the universal promise of durability, efficiency, and performance.
Series M – Helical Inline Geared Motors: Compact and powerful, the Series M delivers exceptional drive solutions for a broad range of applications. With power handling up to 160kW and torque capacity reaching 20,000 Nm, it is the trusted solution for industries requiring quiet operation, high efficiency, and space-saving design. Series M is available with multiple mounting and motor options, making it a versatile choice for manufacturers and OEMs globally.
Series C – Right Angled Heli-Worm Geared Motors: Combining the benefits of helical and worm gearing, the Series C is designed for right-angled power transmission. With gear ratios of up to 16,000:1 and torque capacities of up to 10,000 Nm, this series is optimal for applications demanding precision in compact spaces. Industries looking for a smooth, low-noise operation with maximum torque efficiency rely on Series C for dependable performance.
Series F – Parallel Shaft Mounted Geared Motors: Built for endurance in the most demanding environments, Series F is widely adopted in steel plants, hoists, cranes, and heavy-duty conveyors. Offering torque up to 10,000 Nm and high gear ratios up to 20,000:1, this product features an integral torque arm and diverse output configurations to meet industry-specific challenges head-on.
Series K – Right Angle Helical Bevel Geared Motors: For industries seeking high efficiency and torque-heavy performance, Series K is the answer. This right-angled geared motor series delivers torque up to 50,000 Nm, making it a preferred choice in core infrastructure sectors such as cement, power, mining, and material handling. Its flexibility in mounting and broad motor options offer engineers’ freedom in design and reliability in execution.
Together, these four series reflect PowerBuild’s commitment to excellence in mechanical power transmission. From compact inline designs to robust right-angle drives, each geared motor is a result of decades of engineering innovation, customer-focused design, and field-tested reliability. Whether the requirement is speed control, torque multiplication, or space efficiency, Radicon’s Series M, C, F, and K stand as trusted powerhouses for global industries.

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Concrete

Driving Measurable Gains

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1 month ago

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August 16, 2025

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Klüber Lubrication India’s Klübersynth GEM 4-320 N upgrades synthetic gear oil for energy efficiency.

Klüber Lubrication India has introduced a strategic upgrade for the tyre manufacturing industry by retrofitting its high-performance synthetic gear oil, Klübersynth GEM 4-320 N, into Barrel Cold Feed Extruder gearboxes. This smart substitution, requiring no hardware changes, delivered energy savings of 4-6 per cent, as validated by an internationally recognised energy audit firm under IPMVP – Option B protocols, aligned with
ISO 50015 standards.

Beyond energy efficiency, the retrofit significantly improved operational parameters:

  • Lower thermal stress on equipment
  • Extended lubricant drain intervals
  • Reduction in CO2 emissions and operational costs

These benefits position Klübersynth GEM 4-320 N as a powerful enabler of sustainability goals in line with India’s Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) guidelines and global Net Zero commitments.

Verified sustainability, zero compromise
This retrofit case illustrates that meaningful environmental impact doesn’t always require capital-intensive overhauls. Klübersynth GEM 4-320 N demonstrated high performance in demanding operating environments, offering:

  • Enhanced component protection
  • Extended oil life under high loads
  • Stable performance across fluctuating temperatures

By enabling quick wins in efficiency and sustainability without disrupting operations, Klüber reinforces its role as a trusted partner in India’s evolving industrial landscape.

Klüber wins EcoVadis Gold again
Further affirming its global leadership in responsible business practices, Klüber Lubrication has been awarded the EcoVadis Gold certification for the fourth consecutive year in 2025. This recognition places it in the top three per cent
of over 150,000 companies worldwide evaluated for environmental, ethical and sustainable procurement practices.
Klüber’s ongoing investments in R&D and product innovation reflect its commitment to providing data-backed, application-specific lubrication solutions that exceed industry expectations and support long-term sustainability goals.

A trusted industrial ally
Backed by 90+ years of tribology expertise and a global support network, Klüber Lubrication is helping customers transition toward a greener tomorrow. With Klübersynth GEM 4-320 N, tyre manufacturers can take measurable, low-risk steps to boost energy efficiency and regulatory alignment—proving that even the smallest change can spark a significant transformation.

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