Innovations and new methods in construction abound and they help reduce cost, time and improve quality. Adopting new technologies is important as they bring in a systematic way of working, maximise output in a short time and make projects cost effective, says the Arun, Project Manager, Atkins Ltd. Chennai.

On an average 20 per cent of the cost and 25 per cent of time can be reduced when new methods are adopted. In the last two years larger developments are increasingly looking for innovations to improve quality, profits and brand value.

L&T Arun Excello Reality at Estancia Chennai decided to build reinforced concrete walls that are about six inches thick than use conventional nine inches thick brick wall. This ensures that the walls and floors become monolithic and prevent cracks.

Steel mesh reinforcement used in the exterior and interior walls give it the rigidity and thermal comfort. It also increases the carpet area as the wall thickness is reduced. However, this technique demands a complete pre-planning and does not allow for design changes later.

Big advantage

The big advantage, Suresh, Managing Director Arun Excello, explains is that the curing process takes only six days instead of the conventional 21 day cycle.

To further improve construction quality at Estancia, Aluminium system form work instead of the conventional timber system has been used. This light weight form work with its regular spacing provides clear access, makes work easier and faster.

It reduces time. Similar technique is also adopted at the TVH Ouranya Bay on the OMR. Here the frames for windows and door as well as ducts for services are placed as the walls of the building are concreted. Staircase, facade panels and other pre-fabricated items are also integrated into the structure.

This provides many advantages compared with other construction techniques. At Lumbini square by True Value Homes, solid block cement walls that are light in weight and cost effective are used. Since the internal walls are built with light weight blocks, it is easy to alter and the entire framed structure is designed only to carry the light weight blocks which help reduce construction time.

Aboout 10 to 15% of cost can be reduced through this. Larger developments cannot be done efficiently with the conventional method of construction.

Innovations

On the other hand new technologies that concentrate on reducing weight and steel quantity makes structural design better, said a structural consultant working on large scale development projects. Seeing the need for more construction innovations, firms specialising in construction technology now offer services to developers who cannot invest on their own.

UK based firm Pegasus Constructions that has started operating projects in Chennai, Mumbai are concentrating on remodeling existing houses and using innovative materials.

For example, tarpaulins are used in an unique manner with various chemical combinations to create a house of good quality and that costs 75% of a conventional building.

Monsoon shed erectors, waterproofing, sun protectors, sound proofing etc are done economically with these innovations in materials for all typology buildings bringing a new scenario of diverse thinking, says Goshar GM Marketing.

Many new materials are in the horizon. RIKO in Saxony is developing fibre composite light weight materials for buildings in hot zone like India and Dubai. These materials can be used where the advantages of wood can be combined with that of polymer products.

This includes the furniture, factories and leisure industries and they are planning to launch in India by 2011. Construction techniques need to keep pace with the rapid expansion of infrastructure and construction.

Demands must be met with speed without compromising quality. Many more firms will sooner than later shift to new practices to gain and share the benefits with the users.

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