PRECAST CONCRETE IN CONSTRUCTION

Sourabh Gupta, Principal Architect, Archohm

PLEASE WRITE AN INTRODUCTORY PARA ABOUT SOURABH, ARCHOHM AND OUR INTERVIEW.

Ar. Sourabh Gupta is the Founder & Managing Director of Archohm Consults Private Limited, one of India’s leading architectural design firms. He is an alumnus of CEPT, Ahmedabad and Technical University, Delft, the Netherlands.  With over 12 years of experience in Architecture and Urban Design, Sourabh is renowned for his capabilities in conceptualizing, designing, and detailing. With his passion and a keen insight into the diverse design fields, he leads his initiatives towards the highest level of design quality. Archohm is a design studio offering innovative design consultancy for architecture, urban design, interiors, and landscape and product design. Working across diverse scales,

To give the present relevance and the use of pre-cast technology in the construction industry Built Expressions spoke to Ar. Sourabh Gupta.

BE: What role would precast concrete in construction play in the present context of fast track construction?

SG: Pre cast concrete is clearly a great tool within the realm of concrete technology. It comes with the multiple benefits of savings in time and energy. Architecturally, it also brings in the required high quality finish on repetitive elements of concrete as the mechanised processes and the factory environment can ensure better moulds and workmanship for a higher quality product.

BE: Pre-cast concrete construction is now gaining its momentum in India. Why do you think it took so long to make its mark here as it has been well received in other countries?

SG: Technically and theoretically, precast concrete is well established in India. It is extensively used in infrastructure projects. In buildings however, the use is limited as of now. India is coming of age and with time becoming a clear factor, precast technologies could benefit. From large scale housing projects to buildings with repetitive elements to similar span large scale constructions, precast concrete is an asset and will be prevalent in india, sooner than later.

In the current trend in India, the local labour and the small scale construction industry does not have the technical know how and infrastructural set up to be able to use this well enough. Labour in India is cheap and so the cast in situ methods are still being used. The lack of professionalism and formality in this industry is a current hurdle to the use of this technology.

BE: How sustainable are pre-cast concrete products? Can you share some of its benefits?

SG: Pre cast concrete is as sustainable as regular concrete if not more. It comes with far better finish and a better uniform mix and thereby strength. It is a solution to multiple construction issues in the country. Like one saw the use of pre mix concrete coming into India, this technology will also soon find its right market in the India n domain.

Precast beams and columns for structures is an economical and efficient way to build. One could also use it for full walls and roofs for large-scale housings.  We at Archohm have used this extensively in our projects in Middle East and can see its relevant advantages in India as well.

Crash barriers and restraining RE walls have been tools archohm has been playing with in all its infrastructure projects.

Precast waffles, staircases and smaller building elements are another clear benefit for quality construction where Archohm has played with this technology.

Last but not least, our infrastructure projects have used them very effectively for high strength and finish as inherent parts of their structure.

BE: What is Architectural Pre-cast Concrete? How is it different from the regular Pre-cast Concrete? What are its advantages?

SG: Architectural precast concrete broadly should assist in better finishing and multiple rendering options.

Precast concrete is an element in construction industry that, through application, finish, shape, size, colour or multiple rendering options contributes to building’s architectural form, function and finishes. The usual precast concrete is more of a structural element that is produced by casting concrete in a reusable form which is then cured in a controlled environment, transported to the construction site and lifted into place. The architectural precast concrete relates more to piece of art that enhances the finish, shape, size colour. It is non-toxic and environmentally safe.

The advantages are:

• The production process happens at ground level helps with safety & accuracy
• Greater control of the quality of materials and workmanship
• Re-use of formwork (financial aspect)
• Off-site construction and construction speed

Precast Concrete is also a fantastic tool at the disposal of architects and engineers. It absolutely opens opportunities in design that were not preferred in the past as achieving the right results was impossible due to the limitation of the prevalent cast in situ concrete methodology.

BE: How do you see the influence of Precast Concrete and technology in India in the long run?

SG: This is inevitable as we see the value of time and technology in our country. This is a long term solution and option for the contraction industry. It has the benefits of concrete and steel combined that is transformed into shape, size, colour and texture that enhance any built form.

BE: India is prone to seismic conditions. So keeping this in mind, does the pre-cast industry offer solutions to combat this issue?

SG: Precast is not a limitation in terms of a structural situation and limitations. It is a constructional alternative. Various details and methods are available to ensure that the structural behaviour is similar or better than cast in situ structures. It even works out better as quality control in a yard is better as compared to a construction site. Structural applications of precast concrete include foundations, beams, floors, walls, and other structural components. Each structural component can be designed and tested to withstand both the tensile and compressive loads that the member will be subjected to over its lifespan, almost in any type of seismic conditions.