The Octamec Group

PEMB Solutions 

Ravikiran Rao, Vice President- Sales & Marketing,Octamec Group

In the year 1983, Metal Engineering Corporation (MEC) was incorporated and it was catering to the design, manufacture and supply of top quality steel structures. MEC took on the name of Octamec Engineering Limited in 1991 and pioneered the use of space frame structures throughout the country in a very short period. Today the Octamec Group has grown into a multi faceted organization having numerous verticals and offering several rapid construction technologies under one umbrella. Its product range is a reflection of the many advantages of unity in diversity dedicated to the fast growing infrastructure segment of the emerging markets. Our group product range pays testament to the unprecedented growth we as an organization have undergone since our humble beginnings in 1983, but for us at Octamec we feel like the Journey has just begun.

BE in conversation with Mr. Ravikiran Rao, Vice President- Sales & Marketing, Octamec Group who talks about PEMB solutions in the construction industry.

• How economical PEBs are when compared to equivalent construction systems in steel?

       Pre-engineered buildings are manufactured in a controlled environment using high strength/ high yield steel, using sophisticated machinery and equipment. Initial design engineering and estimation is done using latest building software. This ensures optimally designed buildings, in turn offering value addition by savings in building cost.

• What are the advantages and value additions your organisation provides?

     Octamec Engineering uses sophisticated and customised software tools, and trained design engineers who has requisite experience in large and complex structural design experience. Octamec has required experience in delivering large span, high rise complex structures. At Octamec Engineering we are probably the only company in India to use space frame, and tubular steel construction, besides custom fabrication using HR steel plates. Besides structural engineering solutions, Octamec has in-house design & execution capability in light steel housing solutions and tensile architecture.

 Do you provide complete Pre Engineered Building Solution including erection at site?

    Octamec Engineering Ltd provides complete turn-key solution on 'Design, Build & Erect' method.  

• What different systems of PEBs your organisation can handle? Is there any size limitation?

      At Octamec we can offer PEBs, high rise construction, Space frame & tubular steel system for large span construction of storage sheds, airport terminals, and aircraft hangers. Though there is no limitation going horizontal or vertical, it’s only a matter of project funding coupled with technological enhancement of right mix of tools and manpower for a landmark projects. We have so far achieved a single span of 135 meters for an aircraft hangar in India, and are currently building a 20 storied tower for Kingfisher group at Bangalore. 

• Which do you recommend between the bolted and Welded connections and why?

    Conventionally bolted connections are preferred for a consistent joint, which shows better yield towards deflections and load resistance, as bolted members can be custom made of high

    strength steel for a lean and light weight construction than site welded construction. 

• How easy will it be to dismantle the PEB system and re-erect it at some other location?

     Dismantling and re-erection of a Pre-engineered building is possible provided the new location is in the same seismic zone and wind loads are similar with the initial location of the building. 

• What generally are the pre requisites to be provided to you prior to taking up the designing?

     Project pre-requisites consists general specifications of the building, building dimensions, specific requirements, load data etc. Initial architectural drawings are expected from clients’ side.  

• What different systems are adopted to control the temperature inside a PEB?

     Various technologies are adopted to control ambient temperature inside the pre-engineered building. However usage of insulated roofs and walling system coupled with gravity/ mechanical ventilators are the most common.

• Can we integrate RCC slabs as mezzanine floors in your system of PEB?

      It is possible to integrate RCC slabs as mezzanine floors in PEBs. However a steel joist system can be provided with a permanent shuttering to lay RCC flooring to be used as mezzanine floor.

• What kind of Roofing system you recommend for your kind of PEB system?

     We recommend Galvalume steel roofing system for our PEBs. Octamec has versatile steel roofing and cladding system under the brand name 'Safintra'   

• How do you rate your PEB system in terms of Fire Resistance?

    All PEBs are traditionally painted for a weather coat only. For a particular fire rating system, these building need special fireproofing treatments. These are provided as per project requirement. 

• What specifications are adopted by your organisation for various structural components used in your system of PEB?

     All building components used in Octamec Pre-engineered buildings confirm to IS standards. However pre-engineered buildings can also be designed as per American and European standards as well. 

• What are the preventive measures you recommend?

      At Octamec a special emphasis is taken on its EHS policy, both during manufacturing and installation of buildings. various quality and safety processes are followed during manufacturing at plant to ensure only best and tested components and materials are used. During installation of structures at site our safety officers ensures every movement of material, equipment and manpower for a safe and hazard free project completion.

 www.octamec.com

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