Precast Technology

Face-To-Face

IS Codes Acknowledge the Usage of Precast Elements

site staff for treatment of precast joints on construction sites and
effective waterproofing in precast buildings.

Mr. Chander Dutta

Lately the most vivid areas have been the Middle East, Russia,

Managing Director,

India and China. To the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain

Elematic India Private Limited

alone, Elematic has delivered twenty complete factories.

CE&CR: What is the USP of technology adopted by your

recast building construction is still in its nascent stages

company?
C.D: Elematic has launched three technology levels to suit the

in India and thus there is still a lack of awareness about

needs of different players in the construction sector. We have

it among the builder, developer community. Despite this

three technology levels, SEMI, PRO and EDGE which differ from

Elematic has supplied, installed and successfully commissioned 14

precast plants all across India. As a technology provider we do not

each other in the production capacity and level of automation.

We have specially developed the SEMI Line keeping in mind

restrict ourselves to supply of precast machines. We provide 360

developing economics such as India, China, South East Asian and

degree solutions like project consultancy, precast machine supply,

African countries.

design and installation of precast factories, structural design and

value engineering of precast buildings and training for production
and installation of precast elements, says Mr. Chander Dutta
Managing Director, Elematic India Private Limited
CE&CR: Tell us about your expertise in precast technology

CE&CR: What has been your experience with regard to

awareness, development and growth of precast technology in
India?
C.D: Precast building construction is still in its nascent stages
in India and thus there is still a lack of awareness about it among

C.D: Elematic works globally having many long-term

the builder, developer community. Despite this Elematic has

partnerships in all continents. We have completed over 3600

supplied, installed and successfully commissioned 14 precast

deliveries in more than 100 countries in 6 continents.

plants all across India. Our competitors have also supplied roughly

We are a one-stop supplier of all precast machines for

10-15 plants.

production of slabs, columns, beams, walls, staircases and lift

shafts. We have other moulds for specialized precast elements

Through our Indian and global partners we also provide

which can be customized for individual clients. Elematic has the

consulting services for concrete mix design for Hollow

most advanced Automated Concrete Distribution System and

Core Slabs and SCC for Battery Moulds. Further we also

we have the capability of providing robotic shuttering in our

provide training for site staff for treatment of precast

advanced precast factories.

joints on construction sites and effective waterproofing in

As a technology provider we do not restrict ourselves to

precast buildings.

supply of precast machines. We provide 360 degree solutions

like project consultancy, precast machine supply, design and
installation of precast factories, structural design and value
engineering of precast buildings and training for production and
installation of precast elements. We provide end to end solutions.
Through our Indian and global partners we also provide

CE&CR: What trends do you foresee in the years to come in

this field?
C.D: Due to widespread project delays and consequently huge
cost over runs, the industry is now responding and thinking of
modern techniques of construction. As more and more projects

consulting services for concrete mix design for Hollow Core Slabs

are completed successfully using precast concrete technology,

and SCC for Battery Moulds. Further we also provide training for

the use and awareness of precast is increasing rapidly.

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CE&CR November 2014

Precast Technology
practiced, for all sorts of buildings, in
countries like New Zealand, Canada, and
USA which fall under high seismic areas.
There has been a lot of research work
done to design precast buildings and
have developed literature for practicing
engineers e.g. precast Concrete Design
Handbook, New Zealand PCI Handbook,
FIB Documents.
In India, we have following codes
for the design of precast buildings; they
have nowhere talked about restriction
on use of precast technology. Since
IS codes are inadequate for precast
connection design, outside codes/
journals are followed for that purpose.

Already many big names such as Amrapali Group, B.E.

Billimoria, Jindal Realty, BG Shirke, Janapriya, Tata Housing, BCC

IS codes acknowledge the usage of precast elements.

(Bharat City) etc. are constructing many buildings using modern

IS 15916 prefabricated concrete

precast concrete technology.

IS 15917 mixed composite construction

CE&CR: It seems that this technology can help meet the

requirement of affordable housing in India. Are the authorities in
India duly emphasizing on these technologies in this regard?
C.D: According to data available with Brick Eagle, a financial
services firm for affordable housing in India, the demand for
affordable housing in India is around 18.78 million. The size of

IS 13920 ductile detailing

IS 11447 large panel prefabricates
IS 456 plain and reinforced concrete
IS 1343 pre-stressed concrete
Precast and/or prestressed concrete members may be used

these units is in the range of 30-50 sq.m. Precast technology

only if they can provide the same level of ductility as that of a

is excellent for Speedy construction in the affordable housing

monolithic reinforced concrete construction during or after an

sector. High quality, factory produced elements reduce the

earthquake (Cl 1.1.2, IS 13920)

plastering and other on-site work and increases the life span and
reduced lifecycle cost of the buildings.
Recently DDA (Delhi Development Authority) contractor, BG

Already, there has been a lot of work going on in India for

developing precast design handbook for structural engineers.
Esteemed colleges like IIT Chennai are involved in this process.

Shirke, completed 18,000 precast units for affordable housing

First edition of this handbook is expected to release by end of the

in less than two years and has commissioned another project

year 2014.

of 27,000 houses to be constructed using precast concrete

technology in 3 years in Delhi. DDA has approved precast
technology for all their future projects and plan to construct
100,000 units every year.
CE&CR: Do you think IS code doesnt provide sufficient

CE&CR: How is use of precast concrete construction a better

idea as compared to pre-fabricated steel structures?
C.D: Precast construction is simply a replacement to
conventional way of constructing buildings. Pre-fabricated
construction has got limitations and is majorly used for industrial

provision for precast building design and also doesnt allow design

buildings. Constructing a steel structure is always a costly option.

of high rise building in precast?

With precast construction one not only saves on time but also on

C.D: Precast construction method is extensively being

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cost of construction.

CE&CR November 2014