Construction chemicals : Pillar of construction sector

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Mr. Tapas Saha DGM- Product Development, AIPLZORRO PVT LTD
Mr. Tapas Saha, DGM- Product Development,
AIPLZORRO PVT LTD

In various environmental conditions with the increase demand for bigger, higher and stronger structures, the ordinary concrete required further modifications to perform as per the expectations and of course deliver the end strengths.A construction chemical has become an integral part of construction industries. It plays a role similar to a doctor by providing solutions to civil engineers for building healthy and long lasting and strong structures which can last for many years without fear and risk.

This can be achieved only through addition of chemicals to modify the behavior of cement concrete to give the desired results. The research and development of chemicals for modifications of concrete became a regular industry which is now known as construction chemicals industry.

Now a concrete admixture has become an essential fifth ingredient of concrete and construction and completion of new structure can’t be imagined without the use of construction chemicals at various stages of construction.

Construction chemicals consist of many allied fields that essentially support structurally, its durability, usage convenience and aesthetic requirements.

Construction chemicals basically consist of the following areas though they are not limited to them.

  • Waterproofing materials
  • Concrete Admixtures
  • Concrete Repair/Grouts-Polymer modified, cementitious.
  • Industrial Flooring- Cementitious Dry shake, Polyurethanes, silicone.
  • Bonding agents- SBR, Acrylic
  • Anchoring materials-Epoxy
  • Other related materials such as Surface retarders, mould release agents, curing agents etc.

 The construction industry faces new challenges to make the structures stronger, sleeker, of sizes and shapes and at locations that defy imagination as well accompanied by challenges to make them economical, damp proof, decay-proof etc.

Concrete and other materials like bricks, blocks, etc are being used extensively right from the founding level below the surface level to the rooftop. Today admixtures, coatings, adhesives, sealants etc., form an integral part of all that goes into constructing a habitat or structure or a utility at various stages of construction.

Reasons for Intrusion of Water into Structure

  • Poor quality and improper proportioning of concrete constituents that make concrete permeable.
  • Accumulation of water, which start penetrating the surface.
  • Poor compaction of concrete, which leave a lot of air voids.
  • Construction joints at two different works like concrete and brick works, and discontinuity in concrete casting (joint at old concrete and new concrete) leading minute cracks, which facilitate water movement.
  • Movement of water from bottom to top because of capillary action.
  • Other structural cracks because of loading conditions and failure of the structure to withstand those stresses.

However, the market is still very small when compared to other global markets but the prospects of its further growth are very bright in the coming years.

Construction Chemicals have become an important component of the Construction Industry and are playing an increasingly important role in nation building. The use of Construction Chemicals is still negligible in India because of low market awareness. With proper awareness about this sector the use of construction chemicals will increase and thus contribute in a small but significant way to the Indian economy.

Additionally, with the sector becoming more organized, there has also been a rise in the understanding of the concept and the value addition that can be offered to the end-user by using the right construction chemical during the construction process. In the past few years, there has been an increased awareness among consumers regarding the benefits of construction chemicals’ usage in increasing the longevity of buildings. However, at present, wide disparities remain among people in the metro cities as compared to the other cities in terms of adoption of newer products. The most important consideration while choosing the right construction chemical product is price. While looking through the options, one may come across varied price points; it is not always advisable to consider the cheapest options. What is more important is the lifespan and value that you will obtain from using a particular product. Buying cheaper products might result in having to replace or repair them frequently which ultimately ends up being more expensive. So, it is necessary to choose the product that will serve you well for a longer period and end up being more cost-efficient.

While the availability of skilled labour for executing the installation and application of the construction chemical has improved in the recent times, there’s still a gap between the skill set of the applicators in India as compared to those in the west.

 

Author – Mr. Tapas Saha|
DGM –Product Development , AIPL ZORRO PVT LTD.

“Tapas is a diligent business development professional with over 21 year of extensive experience in planning and business development/product development across the industry. Currently working as Deputy General Manager –Product Development with AIPL Zorro Pvt Ltd based at Mumbai. He has a solutions-oriented approach with excellent relationship management skills, successfully and consistently delivering the responsibilities of sales generation, profitability, market development & share and customer satisfaction.”

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