Institute of Engineers (India) – Tamil Nadu Centre Advocates Correct Use of Construction Chemicals For Durable Construction
The Institution of Engineers (India), Tamil Nadu State Center [IE (I) – TNSC] organized a glittering two day National Seminar on “Use of Admixtures and Construction Chemicals in Current Construction Industry”. The function was conducted at the IE (I) – TNSC Premises at Chepauk in Chennai on 10th and 11th Aug 2017.
The seminar aimed to create awareness about the correct use of admixtures and construction chemicals for enhancing the durability of Reinforced Concrete, Pre-Stressed and Pre-cast Concrete Construction. The use of chemicals for repairs, retrofitting, strengthening, rehabilitation, which contributes to improvement of durability of the structures, was also covered. Safe, economical and effective use of admixtures and construction chemicals were also was highlighted during the seminar. The seminar presented a unique opportunity for the engineering fraternity to acquire vital information about emerging new materials, special concretes and innovations to aid large-scale construction.
Dr. G. Ranganath, Chairman of IE (I) – TNSC, presided over the seminar proceedings. The seminar was successful under the guidance of the Convener, Dr. V. Karthikeyan [FIE and Committee Member of IE (I) – TNSC]. He was ably supported by Colonel P. Nallathambi [FIE] and Er. K. P. Sathyamoorthy [MIE and Committee Member of IE (I) – TNSC] as Co-Convenors. Er. R. Ramadoss provided instrumental inputs as Hon. Secretary of IE (I) – TNSC and Er. P. Karthikeyan was the organizing Secretary for the event.
Distinguished Chief Guest Shri S. Kanappan, [Executive Vice-President and Chief Technology Officer of L&T Construction and Head and Chief Executive of L&T GeoStructure division], inaugurated the seminar. In his address, Shri Kanappan, highlighted the needs of chemicals for special projects such as underground structures, tunnels and many more projects handled by L&T Geostructure.
Shri Samir Surlaker, [President, Construction Chemicals Manufacturers Association (CCMA) and Vice President (W) of Indian Concrete Institute (ICI)], was the Guest of Honour. Shri Surlaker delivered the Keynote Address at the Seminar on the Latest Advancements in Admixture Technologies. During the address, he briefed the delegates about the current status of the construction chemical industry and highlighted the latest technologies and possible applications of admixtures in modern construction. Technology apart, he expressed need for more interaction between construction chemical manufacturers and other professionals to solve constructional problems in Civil Engineering.
Dr. A. R. Santhakumar, [Former Dean, CEG, Anna University and Professor Emeritus, IIT Madras], was an Honoured Special Guest at the seminar. Dr Santhakumar, emphasized the use of construction chemicals in large scale and fast track constructions. He stressed that prevention is better than cure, stressing the need for the increased use of Construction Chemicals.
Manufacturers such as Sika, Fosroc, Cera-Chem Pvt. Ltd., and three applicators demonstrated the use of chemicals during the seminar. L&T and Bharathi cement highlighted their experiences using construction chemicals. Er. Kamalakannan, the Executive Director of Utracon, shared case studies in usage of construction chemicals in pre-stressed structures and invited the delegates to participate actively in the technological development. Dr. B. Sivarama Sharma, L&T, highlighted the possibilities of the reduction of global warming and conservation of natural water by using construction chemicals wisely. The content and interaction was well received by the participating delegates.
The interaction was interesting with the professionals and students receiving state-of-the-art information about these special materials and the manufacturers showcasing their expertise to the professionals, all in one place. The seminar was a success, with around 150 delegates comprising of builders, Government engineers, construction chemical manufacturers, construction engineers, researchers, consultants, industry veterans and Students actively participating in the deliberations. IIT Madras, SERC, L&T, PWD Engineers, Construction Chemical Manufacturers, Professors and students presented over 20 Technical papers relating to the use of Construction Chemicals.
Dr. R. N. Krishna addressed the concluding Valedictory Session of the Seminar as chief guest. Dr. Krishna was Former Secretary General, ICI, Deputy Secretary General, Asian Concrete Construction Institute, Singapore and is the Chairman of the ICI Technical Committee on Concrete Admixtures. He spoke about the current state and need of BIS Standards for appropriate use of construction chemicals in India. He stated the provision to currently adopt standards from other countries for construction chemicals, which are compatible for Indian conditions, may be permitted by the BIS authorities. Many Asian countries are following the Euro codes and find it compatible with their local conditions. Dr. Krishna presented the participant certificates to students and delegates attending the seminar. Er. R. Ramdoss, Hon. Secretary IE (I) – TNSC proposed the vote of thanks and concluded the seminar.
