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E D R C

envoi

EDRC Envoi
An EDRC CBA Newsletter
Nov. & Dec. 2017

Sensitivity: L&T Construction Internal Use


E D R C
envoi
An EDRC CBA Bulletin

Foreword

Dear Colleagues,

As 2017 comes to an end, I am very glad to release this 6th edition of “EDRC Envoi”. Personally
for me, coming back to EDRC building gave immense pleasure to interact with CBA team. I take
this opportunity to congratulate the teams who worked very hard to secure DMICDC Convention
Center and Kolkata Wheel Jobs. I think it is very important for us to take a moment to reflect on
things changed this year, the lessons that we learnt from it.

In this edition, we have highlighted the Dry connections for Precast beam between the primary
radial beam and Circumferential beam at Gujarat cricket stadium @ Motera stadium. This issue
also conveys you with the Guidelines on Hospital Safety formulated and published by
Government of India.

Feedback helps us to shape ourselves and improve all our developments. So in this issue we have
launched the MAVENS Feedback application in EIP Vidhya to get your valuable feedbacks for all
our major initiatives.

We should prepare ourselves for a challenging 2018 & always believe on hard work,
perseverance and working together to reach our Benchmarks.

May this New Year brings you success and good Health.

Wishing you and your family a happy, prosperous and healthy New Year 2018.

Thanking you, with warm regards,

K. Veerappan
VP & Head, EDRC B&F IC

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Contents
.

Dry connection for Precast beams 03

Design of Terrace Slab for Temperature Load 05

Strengthening of Columns by Concrete Jacketing with Staggered


distribution of reinforcement 07

National Disaster Management Guidelines for Hospital Safety 10

Feedback of MAVENS 12

Training programmes 13

Conference Insights 14

Technical presentations by vendors 15

What's new 16

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Dry Connection for Precast Beam


.
Contributor: M.Raghupathy

One of the most intricate and difficult problems to be solved in both design and construction of structures
assembled of prefabrication members is the joint. It is highly important that the construction of the joints
should be easy so that unavoidable smaller inaccuracies and deviations within dimensional tolerances should
neither influence the designed stresses in a detrimental manner nor cause admissible changes in the stress
distribution of the structures.

Upper bowl

Lower bowl

In the construction of the World’s Largest Cricket Stadium of 1,10,000 Spectator Capacity for Gujarat Cricket
Association at Motera, Ahmedabad, having stringent target of 24 months, the entire gallery was planned to
design & construct with precast elements. The stadium has two tier of upper and lower bowl and the upper
bowl beams consists of precast primary & secondary radial beams and circumferential beams. The primary
radial beams are connected to the Y shape columns below it.

The real challenge is to envisage the connection between primary radial beam and circumferential beam.
The span of the circumferential beam is around 18m which has to be connected as moment frame. The joint
generally used in precast construction are usually hinge type for easy erection but it leads to uneconomical
sizes. Also If the column is not connected by rigid joint, framing action will not be possible and the column
has to be treated as cantilever element 30m unsupported and Response reduction factor of R=1 has to be
considered which leads to increase in column size. The forces are enormous at the junction, to meet the
ductility and force requirement dry connection at the junction of primary and secondary beam could not
been achieved.

The connection between the primary radial beam and circumferential beam is located at the distance of 2d
(‘d’ is the effective depth of beam) from the face of Y column so that the forces to design the connection are
considerably less and located away from the ductility zone. Several types of connections were studied with
different approaches, considering feasibility of site erection & steel spliced type connection had been
finalized. The Primary radial beams was provided with the extended portion on either side with a nib of
450mm so that the circumferential beam seat as shown below. The primary radial beams and circumferential
beams are connected by means of steel connections with top and bottom embedded plate welded to the
longitudinal reinforcement with required bolt holes and sleeve considering site tolerances.

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Circumferential beam

Primary Radial beam

Y-column

Each circumferential beam has two


joint on either end connected with the
splice connection and total of 430
numbers envisaged for the upper bowl
circumferential beam connection.
The top, bottom & sides of precast
element consist of steel embedded
plate with sleeve holes done during
casting stage. The longitudinal main
reinforcement is welded to the
Embedded plate during caging.

After casting and curing, the circumferential beam was lifted and seated over Primary Radial beam and
cover plates placed over with required bolt holes matching the sleeve to be placed over the embedded
plate and bolted with bearing type bolts. Similarly the side cover plate for the lateral bending was also
added. The bolt sleeve and interface gap between the two element shall be properly grouted fixing cover
plates.

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Design of Terrace Slab for


Temperature load
Contributor : Pujara Darshan Himmatbhai

Design of Terrace slab for temperature load by manual/simplified calculation is presented here. For
computing required reinforcement for temperature load, Value of axial tension (T) is required. Required
steel can be calculated from

𝑇
𝐴𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑞 =
0.87 𝑋 𝑓𝑦
The Axial Tension Force in Terrace floor slabs due to temperature difference can be calculated by applying
temperature loads in ETABS model. But, it is difficult to design the slab for multiple values of tension from
ETABS model contour and to submit the document for approval. The simplified manual calculation was
carried out for design and document of Purulia Academic Block, WBMSC project, where the length of the
structure is 97.6m, temperature difference is 15˚ C. The Axial tension in ETABS is coming in the range of 100
kN to 250 kN, whereas the value with the manual calculations comes to 238 kN.
It becomes simpler to design and decide the top mat for the temperature load with one value of tension
than the different values of tension forces from temperature contour in ETABS model.

ETABS Approach

The value of Axial Tension generated due to temperature difference can be arrived by applying the
temperature load in ETABS model as temperature difference.

Figure 1 Axial Tension Contour in ETABS for Temperature Case

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Manual Calculation Approach

For simplifying the procedure, manual calculation of the tension force due to temperature difference is
carried out. The following steps are followed for the manual calculation of the tension force.
 Calculating the change of length in free condition, where building is allowed to expand completely
(0 % restraints – hence no stress & Tension) – (BS – 8110-2 : 1985) - Cl.8.2 – (a)

∆𝑙𝑡ℎ
= 𝛼 ∆𝑇
𝑙
Δ𝑙𝑡ℎ = 𝛼 ∆𝑇𝑙

Where, Δ𝑙𝑡ℎ = Theoretical change in Length , α = Coefficient of Thermal Expansion for concrete
(value can be taken from cl.6.2.6 - IS 456:2000, based on aggregates type) , 𝑙 = length of the
structure and ∆𝑇 = Temperature difference.

 The actual change in length can be taken from ETABS model at the outer most edge node for
temperature case. The value of elongation arrived here is for the actual restraints conditions existing
due to frames of the building.
(It is assumed that the building will expand equally in the both the direction from the center, so
elongation at the edge points on both the sides will be almost equal.

Δ𝑙𝑎𝑐 = ∆𝑙1 + ∆𝑙2,


Where, Δ𝑙𝑎𝑐 = Actual change in Length, ∆𝑙1= elongation on one side, ∆𝑙2= elongation on opposite
side – Refer Fig.2)
We can get the restricted elongation (which is restricted by frames of the structure) of the model
by deducting the value of actual elongation from the theoretical value of the elongation when
there is 0% restraints (arrived from step-1).

Δ𝑙𝑟𝑒 = ∆𝑙𝑡ℎ − ∆𝑙𝑎𝑐


Where, Δ𝑙𝑟𝑒 = Restrained change in Length

This restrained Elongation will cause the stress and tension. That can be calculated from stress and
Strain relationship from the Δ𝑙𝑟𝑒.

𝜎 = 𝜀𝐸
𝑇 𝛥𝑙𝑟𝑒
= 𝐸
𝐴 𝑙

𝛥𝑙𝑟𝑒
𝑇= 𝑙
𝐸𝐴

Where, T = Axial Tension, A = Cross section area of the Slab for unit length , 𝑙 = Length of the
Structure and E = Modulus of elasticity for Concrete

From the Value of Tension (T) , Area of steel (Ast) can be calculated.

Note: As safety factor for Temperature in combinations is not explicitly given in Indian codes, Clauses of
following codes can be referred for the combinations of temperature. (1) UBC (Uniform Building Code –
Volume -2) – Clause No. 1612.2.2 (2) ASCE 7 – cl. 2.3.5 (3) ACI 318R- 14 cl.5.3.6 (4) BS EN 1992 – 1 – 1: 2004
Cl.2.3.1.2

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Strengthening of columns by concrete


jacketing with staggered distribution of
reinforcement
Contributors: Debasish Padhy, R.Amutha

Proton therapy and Cancer care hospital for M/s Apollo Hospitals is a first of its kind in India, being
constructed at OMR, Chennai. The Proton therapy block houses a state of the art ion beam generation and
treatment facility at the basement and 7 levels of Multilevel car parking. The initial Architectural plans
proposed by Client had 7 levels of MLCP with one office floor and double height Auditorium and part terrace.
However, after construction of 7 floors, Client had a further requirement of buildings - 3 additional floors
with MLCP over MLCP7. Cantilever elevation features were also proposed.

Since the structure is already constructed, it was difficult to accommodate the proposed changes by the
client and the entire structural design for foundation, columns were cross checked for the new design loads.
Due to the sensitive nature of the equipment, the foundation (Piles with Raft) was designed to limit
settlements which helped in satisfying the new design demands. But, the columns were not adequate
enough to accommodate the design demands and strengthening of columns was required. It was proposed
to provide conventional concrete jacket all around it with adequate reinforcements.

The initial design process started with finding the new design
requirements and identifying the columns where strengthening is
required. A 100mm concrete jacket all around the existing
columns with adequate design reinforcement was proposed
based on similar strengthening works carried out In the past
projects. The jacket reinforcement was taken continuously
through the slab and inserted 150mm into the existing beams.

Apollo Cancer Hospital – 3D view


After discussion with IIT-Madras, following concerns were raised.
1) Existing beam reinforcement should not be disturbed during the concrete jacketing process. Hence
inserting bars within the beams are not permitted.
2) P-M-M behavior of Column after concrete jacketing (thin section) has to be ascertained.
3) Distribution of longitudinal reinforcements in the existing section and the concrete jacket has to be
analyzed and column capacity has to be ensured.
4) Jacket reinforcement should be arranged such that continuity of jacket reinforcement is ensured
throughout the height of the column.

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Based on the discussions, the pattern of reinforcement in concrete jacket was arranged in a staggered
manner avoiding it in beam locations. To address the analytical and design concerns, each of the column
sections, at each respective floor levels, were modeled in “ETABS section designer”. This feature allows
modelling of exact diameter and position of individual re-bars as well as the additional concrete jacket as
a separate element. The grade of concrete for concrete jacket can also be varied. The adequacy of
reinforcement provided in concrete jacket along with existing reinforcement for each column section
were verified in terms of P-M-M capacity utilization ratio for the new design forces. The design of
rectangular columns with 500X750 size yielded excellent results with a maximum utilization ratio of
0.877.
“T” and “L” shaped columns around the lift shaft had some inconsistencies in
the design process. A review by the CSI support team verified the modelling
parameters and attributed the inconsistencies to the particularly sensitive
nature of thin sectioned (200mm flange) RC members. A set of modified
design parameters with 48 interaction curves and 21 interaction points per
curve were adopted to get correct design results. This design process was
accepted by IIT.

Typical Rectangular
column with RC jacket

“T” &“L” shaped column with RC jacketing

Design interaction curve


parameters changed to get
correct results for “T” and
“L” Columns

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Typical strengthening details of RC column with Concrete jacket

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National Disaster Management Guidelines


for Hospital Safety
(An Overview from Structural Perspective)

Contributors: R.Amutha & S. Karthikkrishnan

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Government of India has formulated and published
“Guidelines on Hospital Safety” in February, 2016. The guidelines have been developed with the vision to
ensure that all hospitals in India are structurally and functionally safer from disasters, such that the risks to
human life and infrastructure are minimized, when implemented at all levels.
The overall aim of the guidelines is to mainstream disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness and
response activities into the health sector in our country, with specific focus on hospitals; such that hospitals
are not just better prepared but fully functional immediately after disasters and are able to respond
without any delay to the medical requirements of the affected community. The provisions laid down in this
guideline shall be applicable to all healthcare facilities in the government sector and their equivalent
counterparts in the private sector.

Objective of the Guidelines: The key objective of the guidelines are as given below,
To address hospital safety through a multi-hazard and inter-disciplinary approach
To ensure structural safety of hospitals (especially of critical facilities)
To ensure that all professionals involved in the day to day operation of hospitals are prepared to respond to
disasters
To ensure that every hospital in the country has a fully functional and regularly tested Hospital Disaster
Management Plan

The disaster faced by Hospitals are classified as internal disasters (fire, exposure to hazardous material,
utility failures) and external disasters (earthquakes, mass casualty events, blast or epidemics) and NDMA
addresses and provides guidelines for both internal and external disasters in hospitals.

The Specifications laid down in this guidelines shall be applicable for,


a) Planning, Design and Construction of New Hospitals
b) Re-planning, Assessment and Retrofitting of Existing Hospitals
If the provisions given in this guideline conflict with those given in relevant national standards and
guidelines (meant for safety of hospitals in India), specifications given in this guideline shall govern. The
multi-hazard resilience and safety of both structural elements and nonstructural elements are priority
concerns of these guidelines.

Provisions for Design and Safety of Structural Elements in New Hospitals:


Some of the important provisions given in the guidelines for construction of New Hospitals are listed below:
The project sites with liquefiable ground, unstable hill slopes, land adjoining hill slopes known to have
rolling debris, flood or tsunami prone areas, site adjoining unsafe buildings and structures and site with
poor accessibility in post-disaster situations, shall be prohibited for construction of New hospital.
New hospital buildings shall NOT be built with unreinforced masonry; Reinforced Concrete and/or
Structural Steel shall be used. Reinforced Masonry may be used for structures in Seismic Zone II. The
recommended Structural system for New Hospitals is Moment Resisting Frames with Structural walls
(Dual System). Structural walls shall be of Reinforced Concrete (RC), throughout the full height of the
building. Structural walls made of steel plates or timber may be allowed in the construction of Hospitals in

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Seismic Zone II only, after establishing its safety by analytical or experimental methods. The total cross-
sectional area of all RC structural walls shall be at least 4% of the plinth area of the building. In Moment
Resisting Frames, the design moment capacity of column shall be at least 2 times design moment capacity
of beam section.
Base isolation Systems may be adopted in important hospitals in seismic zones IV and V after establishing
its safety by analytical or experimental methods.
The Structural systems prohibited for use in New Hospitals include Flat Slab buildings with or without
structural walls, Pre-stressed floor systems, Precast constructions (part or whole), Pre-engineered
structures (part or whole), Large cantilever structures and long span structures and Unreinforced masonry
buildings.
All new hospital buildings shall have regular structural configuration only as per IS: 1893 (Part 1). Floating
and setback columns shall not be allowed in buildings. Structural configurations with Open ground storeys
or flexible or weak storeys at all levels shall be prohibited.
The 3D modeling and analyses of Critical Units of Hospital Buildings shall include flexibility of soil strata
underneath the building, based on results of geotechnical studies at the sites and possible uplift actions at
individual footings under the action of extreme load effects.
Multiple 3D models shall be considered to account for detrimental effects of stiffness and strength
contributions of unreliable URM infills.
Structural elements (SEs) of shall be designed to resist elastically the expected load actions on them,
including those due to earthquake effects. Hence, the design lateral earthquake forces prescribed in this
guideline are much larger than those currently employed in design of buildings, to meet the requirement of
immediate use of the hospital building structure. Design Horizontal acceleration coefficient Ah given in IS :
1893(1)-2002 for design of SEs shall be replaced by
Ah = (ZI /R) * (Sa/g), where “Z/2” is replaced by “Z”.
The effects of vertical earthquake ground shaking also shall be considered in the design of Structural
elements.
Provisions for Design and Safety of Non-Structural Elements in New Hospitals:
Some of the important provisions for Non-Structural elements are listed below,
All Non-Structural elements (NSEs) in new hospitals shall be protected against sliding, toppling, breaking,
large relative translations which causes life threat to the occupants. Positive systems are required to either
anchor or release the restraint at the ends (depending whether the NSE is acceleration-sensitive or
displacement-sensitive, respectively) to ensure there is no damage to NSEs.
The following systems shall be prohibited for use as NSEs in New hospitals,
i. False ceilings hung from soffit of RC roof or floor slabs with anchor fasteners embedded in concrete
portion of RC slabs;
ii. Tiles pasted on unreinforced load-bearing masonry walls, unreinforced masonry infill walls, or RC walls,
iii. Glass façade made of stone, ceramic, glass, etc.,;
iv. Any NSE nailed to or supported by the Unreinforced Masonry Infill walls made of any material.
It is also mentioned that Construction of a hospital building shall be started only after the entire design
and drawings are completed and approved for construction by the competent authority. All safety related
designs and drawings shall be peer reviewed by an independent professional engineer or an engineering
organization with competence to undertake the work. No peer review shall be undertaken by any
academic even from an institute of national importance or any technical institute or university.

Note: This article covers only the Structural aspects given in Guidelines. The architectural and fire safety
requirements shall be explored by the corresponding teams.

Reference:
1. National Disaster Management Guidelines - Hospital Safety, Publication of the National Disaster
Management Authority, Government of India, February 2016.

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Feedback of MAVENS

Over the years your feedback has helped a long way in shaping and improving each application
developed by us. Though the MAVENS team is involved in various activities, we have collected
feedback only for the applications developed by us in-house or in coordination with ISD.

We would like to get your feedback for MAVENS as a whole and for all activities. This will help us to
improve ourselves and serve you better. Apart from just feedback we would like to take your ideas &
suggestions for any new changes or developments.

Please click the below link to give your feedback & suggestions.

https://eipvidhya.lntecc.com/edrc/BandF/Home/DI/FeedBack/_Layouts/feedback/FeedBackMavesn.as
px

The feedback page can also be accessed from EIP-Vidhya  EDRC  B&F Initiatives  Feedback
 Mavens Feedback.

We encourage you to give your feedback on a regular basis.

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Training Programmes
Training programmes conducted in November
1. MDP - Team Excellence on 5 – 11 November,2017 at LDA

Training programmes conducted in December

1. Train the Trainer – 7th & 8th December,2017 at HQ – Chennai


2. EDP – 11th to 21st December, 2017 at LDA
3. Crucial Conversation on 11th & 12th December,2017 at LDA
4. MDP – Individual Excellence – 11 – 16 December, 2017 at LDA
5. SWAGAT – 12th & 13th December,2017 – HQ Chennai
6. Technical Writing Skill – 14th & 15th December,2017 - HQ Chennai VC – CT Mysore
7. Team Dynamic Workshop on 18 -19 December,2017 at LDA
8. Finance for Non Finance programme on 18 to 22 December, 2017 at LDA

Conferences :
1. “One day Seminar on Post - tensioned Building design & Post tensioned slab and beam design”
held at Hotel Hablis Chennai, on 8th Nov. 2017 jointly organized by Utracon & ADAPT.
Participants : Mr. Venkatarao Jada, S.Sivakumar, Senthilkumar S, Ramaprathap M, Karthikkrishnan
S, Gowtham Raja K, Karthic Raja G, Ganesh Prabu M, Mahesh HP, Manimaran M, Prabhakaran M,
Bharath kumar S, Charugulla S Chakravarthy, Karri Srinivas Reddy, Siddhartha S P

2. Autodesk University Global Conference (AU2017) held in Las Vegas, USA during 13-16 Nov 2017
Participant : Dr. Munirajulu M

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Conference Insights
Autodesk University Global Conference (AU2017)
held in Las Vegas, USA during 13 Nov-16 Nov 2017
Insight shared by Dr. Munirajulu M

Dr. Munirajulu. M, presented a technical paper entitled “Engineered Life Safety Using Autodesk CFD” at
Autodesk University Global Conference (AU2017) held in Las Vegas, USA during 13 Nov-16 Nov 2017. This
technical paper on life safety evaluation in Seawoods Retail Shopping Mall using Autodesk CFD was selected
as a 60 minute presentation under “Industry Talk” category and was presented by Dr. Munirajulu. M on 15-
Nov-2017 during this global conference. On 13-Nov-2017, he attended an event called “the MEP & Structural
Fabricators Forum” wherein industry experts showcased MEP Fabrication-ready design

This conference was a gathering of 10000 + professionals from architecture, design, manufacturing and
media industries with 1000 + speakers from around the world, showcasing their expertise in Architecture,
Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry and latest developments in Autodesk software tools usage in
design and construction life cycle of buildings.

It was a great time of learning, networking. Key take-away from the conference --- latest trends and
technologies in construction industry such as Generative design, Concept through Construction BIM
solutions, Automation, Modular Design and Construction, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), Virtual Design & Construction, Cloud collaboration and BIM
360. Current construction industry trend seems to move from “Design & Build” to “Design, Make & Build”.

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Technical Presentations by Vendors :


Technical presentations by Vendors conducted in November
1. Somany Ceramics – Technical presentation on “New Technology in Tiles / Sanitary Ware and CP
Fittings” on 2nd November 2017 - Participants 18
2. M/s. HILTI India Pvt. Ltd. – Technical presentation on “Seismic Support for MEP Systems” on 6th
November 2017 - Participants 19
3. Hunter Douglas India Private Limited – Technical presentation on “Architectural Facade products
of Honey comb panel (Quadro clad), Terracotta Tiles (NBK ceramics), Metal facade (Luxalon), Solar
shadings & sun control louvers” on 9nd November 2017 - Participants 19
4. Indiabulls Lighting – Technical presentation on “LED & PoE Technology, Manufacturing Facility,
Smart and Connected lighting” on 10th November 2017 - Participants 7
5. PIPECO Limited – Technical Seminar on “Stainless Steel watertank, GRP/FRP Watertank ” on 16th
November 2017 - Participants 25
6. Orient Fire Curtains India Pvt. Ltd. – Technical presentation on “Fire curtains and with Plumbing &
Drainage domain i.e. Grease Separators, Lifting Stations, Pre- Fabricated Drains” on 29th November
2017 - Participants 16
7. Ripple Construction Product Private Limited – Technical Seminar on “Anchor fastening technology,
Chemical and Mechanical Anchors” on 30th November 2017 - Participants 17

Technical presentations conducted in December


1. Tricolite Electrical Industries Limited – Technical Seminar on “Tricolite - Electrical Panels ” on 7th
December 2017 - Participants 14
2. MUPRO India Private Limited – Technical Seminar on “Designed Based solution to the customers
for Pipes, Ducts and Cable Trays supports with Modular assemblies in all kind of civil structures” on
14th December 2017 - Participants 10
3. Consul Neowatt Power Solutions Private Limited – Technical Seminar on “ UPS power solutions &
detailed specification of STS ” on 19th December 2017 - Participants 8
4. Lighting Technologies Private Limited – Technical Seminar on “Various kinds of Lighting & light
fixtures” on 20th December 2017 - Participants 8
5. Aerofoam Hira Technologies Private Limited – Technical Seminar on XLPE Insulation, Installation
procedures, Green building concepts & usage of Aerofoam calculation software on 21st December
2017 - Participants 9
6. Perma – Pipe India Private Limited – Technical Seminar on “Pre-Insulated Pipes & Demo on Water
Leak Detection System” on 28th December 2017 - Participants 9

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What's New !
New fire-resistant coating to prevent failure in steel
building fires
Summary: A few extra coats of ‘paint’ could be all that
the steel in a building needs to prevent itself from
buckling and failing in a fire, suggests new research.
Scientists from Nanyang Technological University,
Singapore (NTU Singapore) and Singapore's industrial
developer JTC have developed an affordable 3-in-1
coating that offers enhanced fire and corrosion
protection.
Existing steel structures in buildings are usually coated
with a fire-retardant layer to shield the bare metal from
damage by fire and meet the fire protection standard of NTU Assistant Professor Aravind Dasari putting his finger on a
two hours -- aimed at giving occupants enough time to piece of plastic that is cool enough to touch, which was placed
evacuate the building. Today's conventional behind a steel plate coated with FiroShield and exposed to a
flame over 900 degrees Celsius.
intumescent coatings are thick, more expensive and
laborious to apply.
In contrast, this made-in-Singapore coating can be applied to bare steel without the need for sandblasting to
prepare the surface, reducing coating time by half, and will protect the material against fire for two hours
without falling off.
Named FiroShield, the new coating is cheaper and less laborious to apply, and can function aesthetically like
normal paint. The base material of the new coating is made of synthetic resins, which are polymers commonly
used to make paints with an added combination of common chemicals.
FiroShield has also been tested on other construction materials, such as reinforced concrete and laminated
timber, and has the same excellent performance. To achieve a two-hour fire rating, FiroShield requires just five
layers of coating, compared to conventional coatings, which requires up to 15 layers or more. It is thus two times
faster to apply and is cheaper by about 50 percent due to its lower materials cost and manpower requirements.
In addition to its fire-resistant properties and easy application, FiroShield can also protect the steel surface from
corrosion, which no other fire coatings in the market can do at the moment. FiroShield is expected to last longer
when exposed to weathering elements such as moisture and UV rays. Its performance barely dipped by two
percent, as compared to the drop of up to 75 percent for conventional coatings when subjected to weathering
tests in the lab. This will reduce the maintenance cost and frequency of inspections over the lifespan of a
building.
Leading the research team is Assistant Professor Aravind Dasari from the School of Materials Science and
Engineering and Professor Tan Kang Hai from the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
The team leaders said the knowledge that they have obtained over the years of research on the different aspects
of polymers and combustion, combined with civil and structural engineering experience, helped to streamline
their approach.
Source:
Nanyang Technological University
L&T Construction, Building & Factories, Commercial Buildings & Airports Division,
Mount Poonamallee Road, Manapakkam Chennai – 600 089, INDIA
Tel: +91-44-2252 8000/6000 Fax: +91 -44-2249 3317 I Website: www.lntecc.com

Editorial Ms. Aruna Sandeep Extn : 8105 || mail : arunar@lntecc.com


Team Ms. Hema Mukundan Extn : 8106 || mail : hemam@lntecc.com

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