An Evaluation of Various Modern Construction Techniques and Scope of Applying Them to the Indian Construction Sector

by

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Background of the Study1

Research Aims and Objectives2

Research Questions2

Larsen and Toubro Profile3

CHAPTER 2: INDIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY4

Government Policy -- Housing Demand and Supply4

Industry Skills5

Indian Construction Industry5

CHAPTER 3: AN EVALUATION OF MODERN METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION8

Types of modern methods of construction8

Volumetric construction8

Hybrid construction9

Sub-assemblies and components10

Panelised Construction11

Hybrids & Pods12

Precast Flat Panel System12

Tunnel Form13

Flat Slabs14

Hybrid Concrete Construction15

Insulating Concrete Formwork16

Panels & Modules17

CHAPTER 4: METHODOLOGY18

Overview of Qualitative and Quantitative Research Approaches18

Research Method and Design Appropriateness19

Sampling20

Data Analysis20

REFERENCES22

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Advances in prefabrication and industrialization in construction have been harmonized by the introduction of new materials and methods. Future innovations in structural engineering will largely be based on the development of new materials. In the case of housing construction, the Indian government aims at developing ideal housing structures that are (1) strong, (2) ductile, (3) fast, safe, and inexpensive to construct, (4) durable, (5) low maintenance, (6) energy efficient, and (7) cost-effective. Significant efforts have been made to develop innovative construction materials and techniques to meet these goals (Keith, 2005, p 34-56).

Traditionally wood, steel, and reinforced cement concrete (RCC) have been used in construction. Steel-based construction is heavy and prone to corrosion damage. Woodbased construction is prone to termite attack and swelling in flood waters. Wooden construction can also be damaged by mold build-up. RCC are laborious and time consuming and steel reinforcements in RCC are prone to corrosion. Wood, steel, and RCC exhibit limitations in terms of poor thermal insulation and poor penetration resistance against high velocity wind-borne missiles in the event of hurricanes, wind storms or tornadoes. Hence, the development of innovative construction materials and techniques has helped overcome the drawbacks of traditional materials and techniques used in construction (Schuitmann, 2005, p.148-159).

The current growth of India and exposure towards international business has generated the need to develop Indian cities to the International standards. For this, India needs to adopt modern construction techniques in future. The study will use a mixed methodology to identify the scope of applying modern construction techniques in the Indian Construction Sector.

Research Aims and Objectives

The aim of this research is to evaluate various modern construction techniques and scope of applying them to the Indian Construction Sector. In the light of this aim, the author hopes to accomplish the following objectives:

To identify the various modern techniques of construction

To analyse the construction industry of India

To understand the government policies related to the construction industry

To highlight the future of construction industry of India

To evaluate the modern methods of construction

To present a critical review of application of modern methods of construction in Indian construction industry

Research Questions

The research will answer the following research questions:

What are the various modern techniques of construction?

What is the scope of the construction industry of India?

How important are the modern construction techniques to the construction industry of India?

Why should the modern construction techniques be applied to the Indian construction industry?

What is the scope of applying modern construction techniques to the Indian ...