The Convention provided a forum for civil engineers and other professionals, architects and ferrocement enthusiasts, who presented case studies and discussed projects. A lot of research and developments in Precast Ferrocement was also discussed, including on the BIS code in which Shri Sanjay Pant, Shri Arun Kumar, and officials from BIS also participated. The first two days alone saw about 24 presentations.
In the public sector, Ferrocement Technology has become popular, especially in rural areas, especially for constructing water conservation structures like bandharas (small check dams), water tanks, and in various small components on farms. On a larger scale, the usage of Ferrocement Technology for constructing precast buildings, mass housing, canal linings, water retaining structures, waterproofing as well as retrofitting of old structures has been found to be very economical and durable.
Ferrocement Technology as a new subject has already been introduced in many universities and is being taught in engineering colleges. Students are curious to know more about this innovative material and their requirement is being met by many authors bringing out textbooks, design handbooks, manuals, and bulletins on the subject.
Engineers, Architects, and Builders are expanding the application of Ferrocement for various structures with innovative ideas. Numerous activities like seminars, workshops, conferences, trainings, documentations, presentations, and expert talk shows are being held to discuss the challenges in modernizing this construction technology and the various initiatives undertaken for standardization of Ferrocement Technology.
About 24 delegates participated online while 101 delegates were present at the venue. In-situ precast ferrocement demonstration was also done. On the third day of the convention, a technical site visit was organized for the delegates to view ongoing and completed ferrocement work, and included a visit to a Precast Ferrocement factory at Satara and Wai. (Videos of the presentations are available on the U-Tube channel of the Society).
Er. Rajendra Pawar, retired secretary to the Government of Maharashtra was the convener, while the keynote address was delivered by Er B V Bedasgaonkar, (M Tech AIT, Bangkok), and a structural designer. The chief guest was industrialist Er. Ajit Bhate M.D. Precast India Infrastucures Pvt Ltd, Pune. The event, which was jointly organized with the Symbiosis Institute of Technology (SIT), Lavale, Pune, was highly successful thanks to the tireless efforts of the office bearers and committee members of the Ferrocement Society of India.
Er.Girish Sangle
President, Ferrocement Society, India
