LafargeHolcim collaborates with IIT Hyderabad for smart building solutions

LafargeHolcim has partnered up with the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad to collaborate on the development of innovative and smart building solutions. This academic collaboration will be implemented through a research project funded by LafargeHolcim Innovation Centre (LHIC), focusing on 'Standardisation of Smart Sensing Technology for Continuous Assessment of Internal State and Compressive Strength of Concrete'.

It will explore smart sensing technology for continuous on-site strength evaluation of a concrete structure that can eventually reduce the time cycle for construction of buildings and infrastructure and also ensure highly accurate real-time strength development.

Neeraj Akhoury, CEO LafargeHolcim India, and MD & CEO, Ambuja Cements Limited, said, "Smart construction practices is one of the key business pillars for the LafargeHolcim group. We strive to expand our expertise in smart building solutions through extensive R&D. This transformation can be qualitatively accelerated by involving the ecosystem of talent around the world. This collaboration brings us closer to our goal of creating a smarter and sustainable future, and we are enthused to synergise with some of the best minds in the country."

Smart Building Solutions can play a vital role in building fast and qualitatively. Realizing its vital importance, LHIC continuously engages with a distinguished academic network to achieve innovation excellence through 'Sustainable' & 'Smart' building solutions and has successfully collaborated with over 40 leading universities.

Prof. K.V.L. Subramaniam, IIT Hyderabad, said, "We are excited to collaborate with one of the leading cement companies globally. We are certain that this research study will give immense exposure to the talent at IIT Hyderabad. Working alongside industry leaders to achieve their goal of creating a technology-backed sustainable future will be an exciting journey for us."

Both companies have also partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras to develop green and sustainable building solutions. This academic collaboration is born out of the Company's vision to re-invent how the world is built to make it greener, smarter, and sustainable for all. The collaborative research study with IITM is financially aided by LafargeHolcim Innovation Centre, focusing on 'Binder Optimization for Alternate Reinforcements.' This research will delve into the optimized use of low CO2 binders with a combination of alternative reinforcement as a potential substitute for conventional steel rebar, thereby reducing the CO2 footprints of construction.