NIEA - FrameMax JV to Introduce Light Gauge Steel Structures in India
Vikram Soni, Managing Director, Niagara Infrastructure Engineering & Architecture, New Delhi
The Role of the Realty Industry in India's GDP primarily enhances the growth of the economy by the means of infrastructure development pertaining to residence, office space, factory space, etc. In the Union Budget this year, the government has allotted 36.5 billion or 46% of the total plan outlay to the sector. There is a shortage in the commercial and residential sector in India which needs to be addressed. To address this growing demand, we need to shift from the older methods of construction such as concrete based structures to the new technology, Light Gauge Steel Structures which would bring about a paradigm shift. Niagara Infrastructure Engineering & Architecture (NIEA) has formed an association with FrameMAX to introduce this technology of light gauge steel structures in construction sector in India.
This technology offers many benefits to constructors starting with the most valued, being a 1/3 reduction in construction time. This reduction in time itself results in many benefits such as a reduction of cost, more timely deliveries of projects enabling the constructors to take on more projects in a specific period of time, to name a few. In the case of lighter structures, the technology saves on foundation cost as less material is required for construction, this structure will be built in Niagara's Ludhiana facility. Locations which are affected by bad weather and difficult terrain can rely on this technology as unlike concrete, steel is less affected by bad weather. Taking Leh for example, this construction method will be extremely helpful against the present condition with national calamities which has come to struck Leh. Winter is looming around and will affect the present rehabilitation work, the construction through light gauge steel structures will help the buildings to be built in less than half time and be as strong in strength as concrete business which takes years to build. These structures, also perform better in seismic conditions due to its relative strength and much lighter overall building structure weight making buildings not only last longer but also more prone to natural disasters. The technology uses galvanized steel which is rust proof, mold resistant and waterproof and the steel carries 50 years (extendible) warranty against any form of corrosion.
As compared to concrete buildings, buildings with this new technology will offer various environmental benefits such as less energy is required to produce steel against concrete materials, cropping down of CO2 emissions to 1/6th against concrete structures and the ability to recycle the steel used to build the structure at the end of its lifecycle.
Light gauge steel structures are suitable for projects to the likes of Multi-storey buildings up to 16 stories, affordable housing, government housing projects, hotels & resorts, apartment Buildings, repetitive office buildings, mixed-use retail projects, student accommodation, assisted living communities, large affordable villa projects and relief & rebuilding after disasters. In India, we have just announced our association and are in process of making people aware of this new technology. At present, we have started to receive many enquiries and we are confident that we will soon bag a contract.
Niagara Infrastructure Engineering & Architecture aims to offer world's best quality civil and steel structured building solutions and designs to our clients in India by bringing innovative technologies. The association with FrameMax will transform the way steel framing is used and assembled in the construction phase of building projects.
NBM&CW October 2010