IIT's Himalayan' effort to study cold weather concrete tech

'Chennai: IIT-Madras is launching new research initiatives including development of cold weather concrete technology that could be used for construction in the Himalayas.

“The study will focus on how to make concrete at minus 20 degree Celsius. The Indian Army is very much interested in this technology,” said Professor Ravindra Gettu, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Madras. He was speaking at the research seminar on Durability and Long-Term Performance of Concrete.

“Though other countries like Russia and the USA have a lot of experience in such situations, their technology may not be applicable directly to Indian conditions”, he added. Companies such as BASF, Lafarge and L&T have come forward to help in this initiative. More companies have been invited to collaborate.

IIT research team led by Manu Santhanam and B.S.Dhanya recommended that the cement used for durable construction be partially replaced with or should contain at least 15 per cent of fly ash or 30 per cent of slag along with the use of low water content in concrete. They also said proper and prolonged curing is essential for improving durability.