A large central open space admeasuring approximately 24 M X 100 M is available in the Constro 2014 exhibition for promotion and showcasing of the technology and end products of the exhibition Theme “ Pre-Engineered Construction Technology and Intelligent Electrical Solutions ”.

This central space is proposed to be utilised to create a “Pre-Fab Nagar” – a theme park that will display a variety of  pre-engineered factory manufactured products in a layout of SIX Sectors gradually leading from the heavy building components to lightweight structural systems:

Sector – 1            :  To display the products and potential of Pre-Cast Reinforced Concrete

Sector – 2            :  To display the technology and products in Lightweight Foam Concrete

Sector – 3            :  To showcase Construction technology in Steel by a Steel frame structure.

Sector – 4            :  To demonstrate pre-cast Ferrocrete products used in construction

Sector – 5            :  To illustrate Composite structures using pre-fabricated concrete & steel.

Sector – 6            :  To cover the large out-door Food Court & Cafeteria with a Space Frame.

The Pre-Cast Reinforced Concrete sector will demonstrate its potential with a structure erected in factory manufactured concrete components. This structure will be used for audio-visual displays of the technology and function as an information centre for visitors. Similar structures will be erected in the Light-weight concrete and Steel construction sectors to showcase the respective technologies and products. The end sector in the Central Theme Park will be covered with a Space Frame or Fabric Skin Structure stretched over lightweight steel to create an exilerating lively space below for the Food Court and out-door Cafeteria.

The Central Space will have an Amphitheatre for various public programmes during the exhibition, and a space for a Steel frame tower for demonstration of Safety in Construction.  Beyond these two areas, a meandering pathway will traverse through the six sectors from one end to the other, touching both wings of the main exhibition. This pathway will enable visitors to cross across from the covered exhibition halls to the open stalls through an interesting landscaped area. The pathway will also showcase a variety of pre-cast curb stones, Paving Blocks, pergolas, street furniture, arches, and miscellaneous pre-cast concrete and pre-fabricated steel products, and street lighting. Small landscaped triangles in each sector will provide space for vegetation, fountains and lighting towers for illumination of the Theme Park. Most of the illumination will be in LED and CFL products to be displayed by manufacturers in tune with the Theme of Intelligent Electrical solutions.

The 'Pre-Fab Nagar' Theme Park in the Constro-2014 exhibition is proposed to be created from voluntary contributions of pre-cast and pre-fabricated products from various manufacturers in the field primarily as a promotion of the products and demonstration of the technologies. The colourful illumination, banners, posters, streamers and the wide variety of products displayed will help to provide a festive ambiance and create a cheerful atmosphere in the exhibition.

Manufacturers of pre-cast and pre-fabricated products in concrete and steel are invited to contribute to the respective displays in the six sectors of the Theme Park, and avail of this opportunity to showcase their products in the Constro 2014 exhibition.

                                                                                Rajiv Raje, Architect and Convenor          

                                                                                                Theme Promotion and Demonstration – 9822677511

The second Constro Organising Committee Meeting was held on September 6th, 2013 at Hotel President, Pune.  The session began with Shri. Shrikant Nivasarkar, President PCERF, welcoming all present on the dais and in the audience for this special function based on the Pune Metro; and launch of the 3rd Constro newsletter. He mentioned that PCERF saw an alliance with the Metro project because of the theme of Constro2014 - these being the Pre-Engineered Building (PEB) and Pre-Engineered Construction(PEC) techniques.

Along with Shri. Bavadekar, Chairman-Constro 2014, he mentioned that the expo had a 43.7% booking done already.

Shri Sanjay Vaichal, gave a presentation on the various activities and media partners the team was working on.  This was followed by a presentation by Shri Naren Kothari on his China visit and the potential tie-ups there.

A short presentation on the upcoming China visit was made by Ibex Tours.

The Media Committee had put together an A/V film on PCERF and Constro that can be shown in other cities. The film gave an overview to the journey of Constro and highlighted the achievements over the years through interviews of renowned participants from India and abroad. It also showcased the themes of Constro2014 and shed light on how different and large the next event will be.

The film screening was followed by the launch of the 3rd Constro Newsletter of the year, which had a special focus on the Pune Metro. The guest of honour Shri S. D. Limaye was felicitated and asked to give his viewpoints.

Shri Limaye touched upon various points during his talk – right from how unbridled expansion of cities need good infrastructure schemes like the Metro to having a positive attitude towards such a project. He wondered why if other cities were constructing Metros, why not Pune? He emphasised that as Indians we need to be proud of our engineering achievements – an example being the Koyna Dam that has a tunnel below and the Bhadsa Dam that got built in 7 years, with a canal system. He also mentioned how the Bengaluru Metro is the world’s longest, and will cover 300-400 kms in the next few years.  Shri Limaye was in the staunch opinion that if one shows their mettle /performs well, then the funding will automatically come through; and especially from India. He categorically mentioned that India is in no way lacking in technology with respect to the world, and it is not always necessary to go by what the world has already done. Instead we can chart our own course. He concluded his talk by reiterating that the Metro will only boost business in the city, giving people the chance to choose jobs due to the ability to manage distances.

His extensive talk set forth a platform for discussions, which continued till later.

The vote of thanks and conclusion of the event was given by Shri Vishwas Lokare , Hon. Secretary , PCERF.

                                                                                                               Prepared by

                                                                                                             Darpana Athale

                                                                                                Convener, Media Committee  

A New Age Construction Innovation

Precast Building Technology has made great advents in recent times. Thanks to growing cost of money over time, shrinking time schedules and issues with getting capable manpower all have resulted in this segment getting a strong foothold in the construction industry. Speed, and the Quality, accuracy, and economy achieved using this technology has made it an “in thing” in the industry. Optimum use of material is possible due to the industrialised nature of process including pre stressing leading to judicious use of resources and also reducing wastage. The process is hence environmentally friendly as well. Pre engineered products offer neat appearance, better surface finish and are also more durable.

However doing a precast building is by no means an easy task. Every small detail related to the architectural vision and requirement of services needs to be carefully worked out prior to the manufacturing stage. A true teamwork of the Architect, Structural Consultant and manufacturer only can translate an idea into reality.

Several manufacturers working in the pre engineered building segment in steel as well as Concrete are striving hard to produce better products that catch the imagination of the professionals.

This newsletter  being published on the occasion of the seminar being held on the theme  topic “Pre Engineered Building Technologies” besides updating you on the happenings at PCERF and Constro, presents thoughts of leading professionals  engaged in this field.

                                                                                                                            Ar. Shirish Kembhavi

                                                                                                                                       Editor