Introduced the concept of long strip method of Concrete floor construction, with rigid forms and long bays. Manufactured a prototype ‘POWER TROWEL” for the first time in India. Even though it had mixed reactions there were few contractors who boldly started using this machine.
Manufactured a prototype ‘POWER TROWEL” for the first time in India. Even though it had mixed reactions there were few contractors who boldly started using this machine.
Along with the concept of using a mechanical trowel for finishing, I also designed and introduced the first Concrete Saw that can cut dummy joints in the concrete floors to control cracking.
The idea caught on like wild fire as most consultants and contractors were looking for a solution for speedier execution, flatter floors and avoid post construction cracks.
Looking at the demand nation-wide, I even manufactured and marketed the power trowel and concrete saw under the brand name ‘Ram Power Trowel’ and ‘Ram Concrete Saw’ all over India. The concept caught and sales grew. Many manufactures sprang up all over India similar to my design. The rest is history. Today, whenever I see a Power Trowel in a construction site, my heart is full of joy and it brings back old memories. Power Trowel and Joint Saw are today accepted as normal construction equipment and the back breaking human task of manual flatwork finishing is a thing of the past. I have also been involved in writing the standards for BIS for Power Trowel and Concrete Saw in the “Construction Plant and Machinery Sectional Committee”. Concrete Flooring Technology has improved by leaps and bounds in India in the last 40 years and I live with a contended feeling of contribution to the Indian Construction Industry.
I introduced the concept of use of plastic cover blocks for concrete construction. “Cover” plays an important role in concrete construction. It ensures design accuracy, protects the steel reinforcement from harmful effects and allows easier flow of concrete around the bars. Little importance was given to cover, and cover blocks those days. Very few realized that this tiny piece, eventually played a critical role in the longevity and durability of the structure. Millions of Rupees are lost every year due to corrosion caused by lack of cover.
I introduced the concept of Poly Propylene injected cover blocks for columns, beams, slabs and even piles. The idea caught on, but many were
skeptical on introducing plastic inserts in concrete. I even designed very special white transparent cover blocks for the famous “Bahai Temple” in New Delhi for its white concrete, in close co-ordination with the design team at Larsen & Toubro Ltd. A few Indian companies even exported my cover blocks for their sites in Middle East. Though it was an minor contribution, it caught on in many parts of India. Today, readymade cover blocks of mortar plastic or FRC in ready-to-use form are being made all over the country, but the usage and acceptance has a long way to go.
Introduced Vibro piling system using Pneumatic hammer for Driven Piling Industry.
Introduced Stress Wave and CAPWAP method of testing piles by original inventor by DR. G.Goble from USA.
Introduced Stress Wave and CAPWAP method of testing piles by original inventor by DR. G.Goble from USA.
I introduced the concept of using Diamond Tools for dismantling concrete structures, for the first time in India. Being precise and non-invasive this technique was modified and accepted by the industry. It saved precious time and money for the industry and was a new option hitherto unavailable in the country. Along with diamond wire sawing, wall sawing,
demand for complicated problems made me introduce diamond deep care drilling of concrete.
Today, Diamond cutting method is a standard and accepted method of concrete demolition and in retro fitting. Large industries such as Cement, Power, Steel, infrastructure etc. depend on this technique in all their projects.
Introduced the technique of “IMPLOSION” for full scale-controlled demolition of tall structures in collaboration with CDI of USA. This method is most effective for bringing down tall structures by the use of explosives in a controlled manner.
My first job was to bring down the 3 cooling towers at Ennore near Chennai. In addition to being spectacular to watch, it is also one of the safest and economical method in the world. Today implosion is being used by many agencies in India, though in a limited way.
There was a telecom boom in India and many private players made entries into this market. A network of OFC (Optical Fibre Cable) was being laid across the country. But in the cities the same trench digging and back filling method was used. The roads were shabbily opened up and relaying was of poor standards. The common man was put to a lot of hardship.
I introduced the concept of DBC (Direct Burial of Cable) using a special road slitting machine that avoids digging totally. The method was best suited for the last mile connectivity. Telecom giants like Reliance quickly adopted this and implemented DBC in almost 30 cities across the nation. The job of slitting, laying of cables and closure was done in a space of few hours during night time. All other service providers followed suit. Today DBC method of OFC installation is a standard practice in all cities and accepted by all telecom giants,especially for the last mile. Looking at the success of this, even Saudi Aramco approached me for technology transfer and this method was introduced in Saudi Arabia.
Introduced the modern method of silent demolition using Hydraulic Crushers mounted on Hydraulic Excavators. Though this method of demolition of structures originated in Europe around 2000 and was progressing successfully, there was no gateway to bring this into India. This method of demolition is considered safe, fast and economical.
I brought in this technology with high investment to my company and demonstrated to the industry at Chennai, Vizag and Mumbai. Consultants and contractors caught on fast. Many agencies entered the demolition field and quickly adopted this with success. Today there are at least 100 demolition excavators machines in the hands of entrepreneurs all over India and this unique method is here to stay in India for years to come.
I introduced the concept of using High Reach Demolition Machines. In Western Countries, these are called Demolition Giants and are quite common to see there in Urban and Industrial establishments.
Though the tallest demolition machine in the world today stands at 90M, I imported a humble 28M Machine for a challenging work of Demolition of the existing Terminal T2 at Sahar airport in Mumbai. This was a high risk and high investment proposition. Still, I wanted to be a pioneer and open up this segment to the industry. I was convinced that I must show the path to others in this field of demolition. Rightly so, today such expensive machines are being introduced by all manufactures. In the path to modernization of India there are hundreds of old structures likes bridges, Multi-storied buildings, Silos, cooling towers, chimneys etc. which will come up for demolition in the near future and the use of High Reach Demolition Machines would be the best way to go.
Introduced Crane and Ball method of demolition of tall structures like cooling towers, Chimneys etc.,
Conducted ICI-CPWD International Symposium on Technology & Equipment for C&D Waste Recycling at New Delhi, November 8-9, 2013. Brought together technical experts from all around the world to showcase the latest Technologies available to Indian Diplomats and Construction fraternity in India.
Brought the concept Jointless Floor to India by collaborating with “Primekss” of Europe. I identified this could be a game changer in the construction industry in the years to come.
Took interest in C&D waste recycling and started propagating the concept across India. Jointly conducted workshops in Mangalore, Bangalore, Chennai for disseminating the concept.
Coauthored the Manual for Deconstruction towards Recovery and Utilisation of Construction and Demolition waste. Government of India Publication.
Formed a new professional association for integrating the Demolition and Recycling industry in India. IDA, Demolition Association LLP is now recognized by international bodies like EDA and IACDS. Major Indian demolition contractors and worldwide manufacturers are members. DEMTEC is the industry show held biannually.
Setup a world class factory to produce decorative products in collaboration with Bomanite International.
Presently guiding large business houses like L&T, Afcons, Raheja, Reliance Industries, Rainbow children’s Hospital for their large and complicated construction and demolition projects.
Presently guiding large business houses like L&T, Afcons, Raheja, Reliance Industries, Rainbow children’s Hospital for their large and complicated construction and demolition projects.