Plastics in construction
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The meet was focussed on the use and significance of plastics from pipes to fibre-reinforced concrete, writes K.S.Subramanian
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The seminar organised by Reliance Industries recently on the use of plastics in construction industry was aimed at increasing the awareness of use of plastic in construction. It dealt with the use and significance of plastics to pipes (both PVC and Polypropylene Random) to fibre-reinforced concrete. And their advantages in terms of durability, resistance to pressures of nature and environmental impact were made patent.
China at present has taken the lead in the use of plastics for doors and frames and passed a law mandating the use of PP-R pipes for all new buildings. Reason: to save energy and scarce conventional metals. The seminar was emphatic that India should adopt a similar law. In cold environments, PP-R pipes are used in floor-heating applications while it is admitted that the applications are still at a nascent stage in India. Reemphasising the China Model which envisages optimum use of plastic pipes in drainage, urban sewerage, water supply, gas lines and cables, D. Ganesan, Chief Engineer, TNHB, said that plastics has become an inalienable part of daily life.
Flexibility
Ranvir Pratap, of the RIL , singled out PP-R pipes for maximum efficiency for various reasons – longer life (say, 50 years) nil leakage, high abrasion and chemical resistance. It has been tested for resistance to UV, bacteria and algae. Owing to low heat conductivity it accounts for 10-20 p.c. energy saving. Its flexibility and toughness mandated its use in seismic areas. PP-R piping system could be used in sanitary lines, pharmaceutical plants, lines for conveying liquid food products and industrial systems including effluent and sewage disposal.
Fibre reinforced concrete
This apart, there is growing concern about the ductility and durability of structures. Is there an alternative? Secondary reinforcement plastic fibers provided a complete answer, emphasises the seminar.
How advantageous is the addition of fiber to concrete? It improves concrete ‘s durability, reduces the risk of plastic settlement cracking over rebar, provides better abrasion resistance, enhances flexural and tensile strength, brings down water absorption and improves homogeneity of concrete matrix.
To cap it all, it is imperative in the design of quake resistant structures.
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