Please share with us the interesting world of structural steel?
The world of structural steel is very interesting, as it plays an important role in shaping the current requirement of rapidly growing world's infrastructure. Some of the interesting aspects of structural steel are its versatility, strength-to-weight ratio, sustainability, fabrication precision, speed of construction, design flexibility, durability, economic benefits, bolting and welding, safety factor, seismic resistance, architectural innovations, etc. The world of structural steel continues to evolve with advancements in materials and construction techniques. High-strength steel alloys and advanced welding technologies are constantly being developed, pushing the limits of what's possible in construction. Its ongoing evolution and contribution to innovative architectural and engineering solutions make it a fascinating field within the construction industry.
How big is the market for structural steel in India?
The market for structural steel in India is vast and holds significant potential for growth. With a rapidly expanding construction industry and increasing infrastructure projects, the demand for structural steel is on the rise. Some of the key factors that highlight the size and potential of this market are growing construction sector because of urbanization, industrialization, and government initiatives such as Housing for All and Smart Cities Mission; infrastructure development including highways, bridges, airports, metro rail projects; industrial expansion because of Make in India initiative; real estate boom especially in commercial and residential segments; replacement demand of older structures and bridges; government support to encourage the use of steel in construction; strong steel manufacturing base; etc. With the government's focus on sustainable development and initiatives like "Make in India," the market for structural steel is expected to grow even more. Additionally, the rising preference for steel due to its durability, flexibility, and eco-friendliness further strengthens the market's potential.
Please brief us of the importance of Code for structural steel? Which are the Codes followed in India?
Structural steel plays a crucial role in the construction industry, providing strength, durability, and flexibility to various structures. To ensure the safety and reliability of steel structures, adherence to specific codes and standards is essential as it ensure safety of occupants and users of buildings; quality assurance ensuring that the steel used meets the requires standards; interoperability as it provides common language of communication between all the stakeholders involved in any construction project. In India, several codes are followed to govern the design, fabrication, and erection of structural steel such as Indian Standard Code of Practice: IS 800; Indian Standard Code of Practice: IS 875; and Indian Standard Code of Practice: IS 2062 thereby promoting safe and sustainable development, ensuring the longevity and reliability of steel structures.
Is the unorganized nature of the structural steel market hurting the final delivery of projects?
The unorganized nature of the structural steel market can indeed have a detrimental impact on the final delivery of projects. Some of the major points that can impact the final outcome of the projects include lack of coordination & proper communication between various stakeholders; inefficient procurement process; quality concerns because of lack of stringent quality control measures and standardized testing procedures; limited accountability by any stakeholders because of clearly defined processes & systems; limited innovation and technology adoption; etc. Indeed, it is very important for the industry to come together to address these issues and strive for greater organization and collaboration to ensure smoother project execution and successful project delivery.
PEB and structural steel go hand-in-hand. What are the challenges you face?
PEB (Pre-Engineered Steel Buildings) and Structural Steel are two integral components of modern construction projects. They go hand-in-hand to offer numerous benefits such as cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and speedy construction. However, like any construction process, challenges arise during the integration of PEB and structural steel such as design compatibility; site conditions and installation: material sourcing and quality control; communication and collaboration; etc. PEB and Structural Steel integration offer numerous advantages for different type of construction projects and they can be very smoothly handled by addressing and overcoming all the challenges that are expected to arise during the execution of the project.
In light of corrosion & rusting; to prolong the life of structural steel what all steps would you recommend?
Corrosion and rusting are common challenges faced by structural steel, which can significantly impact its lifespan and structural integrity. Some of the measures that as a structural steel user has to take to ensure the longevity and performance include regular inspection at all places, corners, hidden areas; proper coating; regular maintenance schedule such as cleaning all across the structure; proper drainage infrastructure to avoid water stagnation; controlled environment; avoid contact with dissimilar metals; training and awareness to personnel maintaining the steel structure; etc. If the above steps are properly followed, the life of any steel structure can be enhanced thereby reducing the likelihood of corrosion and rusting and also minimize the huge investment required in repairs or replacements. This also enhances the structural performance and ensures its long-term durability and safety.
How can the government assist in propelling the structural steel industry?
The government plays a crucial role in supporting and propelling various industries. Structural Steel is a growing industry which definitely requires key reforms and necessary resources for further growth and development. Some of the steps that government need to take to propel the industry are infrastructure investments; regulatory support for more simplified production, transportation; research and development (R&D) funding to develop new high strength steel materials, techniques and drive innovation; training and education programs to develop skilled labor that meets the industry demands; tax incentives to encourage investment in the structural steel industry; collaboration with industry stakeholders to understand their challenges and together develop effective solutions; etc.
What are the innovations you expect from the structural steel manufacturers for faster completion of projects?
Project completion as per the agreed schedule is very crucial for meeting client expectations, maximizing profitability, and improving efficiency. This is very important for structural steel manufacturers as they are the pillar of most of the projects where ever steel structures are involved. Embracing new and innovative technologies at every stage of project lifecycle ensures faster completion of projects with proper planning & scheduling, efficiency, reduced costs and minimal errors.
Some of the key innovations that can help expedite project timelines while maintaining quality and safety include adoption of advanced fabrication techniques; adoption of 3D modeling and Building Information Modeling (BIM) to minimize errors & reworks; prefabrication and modularization such as POD lifting for faster installation at site; digital collaboration and communication tools for more effective communication between all stakeholders; lean manufacturing principles such as six sigma & kaizen; integration of smart technologies such as sensors and RFID tags for real-time tracking of steel components; usage of drones for site surveys, inspections & project monitoring; usage of virtual reality and augmented reality to have the real time progress of the project; etc.
