As the move towards green buildings gathers speed, there will be greater demand for appropriate, innovative protective coatings and safe construction chemicals, writes MANAS R BASTIA.Billed as a sunrise sector in India, construction chemicals have been growing at a scorching pace of about 17 per cent CAGR in the past five years. The macro drivers have been increased investments by Government in infrastructure and real estate along with the growing participation of overseas investors and contracting companies in economic expansion.In fact, Samir Surlaker, President, Construction Chemicals Manufacturers Association (CCMA), the apex body of this sector in India, pegs the current market size of construction chemicals in the country at about Rs 3,500 crore and sees it growing to Rs 5,000 crore over the next few years.The catalystsWith growing investment in infrastructure, construction chemicals find more use in concrete and this will lead to their greater usage in roads, irrigation projects, the power sector and railways, etc. “Construction chemicals encompass a large range of products for every industry in India,” says Surlaker. “Waterproofing, flooring and industrial construction are all seeing an upswing owing to a rise in the number of residential and commercial projects.”The growth drivers, according to Sanjay Bahadur, Global CEO, Construction Chemicals Division, Pidilite Industries, include urbanisation, infrastructure development and sustainable construction that are leading to solutions from the construction chemicals sector. “There is a growing awareness about more dependable, modern waterproofing as traditional systems are cumbersome and more manpower driven,” he says.For his part, Dr Sumon Chakravarty, Head-Technical and R&D, Building Products Division, UltraTech Cement, says, “People increasingly want a hassle-free solution and are ready to spend more for value-added products that are not only durable but economical in the long term. The challenge is to execute with the right product and demonstrate.”The grey areasEvidently, India seems to be slowly but surely catching up with the latest technology trends. “Whether it is polycarboxylic ether (PCE) admixtures for concrete, time-saving tile adhesives, beautiful resin-based floorings, more robust and effective waterproofing systems, or technical mortars like grouts, repair mortars, and protective coatings, these materials are currently accepted and used across various top-tier projects in India,” says Surlaker. Still, he points out that this effect has to filter down towards normal, day-to-day usage, which will happen as awareness about this industry and correct usage of construction chemicals grow.Although there are various products available in the market depending on the application, the market certainly lacks a national standard to which these products should conform for good waterproofing. “The absence of proper standard for waterproofing in India has also led to product promotion of all types and quality,” observes Dr Chakravarty. “Many a times, these lead to the generation of unwarranted products in the market that may not conform to the minimum requirements of quality waterproofing work.”On this grey area, Surlaker outlines CCMA’s initiatives to promote the growth of the industry by raising awareness and quality standards. “Furthering the cause for technical development, a handbook is planned on the correct usage of construction chemicals in collaboration with the Indian Concrete Institute,” he shares. “Attempts are already underway to introduce technical topics in the academic syllabi. Training programmes are in advanced stages of design and these roving seminars will be taken to rural areas as well as engineering colleges. Another initiative is to open local chapters all over India. In short time, BIS has agreed that CCMA will be on key IS Code Committees and viewpoints of expert CCMA members will be considered in the formulation of codes. With this holistic approach, we are confident of improving the systematic use of construction chemicals.”The market moversIn recent times, the demand for construction chemicals has expanded from large-scale projects like metro rail, high-rise buildings, power and steel industries and infrastructure projects to even the residential building sector with contractors and masons using waterproofing materials in their projects. Advancements in the construction machinery such as concrete and boom pumps also call for the use of high-technology products like PCE-based admixtures for pumping concrete to long distances or big heights.On other trends, BN Chandrashekar, General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Fosroc Chemicals India, says, “In terms of concrete, the construction industry has shifted from conventional M20 grade to M40, M50, M80 and above. These require high precision in terms of mix design, quality assurance and good performing materials. The green building concept as a whole needs a special material in terms of better insulation property for energy-efficiency and waterproofing systems as an added part of this concept also requires special materials that can work in combination with various materials used.”In terms of their recent innovations in construction chemicals, he reveals, “The special PCE molecules we have developed are able to produce concrete grades up to M200, which is likely to gain momentum fast and we have the technology and products ready to cater to these requirements. We have two innovative products in waterproofing. For critical basements we have a preformed, HDPE polypropylene-based system that is robust and we can lay reinforcement directly over these membranes in basement construction. This saves a lot of time and supports speed of construction. For large podium slabs or terraces, we have spray-applied polyurea waterproofing technology, which is fast curing and drastically reduces installation time.”Pidilite Industries has come up with Dr Fixit LEC, a green and sustainable integrated waterproofing and insulation system for roofs and walls with a 25-year guarantee, a new benchmark in the industry. Dr Fixit Extensa, another new product from its portfolio, has received the ACETECH 2013 award for outstanding innovation. Its key features include special seamless spray systems with 1,600 per cent elongation, high puncture resistance and formation of a watertight barrier, among others.Towards better waterproofingIt has been seen that lack of understanding, improper construction practices with unskilled labour coupled with inadequate supervision invariably result in waterproofing failures. This calls for a robust, foolproof system of waterproofing to be designed with detailed engineering.“Planning for all aspects of waterproofing of the structure during the design stage is essential, including product selection based on climate, compatibility of various products and site problems,” advises Dr Chakravarty. “An independent waterproofing consultant's input along with the correct choice of supplier and of product can reduce the risk considerably. Good quality laboratories for this segment need to be developed with accreditations to test products according to international standards and codes like EN, ASTM and DIN. At present, there are only a few good laboratories that can cater to this field as most take a very long time for evaluation owing to higher work pressure. They will also need to update themselves with the codes for testing products in this segment, which are specific and widely different from the conventional testing of cement and concrete.”The path forwardThe way ahead is sustainable construction based on best practices that emphasise long-term affordability, quality and efficiency. This will involve reduction of repairs, rehabilitation, rebuilding and decommissioning of a structure, most of which can be addressed by good quality, durable construction. “This durability would define and enhance sustainability,” adds Surlaker. “Through CCMA, we will push for better code of conduct and quality standards relating to green products. Also, efforts are on to appraise the government to accept construction chemicals as a recognised industry segment and support us with incentives and rationalisation of taxes, duties and levies.”As the industry expands, there will undoubtedly be  heightened demand for better products and the best solutions to be delivered by trained applicators and engineers. “Understanding the needs, suggesting the right solution and to be with the customer are key factors for success in this business,” concludes Chandrashekar.PRODUCT PERSPECTIVESName: Aerated autoclaved concrete (AAC) block ‘Xtralite’ with Fixoblock (UltraTech) User: L&T Construction, Mann Infra Project site: Most prestigious builders like Oberoi, Wadhwa, Lodha and Tata Housing are using AAC blocks with Fixoblock as the jointing mortar.Key challenges: To provide the client sustainable material while increasing productivity with cost viability.Solution: Provides excellent profile to masonry resulting in the reduction of subsequent product consumption during application.  Techno-commercial benefits: Higher coverage led to overall cost benefit, no water curing after application implies saving in manpower cost and, most important, saving in precious potable water that is consumed for seven days in conventional practices.   Other applications: Broken AAC blocks are an excellent material for brick bat coba for slopes and insulation. This material decreases the dead load on the structure.Additional remarks: Customer satisfaction led to the usage of the material continuously for various projects.Name: Proofex Engage (Fosroc) User: BVR Mall  Project site: Vijayawada Key challenges: High critical basement, water table was very high, touch pile system was adopted as the soil was of sandy nature and retaining wall was abutting the touch piles and installation of waterproofing from positive side was a challenge.Solution: Proofex Engage pre-applied HDPE polypropylene membrane has been used for basement waterproofing. The complex cell mess gets mechanically bonded to the concrete and thus becomes part of the concrete structure. Very fast application and reduces installation time. Techno-commercial benefits: Use of Proofex Engage system nullifies the protection screed requirement. It is user-friendly and reduces overall time.Other applications: This is suitable for high critical basements with high water table and where there is no space behind the retaining walls to install a waterproofing system.Additional remarks: The waterproofing system has been installed for the past three years and we have satisfactory feedback from the customer, says Padma Potluri, Managing Director, BVR Mall, Vijayawada.To share your views on the construction chemicals sector, write in at feedback@ASAPPmedia.com