Now, pre-engineered buildings are gaining popularity in the multi-storey building as well as the institution segment because demand for green buildings is increasing and the focus is increasingly on timebound construction. Steel frames are faster to erect than reinforced concrete frames, providing an overall time saving of around 40 per cent, says Gautam Suri, Founder, Interarch Building Products. “Steel building floors created with the metal deck system can be handed over faster for fit-outs as no shuttering or water curing is required. Steel frames are significantly lighter, which reduces the load on the foundation, and thereby the cost of the foundation. Moreover, steel is a stronger material than RCC; the thickness of the columns is less for the same loading, so occupants get more floor-to-floor area.” “We have adapted new innovative methods across design, fabrication and construction to come up with highly customised, unique structures, including high-rise residential and commercial complexes either completely in steel or composite construction, which is slowly being accepted by developers,” says D Raju, Managing Director, Kirby Building Systems & Structures India. “We are currently executing commercial office buildings of G+20 floors.” With safety at the job site gaining prominence over the past few years for both small and large projects, Kirby India has trained its manpower and certified builders on safe erection practices and improved and implemented innovative safe practices across all its job sites. Suri especially sees a big role for steel building solutions in the school and college building segment. “Modern educational buildings are required to achieve strict performance targets—fast construction, architectural excellence, aesthetics and flexible spaces to meet future educational needs. This makes investing in a durable, structurally strong steel building the most prudent decision,” he says. In fact, Interarch delivered a 600-bed, G+2 hostel building for Thapar University in a record 175 days! CHARU BAHRI