GFRG demonstrated at IIT-Madras campus

01 Jun 2019 Editorial Team

With the idea of demonstrating this building system using the technology developed, a two-storey glass fibre-reinforced gypsum (GFRG) demonstration building of 1,981 sq ft was constructed at the IIT-Madras campus in 2013. Dr A Meher Prasad, Professor, Structural Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Madras, shares more…

The entire superstructure was completed and rendered fit for occupation within 29 days after the laying of the foundation. There was a saving of over 50 per cent in embodied energy for GFRG construction. The demo building was constructed using glass fibre-reinforced gypsum panels, originally designed for use as walls by Rapid Building Systems, Australia. The IIT-Madras research group extended the application of this product for the entire building system – including floors, roofs and staircases – thus significantly reducing the consumption of reinforced cement concrete (RCC). The team also collaborated in the indigenous development of an excellent waterproofing material, which is essential for prolonged durability of GFRG panels, especially in the case of roofs and toilets.

Cost comparison
Currently, the cost of GFRG construction stands at Rs, 1,600 to 1,700 per sq. ft. The GFRG demo building inside the IIT-Madras campus, covering a total plinth area of about 1,981 sq ft, costed about Rs 23 lakh A comparison of the cost of this building with a conventional building of the same plan showed that the demo building was 25 per cent cheaper compared to the latter.

- SERAPHINA D’SOUZA

Infrastructure Urban

13 Oct 2025

Madurai Corporation Proposes Rs 1,400 Million Plan to Save Vaigai River

In a renewed effort to tackle pollution, the Madurai Corporation has submitted Rs 1,400 million proposal to the state government to upgrade the city’s drainage network and prevent untreated sewage from entering the Vaigai River. The proposal follows growing public concern over the river’s deteriorating condition despite previous mitigation efforts. The Vaigai flows for nearly 12 km within Madurai city limits, with sections obstructed by invasive plants, garbage, and untreated sewage. While multiple inlets contribute to contamination, the Panthalkudi canal in Goripalayam has been identifi..

PM Modi Inaugurates Mumbai Metro 3 Final Phase, 33.5 km Aqua Line

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the final phase of Mumbai’s first fully underground Metro 3, making the 33.5 km Aqua Line operational. The line connects Aarey in North Mumbai to Colaba in South Mumbai, aiming to ease congestion on suburban trains and roads. The final stretch, spanning 11.2 km from Acharya Atre Chowk in Worli to Cuffe Parade, provides connectivity to six major business centres, including Nariman Point, Cuffe Parade, Fort, Lower Parel, BKC, and SEEPZ/MIDC. According to Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC), the stretch also links areas such as Kalbadevi, Girgaum, Worl..

M.E. Energy Wins Rs 490 Million Ferro Alloys EPC Order

M.E. Energy Pvt Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kilburn Engineering Ltd and a leading Indian engineering company specialising in energy recovery and cost reduction solutions, has secured its second consecutive major order valued at Rs 490 million in the ferro alloys sector. The order is for an Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract to develop a 12 MW Waste Heat Recovery Based Power Plant (WHRPP). This repeat order underscores the growing trust of the ferro alloys industry in M.E. Energy’s expertise in delivering reliable, efficient, and sustainable energy solutions tailor..