What kind of panels can help build faster?

Godrej Properties is using the DFI 500 system from Durand Forms India for Godrej Emerald, a 28-storey residential building in Ghodbunder Road, Thane. “We supplied aluminium formwork for four towers,” says Sandeep Naikwade, Manager, Sales & Marketing, Durand Forms India. The DFI 500 system can be reused 500 times while the DFI Warrior system from the same supplier can be reused 1,000 times. DFI 500 is better suited for high-rise residential buildings and commercial construction while the DFI Warrior is better suited for mass housing projects. These systems are being used by companies such as Shapoorji Pallonji, Godrej Properties, VBHC, Hombale Group, Tricon Infra Buildtech, etc. With the DFI 500 system, Naikwade shares, “The developer achieved a five to six day cycle per floor, which was significantly shorter than the seven to eight day cycle that could typically have been expected with other formwork systems, because Durand formwork is based on American formwork technology (Western Forms) that involves fewer joints, more stranded panels and has a more durable, user friendly panel design, which speeds up the work (up to 20 m2/ per man a day).” Durand Forms India is a JV of Ahura Mazda Mfg. Co., Mumbai and Western Forms, USA, with a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Sarigam, Gujarat. CHARU BAHRI