Selection criteria for batching plants depend on the application
Portability of batching plant is a significant criterion for road and canal projects, says BV Raisinghani, President (Purchase), Jaiprakash Associates. Excerpts from the interview....

What product range and accessories for high rise structures for concrete pumping?
Most of the manufacturers have developed pumps for pumping concrete in high rise buildings and the same has been demonstrated by Sany, Schwing Stetter and Putzmeister in various projects executed in Dubai, Hong Kong etc.

Which are your projects (ongoing and recently completed) where you have used concrete pumps?
We have used concrete pumps for projects already completed and also for ongoing projects; to name a few, Tehri Dam (Uttar Pradesh), Sardar Sarovar Dam (Gujarat), Chamera Hydro-electric project and Baspa HEP in Himachal Pradesh, Baglihar HEP and Karcham Wangtoo HEP in Jammu and Kashmir, etc. Concrete pumps have been used during the construction of thermal power projects, cement projects and construction projects. The concrete pumps were used for pouring of concrete in dam, tunneling and various concrete structures.

What is the importance and utility of self-climbing boom placers in high rise projects?
Concrete pumps along with self-climbing boom placers are considered a very good solution. Concrete can be poured through tower cranes also, but self-climbing boom placers is a better solution as compared to tower cranes. We have used self-climbing boom of Zoomlion China and found it very cost-competitive as compared to other brands.

Which are the preferred brands?
Schwing Stetter, Sany and Putzmeiser are the preferred brands among the end-users.

Is mass concreting a major challenge?
Yes, it is a challenge but with suitable selection of equipment, this can be met. For dam handling of large aggregates, we have used tele-belt system, cable crane etc.

What are the selection criteria for batching plants?
Selection criteria for batching plants depend on the application. Portability of plant is a significant criterion for road and canal projects.

What are the advanced mixing technologies you look forward to?
Both pan type and planetary mixers are good depending upon the application and quality of concrete desired. Proper selection of mixer provides harmonious concrete. The emerging trends are to meet various mix designs and to optimise use of cement in concrete. A lot of developments have taken place in the metallurgy of wearing parts.

How do you foresee the market demand and trends over the next two years?
Market demand is seen very high, which is expected to increase by 20-30 per cent. The initiatives taken by the government are expected to rejuvenate the demand for rental of concreting equipment.

Proper selection of mixer provides harmonious concrete. The emerging trends are to meet various mix designs and to optimise use of cement in concrete.