E D R C

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EDRC Envoi
An EDRC Newsletter
February 2018

Sensitivity: L&T Construction Internal Use

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Foreword

Dear Colleagues,

I am glad to note that many interesting articles have been presented in this issue. In today’s
highly competitive environment, knowledge is the key to survive.

Request all the staff to give thrust for enhancing skillset and focus on new innovative methods to
optimize cost and time.

This Financial Year 17-18 is going to end and B&F performance is mixed bag. Hope, the next
Financial Year 18-19 will be much better for all of us.

Thanking you, with warm regards,

K. Veerappan
VP & Head, EDRC B&F IC

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Contents
.

Volumetric change Analysis in Precast elements 03

Study of outdoor thermal comfort for L&T Campus, AR Centre building, Chennai 06

Earth Rod Seal for the Earth points located within the Building implemented for
ITC 1 Colombo 1 Lightning Protection System 08

Renovation and Rectification of Existing Structures 11

Paper presentation 13

Precast Connections for Factory Building 14

CORE Award – Certificate of Recognition for Excellence 17

Training Programmes 20

Technical presentations by vendors 21

Conferences 21

Other EDRC News 21

Whats New 22

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Volumetric change Analysis in Precast

elements
Contributor: S.Prakash
Volume changes of precast concrete are caused by variations in temperature, shrinkage due to air-drying,
and creep caused by sustained stress. If precast concrete members are free to move or deform, volume
changes cause little or no stress in the member. However, if the member is restrained, significant stresses
and cracking may develop. These development of stresses in the members should be considered in design.
Different temperatures on the interior and exterior of the building may cause the strain/deformation in
members.

Volume changes due to temperature variations can be positive (expansion) or negative (contraction), while
volume changes from shrinkage and creep are only negative. The amount of movement anticipated due to
volume change must be determined to properly design the joints and connections.

Restraint of volume-change forces can result in cracking of structural members (slabs, beams, columns..)
which allows the ingress of water/ contaminants resulting in ongoing deterioration of the structure.
Circumferential beam (CB) -15.6°C

Primary Radial -15.6°C

beam (PRB) -15.6°C
-15.6°C -17°C
-15.6°C Secondary Radial
beam (SRB)
-28°C
-15.6°C

-19.6°C

-28°C
-15.6°C -15.6°C
HY-column
-19.6°C

-15.6°C -28°C
GY-column
Modified Equivalent Temp. fall when Considering
Temp. fall Without considering Volume change
Volume change
Although a frequent cause of distress, volume change is often ignored or misunderstood in the design of
precast concrete buildings. Design for volume change effects are complicated due to unknown influence of
flexible connections and the Extreme variability of concrete strain and the resulting forces.
Real Time Application In Current GCA- Motera Stadium Project:
The effect of volumetric change are considered in Motera Cricket Stadium Project at Gujarat. The analysis &
design of volumetric change of Precast elements in the stadium are measured as per PCI Design Handbook &
IRC-112-2011. In GCA particularly, the upper bowl beams consists of Precast Primary Radial Beam-(PRB),
Secondary Radial Beam-(SRB) and circumferential beams-(CB). All the PRB’s are connected to the Y shape HY
& GY columns as shown in fig. above.

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We had considered the following Design factors to estimate the deformation in the members as per PCI
Design Hand book Strain Due to Volumetric Change is estimated by 3 stages,
1. Maximum Seasonal Temperature change. 1. Initial stage :
2. Relative Humidity. Volumetric Strain estimated after casting to before
3. Creep and shrinkage: Erection of members.(Eg-28-60 days).
 concrete type (normal wt. or light wt.)
2. Final stage :
 curing conditions
 age at erection Volumetric Strain calculated for the design period.
 volume-to-surface ratio (Eg:100 years)
 relative humidity 3. Difference between final to initial stage:
 concrete strength and level of Prestress Volumetric change after Erection of members
4. Estimate equivalent volume-change strains (strain @ 100 years – strain @ initial 60 days)
(K factors).
Estimate Equivalent volume change Factor - K ETABS Model Application:
Since the shortening takes place gradually over a 1. Equivalent Volumetric strains of each element are converted in
to equivalent Temperature & compared with differential
period of time, the effect of shortening on shear
temperature fall (-15.6°C) due to atmosphere & concrete.
and moment of the support is reduced because
2. From the Comparison the maximum Temperature fall (-28°C)
of creep & micro cracking of the component & its applied in the ETABS Model was done & the output was
support. extracted.
After arriving all strains due to creep, shrinkage & OUTPUT ANALYSIS:
temperature from calculations, it is converted to 1. Bending Moment in the GY & HY Columns are increased by 12%.
Equivalent volumetric strains by dividing respective 2. Change in Axial Forces in the GY & HY Columns are by 53%.
constant factors (K) for Creep, shrinkage & Temp.

Comparison of Deformed shape b/w with &

without volume change effect from ETABS Model

Without Vol.Change With Vol.Change

Effect (DL+LL+TF) Effect (DL+LL+TF)
-15.6°C -28°C

46.2mm 54.7mm

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Comparison of Forces Diagram b/w with & without volume change effect –From ETABS Model
Axial Force-Without Vol.Change Effect Axial Force-With Vol.Change
(DL+LL+TF)-15.6°C Effect (DL+LL+TF)-28°C

BMD-Without Vol.Change Effect (DL+LL+TF)-15.6°C

BMD-With Vol.Change Effect (DL+LL+TF)-28°C

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Study of Outdoor Thermal

Comfort for L&T Campus AR
Centre building, Chennai
Contributors: U. Gopinath (CEFD) & Dr. S. Rajkumar (CEFD)

The microclimatic environment of building can significantly affect the outdoor conditions in terms of
thermal comfort, indoor air quality (IAQ) and energy consumption. The vegetative environment of the
building such as green roof, green walls with creepers and lawns reduces the outside air temperature of
the building. The vegetation planted in and around the building not only shades the building from the
incident solar radiation, but also reduces microclimatic temperature through the process of
evapotranspiration.

Modelling

The numerical simulation is carried out using ENVI_MET software to simulate the outdoor thermal
comfort conditions pertaining to outputs of air temperature, humidity, mean radiant temperature, wind
speed and its pattern around the building. We have taken initiative to analyze the outdoor thermal
comfort for the existing EDRC campus building in terms of cases a) open areas covered only with
hardscapes (refer to figure 1) and b) open areas with existing vegetation and hardscapes (refer to figure
2).

Figure 1. Open areas with only hardscapes Figure 2. Open area with existing vegetation

For simplification of CFD analysis, the model is built to represent the existing building. The soil profiles
of the environment are indicated with brown color, grey color and black color representing the natural
soils, concrete pavements and asphalt roads respectively. Then the vegetation is modelled so as to
match the existing green conditions with the following LAD profile values of below 0.5 for grass, 0.5 to 1
for medium & palm trees and 2 for bigger trees. The CFD grid settings are provided as x= 100, y=100
and z= 30 units with dx= 1m, dy=1m and dz=2m.

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Simulation

The simulation is carried out for the typical summer day in the month of May for climatic conditions of
Chennai. The results are generated at a plane height of 1.8 m from the ground level for the spatial
distribution of mean radiant air temperatures (MRT) as indicated in the figure 3.

Figure 3. Spatial distribution of Mean Radiant Temperature (MRT) for building with only hardscape and
building with existing vegetation

Result
The results reveal that reduction in ambient temperature of (0.2 – 0.5) oC and reduction in ground
surface temperature of (1.5 to 5.5) oC is obtained in case of building with existing vegetation over the
building with only hardscape. The percentage of reduction in temperature varies based on the location
due to the impact of vegetation on wind speed, radiation and humidity.

Key Findings
Though the amount of reduction in outdoor air temperature is very less with vegetation, significant
reduction in outside building envelope temperature of (10 – 15) oC can be achieved for an average tree
height of 12 m, owing to the drop in mean radiant temperature at a plane of tree height. This reduction in
building envelope temperature reduces the sizing of cooling equipment and subsequently energy
consumption of the building will get reduced.

Future Scope:
We have planned to validate the simulated parameters of the outdoor environment with onsite
measurements. By using the validated simulation, a holistic spatial scenario of thermal comfort
throughout the campus can be determined and thereby suggesting proposals in consideration for
building design, sizing of cooling equipment and annual building energy consumption with respect to
the outdoor conditions.

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Earth Rod Seal for the Earth points

located within the Building (below raft)
implemented for ITC ONE COLOMBO 1
Lightning Protection System
Contributors : K.Karthikeyan (KSKK) & T. Manikandan (TMK)

Project Name: ITC ONE COLOMBO 1, SRI LANKA

Introduction:
Modern building specifications
often require that earth points
are located within the building
itself, which means that rod
type earth electrode must pass
through the building’s
foundations/floor slab/below
raft.

In such applications, where the

buildings water proof
membrane is pierced, it is
necessary to prevent upward
seepage of water through use
of suitable sealing mechanism
around each earth rod.

The earth rod seal is made out of removable compression seal and is specifically designed to ensure a
watertight seal between earth rod & commonly used water proof membranes, without the need for
adhesive, sealant or mastic.

Further the lightweight inspection pits fit easily on to the earth rod seal assembly making connections to
earthing conductors readily accessible and through selection of a suitable length of seal tube, an effective
seal through both shallow and deep concrete slabs can be achieved.

To achieve this, the electrical consultant of this project M/s. TESSA proposed this solution which is available
with M/s. Furse on a concept level.

L&T,EDRC explored further in deep discussion with M/s. Furse, got the shop drawings approved and the
same is implemented at site with extensive structural coordination.

Key advantages of this system:

a. High performance
b. Low maintenance
c. Since all the components are with light weight polymer it is corrosion resistant & easy to install.
d. Adhesive, sealant or mastic is not required
e. Pressure tested to 80 PSI or 5.5bar (55 meter head of water)
f. Conforms to IEC/BS EN 62305-3 & IEC/BS EN 62561-5

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Earth rod seal detail from M/s. Furse catalogue:

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Executed pics of Earth rod seal :

Step 1:Extension of earth Step 2: Piercing Step 3: Installing Membrane Seal with Protective
rod from PCC level Waterproofing Membrane Tube

Step 4: Raft Re- Step 5: Protecting Rod & Tube Step 7: Installation of Top
Step 6: Raft Concreting
enforcement from ingress of Concrete Flange and Inspection Pit

Step 8: Connection Step 9: Completed

inside Earth Pit Installation

Suggestion:

This is a very good solution for a system where the earth pits are completely located within the building floor slab
due to space constraint in the external areas and it is very easy to install with less labor.

Also this system provides 100% water proofing up to a water pressure of 5.5 bar.

This system can be proposed where the customer is very particular about locating the earth pits within the
building floor slab with an extra premium cost.

Worth noting the below point:

1. At present this solution is available only with M/s. FURSE as this is a patented product.
2. It is 40% expensive compared to the conventional maintenance free chemical earth pit.

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Renovation & Rectification of Existing Structure

Contributor : Mr. Sakthi P
Project : Prestige Lakeside Habitat (PLSH), Bangalore

Building : Parcel 3 Elliot Club house

Modification Requirement:
1. In PLSH Elliot Club house, it was required to increase the height from 5.35m to 7.6m to make
provision for Badminton Court.
2. The Existing Ground Floor Slab, Beam & Column was to be demolished to achieve the additional clear
height. (Refer Fig. 1)
3. And New Level was introduced at 2.3m below the existing Ground Floor Level. Flat slab with inverted
edge beam was proposed in order to ensure the clear height for parking and services for below level.
( Refer Fig.2 & 3)

S1 S1 S1 S1

Fig.1 Existing Fig.2 Proposed

2ND Floor
Level

Badminton Court 1 Badminton Court 2

5.35 m 7.6 m
Existing Slab, Beam & GF Level
Column demolished

Proposed Flat Slab Badminton Court

Edge Level
Beam
Proposed Column UB Level

Fig.3 Section 1-1 View of Club House Badminton Court

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Renovation & Rectification process done at site:

1. Existing Slab, Beam & Column at
Ground floor level has been cut
along the periphery with 50mm
offset in the First Stage. (Refer
Fig.4)
50mm
2. Additional columns were
(TYP)
introduced in line with the existing
beams at Upper Basement Level to
support the Viewing Gallery at
Ground Floor Level. (Refer Fig.5) Fig.4 Club House Badminton Court Plan at GF Level
Concrete
U – Bar cover UB Level
Bend S2 Exposed.
& Welded
U – Bar Bend
Column & Welded
Stirrups
U – Bars
S2 Drilled Overlap
UB Beam - Existing Proposed Inserted weld
Column & Welded
(Refer Fig.6)
Fig.5 Plan View of Beam Column Junction
Fig.6 3D View of Column
at UB Level Section 2 -2
Stirrups

3. In order to avoid hindrance of rebar Beam Column

which will be drilled on either side of
existing column, beam depth was 600mm 750mm
increased by 150mm alternately
between the column. ( Refer Fig.7 )
Hilti RE 500
Fig. 7 Hilti Rebar Arrangement
Site Photos:

2ND Floor Level

Proposed
Flat Slab
Soffit
7.6 m

UB level Badminton Court Level

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Paper Presentation :
Conference : 50th Annual Convention 2018
Organizers : Indian Water Work Association, Goa Centre
Author : Ms. Jayasree. V S
Topic : Water and Waste water Management in Residential Buildings

A paper on “ Water and Waste water Management in Residential Buildings” was presented by Ms.
Jayasree V S in the 50th Annual Convention of Indian water works association in Goa on 20th February,
2018. The Conference was held from 19th to 22nd February, 2018.

Key highlights of the article:

Paper mainly deals with some of the common
issues faced by Residential communities and
various way forward for water and waste water
management in Residential buildings.

One of the major issues faced is due to the

water use pattern and variation in occupancy in
Residential buildings.

Design tips for overcoming these issues like

compartmentalization of main tanks i.e;
Aeration tank, Settling tank in STP so that even
at very less volume of Sewage Treatment Plant
how it will work etc are depicted in this paper.

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Precast Connections for Factory Building

Contributors - Jayaram.V & Sivaprasad.B

The precast concrete industry is extensively used in residential (low &

high rise), commercial and factory constructions because of their various
favorable attributes.

The efficiency, durability, ease, superior quality, cost effectiveness, and sustainable properties of these
products have brought a revolutionary shift in the time consumption in construction of any structure.

Construction industry is a huge energy consuming industry, and precast concrete products will continue to be
more energy efficient than its counterparts.

One of the most difficult problem we face in both design and construction of structures is the joint of
prefabricated members. It is highly important that the construction of the joints should be easy, so that
unavoidable smaller inaccuracies and deviations within dimensional tolerances should neither influence the
designed stresses nor cause admissible changes in the stress distribution of the structures. The most
challenging connections for precast structure is dry connections.

Our prestigious Client Vedanta Ltd has planned to extend their Sterlite Copper smelter Plant (Phase
2) at Thoothukudi. L&T-MMH has taken the job, where the refinery building has good reputation of columns,
beams and cell supporting structure. In order to meet schedule & quality of construction, they approached
Factories-EDRC for precast option.

Refinery Building is of size 75 m x 290 m and consists of columns at every 6.2m. It’s a hybrid structure
with RCC columns & steel roof. It has around 160 no’s of precast columns (4 Types) with Longitudinal precast
tie beams (290 no’s).

Precast walk way beam & slab is provided at 6m level in the building for inspecting Cell banks (185
repetitions). Inside Refinery building, supporting structure for cell banks are to be provided.

Each cell supporting structure contains 15 cells of 53MT each. Cell supporting structure consists of A-
Type portal frame with tie beams (400 No’s of portal frames) & longitudinal tie beams of around 640 no’s.

Dry connections are carried out for all these precast elements. Due to this, very minimum work &
no cast in-situ concrete at project site.

Connection between precast Column and Cast in-situ footing.

Refinery columns are made of precast which has corbel on both the sides at two levels for supporting
walkway beam and EOT crane girder.

The columns are made of precast with dry connection as shown in Fig.1. Main reinforcement of the precast
column are extended & bent at the bottom and reinforcement are welded on both sides to the dowel plate.

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The Main reinforcement is also welded to the base plate directly. The dowel plate is connected to the web plate
and stiffener plates. The dowel plate & web plate are in turn connected to the base plate. The force from the
rebar is presumed to transfer from rebar to the dowel plate through welding. Shoe plate is provided all-round
the dowel plate for concrete confinement and also acts as shuttering.

Fig.1 – Refinery Building-Base plate Connection

Similarly for cell supporting structure, the precast portal frame is connected to base plate through shoe plate
and the rebar is welded to the base plate as shown in Fig.2. The shoe plate will also acts as shuttering and
confines the concrete with stiffeners.
The base plate of both refinery & cell supporting columns are connected to the foundation by Anchor
bolts which are embedded in the pedestal / footing. The entire connection is encased with In-situ concrete
which will avoid corrosion.

Fig.2 – Cell supporting Structure-Base plate connection

Connection between precast beam to precast Column.

Refinery building has two level of tie beams, where the tie beams are connected with the
precast columns by cleat angle connection (simply supported). Structural bracket is provided in the precast
columns for erection purpose. After erection of precast beam, the beam is connected to the column by welding
cleat angle as shown in Fig.3. Similarly for cell supporting structure, the precast beam has PVC pipe sleeves in
the beam and the rebar & shear key is extended out from the precast column as shown in Fig.4. The precast
beams are placed in position and filled with grout which acts monolithically.

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Fig.3 – Refinery Building - Connection of Precast beam & precast column

Fig.4 – Cell supporting Structure- Connection of Precast beam & precast portal frame

Connection between precast beam & precast walkway Slab.

Refinery building has a walkway slab at Cell supporting level which is highly corrosive in nature. Walkway
slab of 1.75 m each on either side of the column is provided for visual inspection of Cells. Double cantilever
T-shape precast walkway slab is arrived by considering process requirement & erection sequence. Two
walkway beams are supported by column corbel at 6.2 m interval and over the precast beam, and the
walkway slab is supported as shown in Fig.5. The slab panels are stitched at regular intervals with stitch plate
and the location is grouted to have a flat finish to avoid corrosion.

Fig.5 – Refinery Building - Connection of Precast beam & Walkway slab.

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CORE Award
CORE – Certificate of Recognition for Excellence
The core Award was given to Mr. M. Ganesh Prabu for his contribution towards design
of steel laminated elastomeric bearings
Core Presentation : Design of Steel Laminated Elastomeric Bearings
Insight shared by : Mr. M. Ganesh Prabu
The core presentation broadly covers the design of steel laminated elastomeric
bearings including bearings with anchorage & without anchorage bolts.
Design of steel laminated elastomeric bearings with & without anchorage is done based on latest
IRC 83 – PART 2 (2015). Entire design procedure is completely new when compared with the provision of
the older version and even consultants in the outside market are not fully conversant with the design
procedure pertaining to the new code provisions.

Considerable effort has been put on to overcome design issues pertaining to the following
• IRC 83- Part 2 Code got Revised From 1987 To 2015.
• Standardized Procedures not available for Design as per latest Code.
• Corbel Sizes -- Pre Finalized due to Precast Moulds.
• Height of the Bearings restricted due to Pre finalized Corbel top Levels & resting beam depths.
• Utilization of the Standard Bearing sizes in some locations.
• Finalizing the Testing Methodology of Bearings
• Submission of Replacement Methodology for Bearings based on Site conditions
• STUP (Consultant) Approval for the entire process
• Design Calculation
• Testing Methodology
• Replacement Methodology

STEEL LAMINATED ELASTOMERIC BEARINGS- STEEL LAMINATED ELASTOMERIC BEARINGS-

WITH ANCHORAGE WITHOUT ANCHORAGE

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FLOW OF DESIGN:

• INPUTS CONSIDERED

• Factored Vertical Design Force (Fzd)

• Factored Horizontal Design Force, Displacement in both X & Y Directions (Vx,d & Vy,d)

• Factored Angular Rotation In Both X & Y Directions (αa,d & αb,d )

• Factored Permanent Load (Fzd,min)

• VENDOR INPUTS

• Shore hardness (for shear modulus (G) calculation)

• Tensile strength

• Available bearing sizes

DESIGN CHECKS

• Check for design strain

o Shear Strain Due To Horizontal Displacement
Ԑq,d = Vxy,d / Tq < 1

• Check for Total design strain

o Shear strain due to horizontal displacement, compressive loads & angular rotation

Ԑtd = KL(Ԑ𝑐,𝑑+Ԑq,d+Ԑα,d) < 7

• Design strain due to compressive design loads
Ԑcd = 1.5 Fz,d / G*Ar*Si

• Design strain due to Angular rotation

2
(a′ ∗ α𝑎,𝑑 + b′2 ∗ α𝑏,𝑑 ) ∗ ti
Ԑα,d =
2*Σ*ti3

STABILITY CRITERIA:

• Check for rotation

o Rotational Limitation condition,
ΣVz, d − (𝑎′ ∗ α𝑎,𝑑 + 𝑏′ ∗ α𝑏,𝑑 )/𝐾𝑟𝑑 <0

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• Vertical Deflection , Fz,d * 1 1

ΣVz,d = Σ ti A * +
1 5GS2 Eb

• Check for Non Sliding Condition :

Fxyd ≤ μe . Fzd min
μe = 0.1+1.5 (Kf /σm)
Fxyd (Rxy)= A*G*Vxy,d / Te
• Check for permanent loads:
Fzd min /Ar > 3 Mpa
• Check for Buckling:
2𝑎′𝐺𝑆1
Mean Design Pressure, σcd = Fz,d/ Ar <
3𝑇𝑒

TESTING OF BEARINGS::

a) Apparent compression stiffness test

b) Shear modulus Test

c) Compressive stiffness

d) Shear bond test

e) Ash Content

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Training Programmes

Training programmes conducted in February

1. ETAP Software in Chennai on 2nd February, 2018 & 5th February, 2018 for Electrical & ELV staff’s Ext.
Faculty – Mr. Rajasekaran
2. Finance for Non-Finance in Chennai on 3rd February, 2018 for Tier 2 & Tier 3 Engineers & Architects
Int. Faculty – Mr. K. Veerappan
3. FloVENT & FloMCAD Software at Chennai for 3 days from 6th February, 2018 to 8th February, 2018
for CFD team Ext. Faculty – Mr. Shashidhar N.S
4. “AutoCAD - Tips & Tricks.” at Chennai for 2 days on 12th & 13th February, 2018 for all disciplines. Int
Faculty – Mr. Amirtha Selvam J
5. “Steel Structures : Case Studies” at Chennai on 13th February, 2018 for Structural Engineers Int
Faculty – Mr. K. Veerappan
6. EDMS Training for 1 day at Chennai on 22nd February, 2018 for all disciplines Int. Faculty - Mr. T.
Saravanakumar

Training programmes Conducted in March

1. Team Bonding Programme in Chennai for 2 days from 2nd to 3rd March, 2018 for E Band (CBA & RBF)
for all disciplines Ext. Faculty Coordinator – Mr. Sengu Paul from Ezone India
2. “Water Retaining Structures & Water proofing” in Chennai for 1 day on 3rd March, 2018 for Tier 2 &
Tier 3 Int. Faculty – Mr. K. Veerappan
3. Creating Building Model in Revit in Chennai for 4 days from 6th to 9th March, 2018 for EDRC – CBA &
RBF Cadpersons Int. Faculty – Mr. J. Amirtha Selvam
4. BIM 360 Glue - Orientation Program at Chennai for 1 day on 8th March, 2018 for all disciplines Int.
Faculty – Mr. Anbu vadivelu
5. Green Building Rating System in Chennai for 1 day on 9th March, 2018 for Architect team Int. Faculty
– Dr. S. Rajkumar

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Technical Presentations by Vendors :

Technical presentations by Vendors conducted in February

1. Oorja Energy Engineering Services Limited – Technical presentation on “Improving efficiency

through radiant cooling systems” on 1st February, 2018 - Participants 10
2. Saint Gobain India Private Limited – Technical Seminar on Glass Business - Exteriors, interiors,
SAGE, Fire, Bullet & Blast resistant glass” on 15th February, 2018 - Participants 10
3. Knauf AMF India Private Limited – Technical Seminar on AMF range of products, Acoustics & Fire
safety on 22nd February, 2018 - Participants

Technical presentations Conducted & Planned in March

1. Rain Bird – Technical presentation on “Use of Intelligent Controllers and Central Control System for
Water Conservation” & Irrigation Automation on 2nd March, 2018
2. Park Layer Ltd. – Technical presentation on Multi level car parking systems on 9th March, 2018
3. RAA Hardwares & Automation Private Limited – Technical presentation on Architectural paints on
15th March, 2018
4. ECMAS Construction Chemicals Private Limited – Technical presentation on IZONIL - 100%
Waterproof, Breathable & Drying solution, a patented technology on 22nd March, 2018
5. Orient Bell Tiles Limited – Technical presentation on Various types of tiles on 29th March, 2018

Conferences:
1. “National Building Code 2016” conducted by IBC – Indian Building Congress at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi
Participants : Mr. S.Navin kumar
2. “Steel Construction Summit” on 28th February 2018 conducted by Mark Excellence
Participants : Mr. M. Saravanan, Mr. A. Dhasarathan

Other EDRC News

We welcome the new staff member Mr. V.S. Parameshwaran

who has joined EDRC CBA. Wishing you all the very best and
we look forward for a long and fruitful association with us.

V.S. Parameshwaran
Geotechnical Team

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What's New !
Super wood could replace steel
New process could make wood as strong as titanium
alloys but lighter and cheaper
Summary: Engineers at the University of Maryland,
College Park (UMD) have found a way to make wood
more than 10 times stronger and tougher than before,
creating a natural substance that is stronger than many
titanium alloys.
"This new way to treat wood makes it 12 times stronger
than natural wood and 10 times tougher," said
Liangbing Hu of UMD's A. James Clark School of
Engineering and the leader of the team that did the
research, which was published on February 8, 2018 in
the journal Nature. "This could be a competitor to steel
or even titanium alloys, it is so strong and durable. It's
also comparable to carbon fiber, but much less
expensive." Hu is an associate professor of materials Liangbing Hu, left, and Teng Li, right, are engineers at the
science and engineering and a member of the Maryland University of Maryland, College Park who have found a way to
make wood more than 10 times stronger and tougher than
Energy Innovation Institute. before.
"It is both strong and tough, which is a combination not usually found in nature," said Teng Li, the co-leader of
the team and Samuel P. Langley Associate Professor of mechanical engineering at UMD's Clark School. His team
measured the dense wood's mechanical properties. "It is as strong as steel, but six times lighter. It takes 10 times
more energy to fracture than natural wood. It can even be bent and molded at the beginning of the process.“
The team also tested the new wood material and natural wood by shooting bullet-like projectiles at it. The
projectile blew straight through the natural wood. The fully treated wood stopped the projectile partway
through. "Soft woods like pine or balsa, which grow fast and are more environmentally friendly, could replace
slower-growing but denser woods like teak in furniture or buildings," Hu said.
"The paper provides a highly promising route to the design of lightweight, high performance structural materials,
with tremendous potential for a broad range of applications where high strength, large toughness and superior
ballistic resistance are desired, " said Huajian Gao, a professor at Brown University. "It is particularly exciting to
note that the method is versatile for various species of wood and fairly easy to implement.“
"This kind of wood could be used in cars, airplanes, buildings -- any application where steel is used," Hu said. "The
most outstanding observation, as per Zhigang Suo, a professor of mechanics and materials at Harvard University
is the existence of a limiting concentration of lignin, the glue between wood cells, to maximize the mechanical
performance of the densified wood. Too little or too much removal lower the strength compared to a maximum
value achieved at intermediate or partial lignin removal. This reveals the subtle balance between hydrogen
bonding and the adhesion imparted by such polyphenolic compound. Moreover, of outstanding interest, is the
fact that that wood densification leads to both, increased strength and toughness, two properties that usually
offset each other," said Orlando J. Rojas, a professor at Aalto University in Finland.
Source:
University of Maryland
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