Face to Face: Concrete discussion

Pramod Pillai, English Indian Clays, country manager.
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How does your concrete chemical work?

Pramod Pillai, English Indian Clays, country manager answers Metakaolin is the first choice green pozzolanic material in durable concrete world-over. It prevents Alkali-Silica Reaction - a concrete related problem. This is caused by the reaction of highly alkaline cement paste with non-crystalline silica, which is found in many common aggregates. The product of this reaction is a gel that surrounds the aggregate in the concrete mix.

Peter Condy, Hycrete , vice president of international sales answers Hycrete is a liquid designed to repel water and other contaminants, which could attack the rebar. It forms a long-chain hydro-carbon, which plugs all capillary pores and mechanically attaches itself to the sides of the structure to prevent water from entering.

Do you expect to see an increased demand for concrete as construction work picks up again?

Pramod Pillai answers We are yet to see any improvement on the ground. There is only hope now that projects which are on hold will re-start. But, this hope is not backed up with increased money flow in the system. I am not hopeful of a significant increase in the short-term.

Peter Condy answers There is a slight increase in the demand, but nothing like it was prior to the abrupt slowdown we experienced. I don’t think the volume and the frantic pace will ever reach the level it was prior to the downturn, but the projects that move forward will be solid and with excellent financial backing.

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Has the drop in the price of concrete affected the prices of the technology you offer?

Pramod Pillai answers The drop in concrete prices has been well supported by the drop in prices of ingredients that go into the concrete. And these ingredients have in-turn been supported by the reduction in manufacturing costs due to various reasons, including fuel and input costs. So, a compromise in quality was never required.

Peter Condy answers Our prices have pretty much remained the same. The value proposition we provide to the general contractor and the owner is quite significant. So even when there is a downturn, what we offer is even more significant when the entire business proposition is reviewed and evaluated.

Have the needs of the developer changed now as green building becomes more popular?

Pramod Pillai answers In our specific use, we have seen a significant number of developers moving to Metakaolin, a green pozzolan instead of the cheaper Microsilica, which has been popular in UAE for the last 15 years. Metakaolin is the first choice pozzolan in developed markets like Europe and USA.

Peter Condy answers Developers are starting to see the real value of the green movement and the impact on the environment when products, which contribute to carbon emissions and gases are removed or are significantly reduced in construction activities. In a relatively small project, for example, hundreds of tonnes of carbon emissions can be eliminated with the use of our technology.

Are concrete companies more competitive these days because of the downturn?

Pramod Pillai answers Concrete companies will emerge more competitive from this experience. Competence of technical people will be tested and management will look hard at their over-specified formulations and quality of ingredients. The focus will be on cost and life of concrete, rather than cost of individual items. I am expecting an overall rise in quality of the technical work force in the country.

Peter Condy answers We have seen a reduction in the cost of concrete. But it should be pointed out that the high-quality concrete producers have maintained their high level of quality. These companies have elected not to compromise and their prices have not changed much. Others have gone in the other direction; so you get what you pay for and the long-term results are not in the best interest of the owners.