Poised for an incremental growth

As the building construction sector is looking for sustainable materials and practices to improve quality and speed, Pre-Engineered Buildings (PEBs) are emerging a preferred alternative in many construction segments. Construction Times trains its focus on the trends and new developments in the PEB & Roofing sector.

Growth in industrial developments, warehouses, cargo terminals, stadiums and similar structures has driven the demand for PEB segment in India. Today, PEB construction has become the preferred choice for warehouses, retail stores, shopping malls, aviation hangars, recreational projects, and other spaces due to a host of benefits it offers. In India too, PEB is gaining popularity by the day.

PEB is a cost-effective alternative among the construction methods and it saves a lot of time compared to brick and mortar constructions. PEB structure will also last longer. Being a sustainable solution, it will help to ensure less wear and tear and more ecologically friendly outcomes.

Demand trends

The construction industry in India is increasingly embracing the PEBs to construct new buildings and structures not only in industrial, warehousing and social infrastructures, but even in office and residential infrastructure as well. Industry leaders present the advantages of PEBs. Sricharan Vulchi, VP & Business Head, Everest Steel Building Solutions, says, “The construction industry has been witnessing a remarkable shift towards efficient and time-saving construction methods, leading to an increased demand for PEBs and prefabricated systems. These trends have been fueled by several factors, including cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and the need for rapid construction solutions.” According to him, the industry is working on optimizing cost, speed of construction, design flexibility, technological advancements in fabrication, and the application of these building systems across diverse sectors. The stakeholders are also focusing on improvements in construction practices for meeting sustainability goals.

Rajesh Modi, Vice President - Infrastructure Division, Bajaj Steel Industries, explains, “Apart from the cost effectiveness, speed of construction and flexibility in design, customers expect greater optimization in weight, longer life and ease of assembly for their PEB and prefab structures. Newer materials with better tensile strength, more wear resistance, lighter weight and ease of availability are the factors that turn the tide today. More and more people are now realising the effects of climate change. The trend is to move away from conventional building systems to a greener alternative like PEB.”

PEBs: an ideal choice of construction

According to Vulchi, PEBs offer numerous advantages that align with the requirements of infrastructure projects, making them an ideal choice for various applications. PEBs offer excellent structural flexibility, allowing for the efficient design and construction of diverse project types. The ability to customize PEBs to suit specific project requirements ensures that infrastructure developers can achieve the desired functionality, aesthetics, and performance without compromising on structural integrity.

Navaz Cheriya Malikakkal, Chief Operating Officer, Interarch Building Products, highlights some of the advantages of PEBs as a preferred choice of construction method. PEBs are exceedingly adaptable and flexible regarding their design and functionality. They have the capability of being tailored to satisfy exact project needs, whether it is for warehouses, factories, airports, sports facilities, or any other infrastructure necessities.

PEBs are fabricated, designed, and pre-engineered at an off-site location, enabling quick assembly once on-site. This fast construction is especially advantageous for infrastructure projects that require prompt completion.

PEBs are cost-effective due to their streamlined manufacturing processes and standardised components. The utilisation of prefabricated steel components reduces material waste, decreases labour expenses, and avoids construction delays.

PEBs offer scalability alternatives, enabling the erection of structures of various sizes and forms. They can cater to the needs of infrastructure programmes involving the construction of multiple buildings or facilities in different locations.

Trends in roofing systems

Roofing systems have seen a drastic change over the years due to various reasons. One of the reasons is the drastically changing weather patterns in the country. While summers are getting hotter, the monsoon rains are becoming heavier and isolated. These have demanded a new approach in adopting roofing systems and solutions. According to Modi, roofing systems have evolved and better-quality roofing sheets with improved coatings for wear resistance and weather resistance have come up from large OEM players. Roll formed standing seam roofing systems have improved the leak-proof roofing possibilities. “Liner panels have not only improved the aesthetic look of the shed from inside, it has also gone a long way in ensuring better cleanliness and better reflective lighting. Insulation systems have played a vital role in ensuring that the heat transfer due to intense tropical weather is felt in a more bearable way,” he adds.

Use of insulation materials play a major role in the PEBs and roofing systems. Bubble insulation of thicknesses from 4 mm to 20 mm is the most widely used insulation material. However, based on the specific need of end application, rock-wool and in special cases glass-wool insulation are also used, according to Modi. “The use of insulation is slowly but surely finding a wider use especially along central, western and southern part of the country,” he adds.

A positive outlook

Government plans to set up more cargo terminals and logistics parks will push the demand further for PEBs in future. Also, customers are getting more aware of the advantages and benefits of PEBs in the current scenario that is focusing on quality, speed and sustainability. “We anticipate an overall expansion of the PEB market due to increasing awareness and market acceptance of the benefits offered by PEBs. As more industries and sectors recognize the advantages of PEBs, the demand for our products and services is expected to grow. We aim to capitalize on this expanding market by leveraging our expertise, reputation, and customer-centric approach,” says Vulchi.

Navas is of the view, “The future growth of a specific business in the PEB sector would depend on various factors, including its market positioning, product offerings, competitive landscape, customer demand, and the ability to adapt to changing market dynamics. So, companies like Interarch, with a history and legacy of 40 years that has served and carried its customers with them, stand to benefit from this growth trajectory of the country.”

From a roofing systems perspective, Modi says, “More advanced systems in roofing like clip-on and standing seam will see a gradual rise in the usage based on the affordability of the same, however for now, basic screw down metal roofing system will continue to create demand. Hence, more sophisticated processes to enhance colour stability and atmospheric wear resistance coatings on the sheeting material will induce demand.”

A major positive factor for PEBs is that the application areas for PEBs are continually expanding beyond traditional sectors such as industrial and commercial buildings. This will provide a much larger focus for the segment in the construction sector in the coming years.

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