Skilled resources in education and construction sector is a major shortfall and should be addressed.
Er Dr Abhay Gupta,
What are the latest demand trends of PEBs in the current construction market scenario?
Demand for PEBs is uprising for many reasons such as rapid construction and consistent quality. These reasons have suddenly peaked up their application towards housing sector.
How is the role of PEBs growing in the infrastructure development projects in the country?
Redevelopment of railways stations across the country, Metro stations, highway side amenities, hotels/motels, and new bridges in steel are some of the areas in infrastructure field where PEBs are significantly contributing.
What are the upcoming innovations in PEBs and allied segments?
New materials of high strength like 450MPa grade, new sections like parallel flange sections for efficiency, new fabrication equipment including welding machines, latest erection technologies, coordinated working through BIM like REVIT & TEKLA platforms, reduced cost of intumescent coatings, etc. are technological innovations leading to steel intensive construction. LGFS is also trending and useful. New IS codes/revised standards help engineers to design better.
What kind of challenges are there in terms of demand-supply scenario of steel and other materials for PEB structures?
Manufacturing industry is growing but demand is increasing. Availability of higher-grade material and sections is an issue to some extent but our industry partners are doing their best. However, it targeted that by 2030, per capita steel consumption in India will touch 160 kg against 90 kg as of now. This will need huge manufacturing set ups. At the same time, skilled resources in education and construction sector is a major shortfall and should be addressed. Institutions like INSDAG are putting in a lot of efforts with educational institutions.
What is your market outlook of the PEB segment?
It is quite encouraging. Steel construction is an excellent addition towards growth. It is a green construction also. Significant scrap value is there. I can see much of construction turning to steel as we approach towards 160 kg per capita.
