Lafarge Group researches condition-proof concrete

A research collaboration between the French cement company, Lafarge Group’s research division and the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-M) is about to begin soon, according to officials in India.

Professor Revindra Gettu from IIT-M's Department of Civil Engineering highlighted the ambitions of the project, to test the durability of concrete as a building material, in different climatic conditions.

Lafarge Research Centre signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the IIT-M last year, whereby Lafarge funded ITT-M’s Department of Civil Engineering Rs. 1.5 crore, to set up a laboratory for carrying out joint research programmes. 

Gettu explained the project tests will be conducted in different parts of India to identify the concrete’s

carbonation levels and its effects on the concrete in different atmospheric conditions.

Pascal Casanova, head of Lafarge Group's Research and Development noted, "Lafarge aims to improve the performance of concrete to address sustainable construction and global warming challenges. This is done through cutting-edge scientific research and forming partnerships with other institutes and organisations."

The French cement giant currently has four cement plants in India - two in Chhattisgarh, and two grinding plants, one in Jharkhand and the other in West Bengal. The Lafarge Group also encompasses a gypsum plasterboard plant at Khushkhera in Rajasthan.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/asia-pacific-rim/24032011/lafarge_group_researches_condition-proof_concrete/