Cement
Cement
Cement
perspective
By Sandeep Holey: General Manager, Technical & QA, UltraTech Cement Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.
View(s):
Sri Lankas changing landscape and the towering skyscrapers slowly punctuating Colombos
cityscape probably generates a curiosity about the bludgeoning construction industry and by default,
associated segments like the cement industry. Cement by its very nature, is ubiquitous and whether
you are constructing a house or you have a passing curiosity about Sri Lankas infrastructure
development, equipping yourself with a basic knowledge is useful as beyond a rudimentary
understanding, very little is known of cements technical nuances most of the time.
For instance, although the terms cement and concrete are frequently used interchangeably, they
arent the same. Cement is a vital raw material used when making concrete and plays an important
role, not only as a binding ingredient, but also in maintaining durability and strength with least
maintenance. Simultaneously, while cement is the key ingredient, concretes quality depends equally
upon other ingredients like aggregates (granular materials such as sand and crushed stone), water,
construction chemicals and factors such as workmanship, proportioning and environment.
Cement industry
Sri Lanka is estimated to be consuming about 5.8 million tons of cement per annum (Source:
Economic and Social Statistics of Sri Lanka, Central Bank Annual Report 2013). Sri Lankas situation
is quite different from the global cement industry as world trade in cement (where cement moves from
one country to other) is hardly 4 per cent whereas Sri Lanka imports 66 per cent of its requirement
either in the form of cement or clinker. It is important to note that this figure could go up to 75 per cent,
considering clinker is being imported for grinding units.
Sri Lanka imports cement from various plants in neighbouring countries like India, Vietnam, Pakistan,
Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. This dependability of imports has its flip side, as it sometimes limits
the choice and type of cement and can diminish the assurance of consistent quality if there is no
proper quality mechanism in process.
This emphasis of consistency in quality is imperative as it is important to have cement sourced from a
single plant having cement from multiple sources may sometimes compromise the quality of the
overall construction. When importing cement, the mode of imports also makes a considerable
difference to the quality of the final product. For instance, directly importing bags of cement is an easy
but opportunistic trading option which lacks long term commitment. The lifespan of a bag of cement is
generally three months as generally declared on cement bags in Sri Lanka. Its strength level
declines over time and its handling involves an entirely manual operation (from receiving it at the ports
and loading it into the trucks)and could result in cement absorbing moisture and being exposed to
various elements while being prone to wastage and pollution.
On the other hand, importing cement in its bulk form and storing it within the country for packaging,
provides a local value addition and offers a long-term assurance of quality as it requires dedicated
resources like specialized vessels, bulk cement carriers, specially built huge storage silos, a
laboratory for quality assurance, state of the art packers and experienced technical manpower. Even
if cement or clinker comes from a single source, it is advisable for customers to insist on superior
quality and ensure that the supplier has a stringent quality assurance mechanism. A commitment
towards society and the environment and adhering to ethical business practices as well as
possessing the appropriate credentials is a must.
It is commendable that the Sri Lanka Standard Institute (SLSI) has a stringent system in place to
monitor this. The importing of cement has to comply with the Sri Lanka Standard of Cement and the
Conformity Assessment through Import Inspection Schemes. Cement companies have to declare the
sources of the cement while the import factories have to be registered with the SLSI, comply with
environmental regulations and adhere to strict quality checks. An important factor when ascertaining
the quality of imported cement is to assess its level of compressive strength at 28 days. If the cement
fails to reach the required level of compressive strength, it will be rejected and the higher the strength
at 28 days within specified limits, the better the cement is in the long run.
Achieving economy, strength and permanence
Concrete has good compressive strength but poor tensile strength (reinforcement i.e. iron rods are
used to overcome this drawback) and is extremely sensitive to its surrounding environment not only
during its making but throughout its entire lifespan. Increasingly needing maintenance and constant
repairs on structures are usually cautionary tales of the extreme importance of paying attention to the
variables that affect concrete. Lack of attention to these variables and cost-cutting measures to vault
over high building costs can only prove to be penny-wise, pound-foolish in the long run.
However, if used with proper technical know-how, good quality cement can help achieve economy in
construction without compromising on the quality of the construction. Cement with higher compressive
strength in the long term, will be required in less quantity to achieve high concrete strength, thus
reducing cement consumption. If the quality of cement is also taken into consideration from the design
stage, you can save on sizes of the compression members (eg: columns) and overall costs of
concrete.
Constructing a structure which remains in good condition for a longer time period, with the least
maintenance expenses is the ultimate attainment in construction. Deterioration is inevitable over time,
but if concrete is not designed, prepared, cured and maintained properly, deterioration can be
expedited. Moisture and other harmful substances such as sulphates, chlorides and carbon dioxide
entering and weakening the concrete or corroding the reinforcement leads to more maintenance
expenses and reduces the life of the structure.
Customers Dilemma
Often, a customers connection with construction activities is not a regular affair as the construction of
a house is taken up once in a life time or at the most, perhaps a few times for a minority. A paucity of
appropriate information and knowledge of the subject makes the customer dependent on multiple
opinion sources such as architects, engineers, peer home builders, contractors and masons. When
constructing, obtaining key materials from reputed and trustworthy sources would give the customer
an assurance of quality. Good cement companies do take a pro-active stand to disseminate correct
and appropriate technical information and good construction practices to customers as well as all
concerned in the field like engineers, masons and contractors.
Future
While the cement consumption of the country is expected to be on an upward growth trajectory, the
changing landscape of Sri Lankas construction industry by default requires a better understanding of
the countrys cement industry. The ongoing pattern of infrastructure development and vertical growth
of major cities like Colombo also indicates more mechanized construction in line with the experience
of developed countries. Another welcoming change being observed is the increasing demand for
blended cements like Portland Pozzolana Cement, which are environmental friendly products and
help in achieving better durability when undertaking coastal construction in Sri Lanka.
Colombos metamorphosing skyline around areas like Galle road or Beira Lake on one side mirror the
growing opportunities and optimism in the economy while on the other side demands superior quality
of construction and good construction practices in order to assure sustainable growth hence the
importance of sourcing cement from trusted companies of impeccable reputation and commitment.
The cement industry in Sri Lanka is already at a surplus in terms of the capacity installed at present
and meeting the growing demand of cement would not be a source of concern at this point of time.
Key concerns at this stage would be awareness of industry information, dissemination of technical
know-how among all stakeholders and an appreciation for consistent quality especially in the trade
segment. A deficit of technical manpower, the increasing dependence of individual house builders on
small contractors and masons further reinforce the fact that awareness about key construction
material like cement and overall good construction practices is essential.
Conclusion
Cement, both from the range of product and services, available in Sri Lanka is well equipped for
strengthening the foundation of a nation which is slowly taking strides towards infrastructure
development and it is up to the customers and construction industry to derive the most from its
potential. Having appropriate information about it, is surely the first step in the right direction to unlock
its potential for superior quality and economical construction.
(The author is a cement and construction industry professional from India with extensive cross
functional industrial experience of nearly 20 years in different capacities of Project and Process
Management, Quality Control and Assurance, Strategic Management and Techno-commercial
Operations)
Lafarge Mahaweli Cement goes full steam ahead with Savi Piyasa housing
programme
13 May 2015
Sri Lanka: Lafarge Mahaweli Cement is on schedule with its Savi Piyasa housing programme and has now
partnered with nine leading brands in the construction sector and two commercial banks to add value to its
technical assistance scheme for individual homebuilders.
Under its 'Building Better Cities' theme, Lafarge has helped many families around the world to have better,
affordable housing facilities and hopes to provide decent housing to two million people worldwide by 2020.
In Sri Lanka, Lafarge has already provided architectural assistance to 220 families in the Western and
Northern Province. With the intention of providing even better options for its Savi Piyasa clients, Lafarge
has now entered into partnerships with several leading brands, enabling it to receive special discounts on a
large variety of building materials such as steel, paints, glass, PVC pipes, etc. Moreover, Lafarge has tied
up with commercial banks and microfinance institutions to provide their customers with easy access to loan
facilities.
"We started this programme a year ago and we have been getting a lot of positive feedback. A package
integrating architectural assistance, special discounts and financial facility has not been offered in Sri
Lanka before, so I am confident that the individual homebuilders in the country will find interest in this
turnkey solution," said Lafarge Mahaweli Cement managing director Anurag Kak.
Published in Global Cement News
Read more...
Tokyo Cement Lanka and Fuji Cement Lanka merged to form Tokyo Cement
Company (Lanka)
17 March 2015
Sri Lanka/Japan: Japanese cement producers in Sri Lanka Tokyo Cement Lanka and Fuji Cement Lanka
Limited have announced that they have merged under the terms of Section 242 (1) of the Companies Act
No 7 of 2007. The merger to create Tokyo Cement Company (Lanka) plc was completed on 13 March
2015.
Published in Global Cement News
Read more...
Workers in the production and transport sections are employed on a 12 hour shift system. Their basic
monthly wage is less than US$115. In the loading section, six workers have to load 4500 cement bags
during a 12 hour shift with the assistance of a conveyor belt. The workers on 'general duties' work nine
hour shifts and are on daily wages of US$16.02.
Holcim Lanka dominates has more than 40% of the local market. In the recent period, it has increased the
price of a 50kg bag of cement several times and profits have soared, even after paying the government's
increased taxes.
Published in Global Cement News
Read more...
Thatta Cement suspends Sri Lanka cement grinding and bagging plant
30 April 2014
Sri Lanka: Work on a Thatta Cement project in Sri Lanka has ended because the Sri Lanka Ports Authority
(SLPA) has not yet executed the Land Lease Agreement (LLA). Basic engineering for the cement grinding,
storing and bagging plant has been completed but the project has been suspended pending legal issues.
Thatta Cement secretary Taha Hamdani has complained to capital market regulators about the SLPA also
signing an agreement with another company whose operational area lies close to its cement project. It
appears to obstruct setting up of the cement project within the layout originally planned by the SLPA. The
company officials say further progress on the project would recommence 'as soon as LLA is signed with
SLPA'.
Published in Global Cement News
Read more...
Sri Lanka: Holcim Lanka has launched its fourth 'Holcim Village' in Akmeemana, Galle, in the south of the
island nation. Holcim said that by laying the foundation for this new Holcim Village, it demonstrates its
commitment towards its 'triple bottom line' of economic return, social responsibility and environmental
protection. The village at Akmeemana follows three previous projects carried out in Medirigiriya,
Eluwankulama and Puttalam.
The Holcim Village in Galle specifically addresses the needs of the community surrounding Ruhunu cement
works. The US$900,000 project will house 13 homeless families in fully fledged housing units with
electricity, water and access roads, upon completion.
Published in Global Cement News
Read more...
Read more...
The Hambantota project is also noteworthy because another Pakistan-based company, Thatta Cement,
announced in April 2013 that it had signed an agreement with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority to a build a
grinding and bagging plant at Hambantota. Also in 2013 the Nepali entrepreneur Binod Chaudhary
submitted a US$75m plan for a cement plant in the north of the island.
Of course all of this appears miniscule in comparison to the level of investment Semen Indonesia has
chalked up to spend between now and 2016: up to a whopping US$2bn.
Elsewhere in the news this week the price of extending a US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
deadline has revealed itself to be US$1.5m. Lafarge North America has succeeded in pushing back
pollution controls at its Ravena plant by over a year in exchange for interim limits and an investment in air
pollution projects in the local community. It's not a fine but the announcement follows other pollution-related
payments at cement plants run by Holcim and Ash Grove. Let's hope that any new plants in Sri Lanka
avoid these kind of payments.
Before joining Holcim, Philippe held various roles in construction project management and business
development for Lafarge Cement and Metso Minerals in Taiwan, USA, China and France. He holds a
Master's Degree in Civil Engineering from Ecole des Hautes Etudes Industrielles (Lille, France) and an
MBA from George Washington University (DC, USA).
Published in People
Read more...
By Ifham Nizam
Sri Lanka imports a staggering 75 per cent of its estimated consumption of some 5.8 million tons
of cement per annum and the worldwide import ratio is hardly four per cent, a top industry expert
said, adding that they were keen on facilitating cement use here in a self sufficient way.
Speaking at a discussion in Colombo titled Revitalising a growing construction industry in Sri
Lanka and promoting consumer education, organised by UltraTech Cement and the Institution of
Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL), UltraTech Cement Lanka General Manager Technical and Quality
Assurance- Sandeep Holey said that giving the product was not sufficient but that they make sure
to explain to consumers to go for the best product containing a very good chemical composition.
Sri Lanka imports cement from various plants in neighbouring countries like India, Vietnam,
Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.
UltraTech Cement Lanka will once again join hands with the Institution of Engineers of Sri Lanka
(IESL) to conduct Building Camps in the Galle district, staring March 8.
The Building Clinic is a public service initiative of the IESL which is being taken directly to the
public countrywide, by UltraTech Cement Lanka.
IESLs Civil Engineering Sectional Committee chairman Eng. Prabodha Jinasena said that the
Building Clinic is aimed at promoting consumer education and empowerment and giving
personalized construction advice to those unable to access expert information. The Building Clinic
is similar to a medical one.
He said individual home builders, contractors, masons and any interested persons attending the
clinic are welcomed by facilitating engineers who will direct them to the relevant expert
workstation, based on the nature of their query or clarification.
The senior engineer also said that the panel of professionals on call at the Building Clinic will offer
advice on an entire range of construction related areas, such as, land selection, geo- technical
issues, building services, structural designs, electrical, plumbing and sewage related issues.
A Building Clinic was held in Maharagama earlier this year.
According to Holey, Sri Lankas construction landscape has seen an upward trend over the past
few years due to urbanisation, economic development and increased consumer spending across
the construction industry.
Building construction, highways, bridges, water supply and drainage, irrigation, dredging and
reclamation are some of the predominant aspects of the industry which have contributed to this
boom and are slowly changing the face of Sri Lankas landscape.
He believes in the backdrop of this entire large-scale infrastructure, it is notable that individual
home-building is also on the rise. While large-scale construction is overseen by relevant technical
expertise and guided appropriately, this technical know-how and best construction practices
should also be made accessible to sections of home-builders who are unable to afford this
expertise to truly revitalize the construction industry.
Jinasena added that the majority of home-builders prefer to build their houses on their own
going as far as directly buying all raw material and designing and building with the help of hired
labour, lacking in technical expertise. In the past, houses were constructed solely by masons
(baases), whose knowledge was acquired not through technical training but through work
experience. This building trend is one that persists even today.
"We are living with the hope that the new government will come up with a drastic policy direction
for the construction and cement industry which would bring momentum back to the industry,
otherwise it will be very difficult to survive, UltraTech Cement Lanka Ltd. Chief Executive Kiran
Redkar said.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
cause of the company. Top materials: ebook: 75 interview questions with answers, top 7
cover letter samples, top 8 resume samples. Free pdf download
6. What do you know about our company? Follow these three easy research tips before
your next job interview: 1) Visit the company website; look in the about us section and
careers sections 2) Visit the companys LinkedIn page (note, you must have a LinkedIn
account its free to sign up) to view information about the company 3) Google a
keyword search phrase like press releases followed by the company name; youll find
the most recent news stories shared by the company Remember, just because you have
done your homework, it does not mean you need to share ALL of it during the interview!
Reciting every fact youve learned is almost as much of a turn off as not knowing
anything at all! At a minimum, you should include the following in your answer: 1. What
type of product or service the company sells 2. How long the company has been in
business 3. What the company culture is like OR what the company mission statement is,
and how the culture and/or mission relate to your values or personality Top materials:
ebook: 75 interview questions with answers, top 7 cover letter samples, top 8 resume
samples. Free pdf download
7. Why do you want to work with us? More likely than not, the interviewer wishes to see
how much you know about the company culture, and whether you can identify with the
organizations values and vision. Every organization has its strong points, and these are
the ones that you should highlight in your answer. For example, if the company
emphasizes on integrity with customers, then you mention that you would like to be in
such a team because you yourself believe in integrity. It doesnt have to be a lie. In the
case that your values are not in line with the ones by the company, ask yourself if you
would be happy working there. If you have no issue with that, go ahead. But if you are
aware of the company culture and realize that there is some dilemma you might be
facing, you ought to think twice. The best policy is to be honest with yourself, and be
honest with the interviewer with what is it in the company culture that motivates you. Top
materials: ebook: 75 interview questions with answers, top 7 cover letter samples, top 8
resume samples. Free pdf download
8. What kind of salary do you need? A loaded question. A nasty little game that you will
probably lose if you answer first. So, do not answer it. Instead, say something like, Thats
a tough question. Can you tell me the range for this position? In most cases, the
interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not, say that it can depend on the details of
the job. Then give a wide range. Top materials: ebook: 75 interview questions with
answers, top 7 cover letter samples, top 8 resume samples. Free pdf download
9. Do you have any questions to ask us? Never ask Salary, perks, leave, place of
posting, etc. regarded questions. Try to ask more about the company to show how early
you can make a contribution to your organization like Sir, with your kind permission I
would like to know more about induction and developmental programs? OR Sir, I would
like to have my feedback, so that I can analyze and improve my strengths and rectify my
shortcomings. Top materials: ebook: 75 interview questions with answers, top 7 cover
letter samples, top 8 resume samples. Free pdf download
10. Top useful job materials for marketing and promotions officer interview: The below
materials are availabe at: topinterviewquestions.info Free ebook: 75 interview questions
and answers Top 12 secrets to win every job interviews Top 36 situational interview
questions 440 behavioral interview questions 95 management interview questions and
answers 30 phone interview questions Top 8 interview thank you letter samples 290
competency based interview questions 45 internship interview questions Top 7 cover
letter samples Top 8 resume samples Top 15 ways to search new jobs Top materials:
ebook: 75 interview questions with answers, top 7 cover letter samples, top 8 resume
samples. Free pdf download
11. Other interview tips for marketing and promotions officer interview 1. Practice types of
job interview such as screening interview, phone interview, second interview, situational
interview, behavioral interview (competency based), technical interview, group
interview 2. Send interview thank you letter to employers after finishing the job
interview: first interview, follow-up interview, final interview. 3. If you want more interview
questions for entry-level, internship, freshers, experienced candidates, you can ref free
ebook: 75 interview questions and answers. 4. Prepare list of questions in order to ask
the employer during job interview. 5. Note: This file is available for free download. Top
materials: ebook: 75 interview questions with answers, top 7 cover letter samples, top 8
resume samples. Free pdf download