IIT constructs low cost housing
Posted on: 08/Jun/2013 5:32:35 PM
IIT Madras has built a house using Australian technology that will reduce the cost of construction drastically. Instead of regular construction materials, they have used a material known as glass fibre reinforced gypsum (GFRG). The cost to build anything using this material is Rs. 1250 per sq. ft. as compared to Rs. 1500 per sq. ft. using regular materials.
Says Prof. Devdas Menon of the Civil Engineering Dept., �The model building is made of panels, known as glass fibre-reinforced gypsum (GFRG). These panels are made of gypsum, combined with special additives and glass fibres. For construction, the panels are cut to desired sizes based on room dimensions, with openings made for doors and windows. This makes the construction process faster� Builders also need to come forward because there is a huge demand for this kind of construction. It will not only bring down the use of energy-intensive material such as sand or cement, but will also provide sustainable, affordable housing to people.�
