Home is our identity. An excellent House is an alliance of rooms with precisely defined entry and exit point.

In this article we are discussing on what vastu is? And why should we follow vastu?

The meaning of vastu is dwelling, which is the home for god and humans. Vastu shastra depends on different energies that originates from atmosphere like solar energy from sun, cosmic energy, lunar energy, thermal energy, magnetic energy, light energy, wind energy.

These energies can be adjusted to upgrade peace, prosperity and achievements. Vastu is important in such a way that if a house is made according to these principles, the inmates enjoy all the happiness in life and for a well-balanced life.

It’s a fact to say that buildings and even the land on which a building is erected has vibrations of energy associated with it. Some energies are positive (with pleasing effects) while others are negative (having terrible effects) on us. What Vastu does?

Vastu targets to eliminate negative and enhance positive energy present at a place or location so that a person, family or even business inhabiting a building become prosperous and progressive. Besides, vastu principles encourage all divine powers to increase one’s positive thinking and progressive actions.

I guess all are now clear about vastu. Now, can anyone tell how did it originates? What’s your take on vastu? What do you want to know about vastu?  Leave comment.

Stay tuned for further updates about vastu…

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Like us on Facebook :- https://www.facebook.com/SanghiCement
Follow us on Linkedin :- https://www.linkedin.com/company/sanghi-industries-ltd
Subscribe us on Youtube :- https://www.youtube.com/SanghiIndustries-Ltd
For any Inquiry visit :- http://www.sanghicement.com/inquiry-form
Contact us on Whatsapp :- +91-79-26838000

Proper place for cement storage, duration, arrangement, atmospheric moisture content etc. is necessary after the process of manufacturing and before using it in the construction site.Storage of cement should be done with care as due to cement hygroscopic nature, the cement absorbs moisture from the atmosphere very actively and hardens like stone which cannot be used for constructional purpose. 
During storing of cement precautions should be taken against atmospheric moisture content, duration of cement storage, place of storage, arranging cement bags, withdrawal of cement bags.Moisture content is dangerous for cement. Presence of moisture in cement will make cement useless so it should be stored that it cannot expose to the atmosphere. The absorption of moisture from atmosphere will also depends up on the quality of cement. If the cement is finely grained and very good in quality, then it will absorb moisture vigorously. Hence, extra care should be taken for this type of cement and it is better use it in its fresh stage.
Longer the time reduces the strength of cement. It is preferred that the cement should not be stored for more than 3 months. If cement is stored for longer time then strength will decrease and it can be reactivated by vibro grinding methods. Vibro grinding improves fineness quality of long period stored cement and make it fit for the constructional purpose.
The bags of cement should not be stored in open places. Preferably specially designed storage sheds are good for cement storage. They can be used for longer periods.
The cement bags should be arranged one above the other which forms stack of cement bags. This arrangements should be done on wooden platforms.
When the time of using arrives, Withdrawal of cement bags from stacks happens. The cement bags should be taken out in such a way that the bag first placed in storage shed should be withdrawal first.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Like us on Facebook :- https://www.facebook.com/SanghiCement
Follow us on Linkedin :- https://www.linkedin.com/company/sanghi-industries-ltd
Subscribe us on Youtube :- https://www.youtube.com/SanghiIndustries-Ltd
For any Inquiry visit :- http://www.sanghicement.com/inquiry-form
Contact us on Whatsapp :- +91-79-26838000

Very interesting and curious subject. What do we do if we need to talk to someone or getting bored? We just either turn on the television or call someone. Right? So, we cna say that we are living with the gadgets almost 24 hours. What if you will get luxury to switch on or switch off the gadgets by just one click sitting at any place? What if not just computers and smartphones, but everything clocks, speakers, lights, doorbells, cameras, windows, window blinds, hot water heaters, appliances, cooking utensils all connect through internet and they all could communicate, send you information, and take your commands? Sounds great..That thought even gave us tremendous joy. Am I right? By the way, this is happening now a days. It is real. Smart home offers to run gadgets on your command.https://www.youtube.com/embed/3QAC2Cmswj0?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

It’s a feeling like a king. You just need to command and everything is sorted out. Any device in your home that uses electricity can be put on your home network and at your command. Whether you give that command by voice, remote control, tablet or smartphone, the home reacts. Smart home applications usually comprise the set up of lighting, home security, home theater and entertainment, and thermostat regulation. The first contemporary Smart home technology products became available to consumers between 1998 and the early 2000s. Smart home technology allows users to control and monitor their connected home devices from smart home apps, smartphones or from other networked devices. Users can remotely control connected home systems whether they are home or away. This allows for more efficient energy and electric use as well as ensuring your home is secure.

Below are the all devices of smart home technology.

• Wireless speaker systems
• Thermostats
• Home security & monitoring systems
• Domestic robots
• Smoke/CO detectors
• Lighting
• Home energy use monitors
• Door locks
• Refrigerators
• Laundry machines
• Water detectors

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Like us on Facebook :- https://www.facebook.com/SanghiCement
Follow us on Linkedin :- https://www.linkedin.com/company/sanghi-industries-ltd
Subscribe us on Youtube :- https://www.youtube.com/SanghiIndustries-Ltd
For any Inquiry visit :- http://www.sanghicement.com/inquiry-form
Contact us on Whatsapp :- +91-79-26838000

First let’s understand what is compressive strength and why testing is important?

Compressive strength is the ability of material or structure to carry the loads on its surface without any crack or deflection. A material under compression tends to reduce the size, while in tension, size elongates. Compressive strength depends on many factors such as water-cement ratio, cement strength, quality of concrete material and quality control during the production of concrete, etc.

The compressive strength of the concrete cube test provides an idea about all the characteristics of concrete. So it is important to carry out the test on the field. Many cement companies have started their mobile concrete van for site testing to serve better and its boon for Construction industry because cement and concrete are the key materials for construction. This mobile lab provides technology straight to you. Now we understand how tests to be done.

Firstly, this mobile concrete lab goes to the respective site. Then concrete samples have been taken and poured in the mould. Generally cubical mould of size 15cm x 15cm x 15cm are commonly used. 10cm X 10cm x 10cm can also be used that depends on the size of aggregate. Then poured concrete in the moulds are tempered so as not to have any voids. After 24 hours, moulds are removed and specimen are put in water for curing. By applying cement paste to the whole area of specimen we can get smooth and even surface and it is necessary to have it.

These specimens are tested by compression testing machine after seven days curing or 28 days curing. In this testing procedure load should be applied gradually at the rate of 140 kg/cm2 per minute till the specimens fails and value of load during the time of failure is noted. This load divided by the area of specimen gives the compressive strength of concrete.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Like us on Facebook :- https://www.facebook.com/SanghiCement
Follow us on Linkedin :- https://www.linkedin.com/company/sanghi-industries-ltd
Subscribe us on Youtube :- https://www.youtube.com/SanghiIndustries-Ltd
For any Inquiry visit :- http://www.sanghicement.com/inquiry-form
Contact us on Whatsapp :- +91-79-26838000

If you are working with concrete then you must have a complete set of tools to get the job done. Even if for successful pouring and prevent any disaster these tools are very important. So here are the list of the necessary tools which do not require much investment.

Mixers

When you are working with raw concrete, this tool becomes must. Mixer allows you to mix concrete at construction site. Concrete mixing makes it highly durable and ensures maximum strength.

Screeds

Screed in concrete construction is a flat board used to smoothen the concrete after it has been placed over a surface. Screeds are available in different sizes. Screeds are long, straight tubes or boards.

Rubber Gloves

Concrete contains chemicals and admixtures that can harm the skin if kept in contact for longer time. Thus while concreting it is necessary to wear the gloves.

Rubber Boots

Rubber boots are the perfect one to protect your skin from irritation due to concrete. It is important for concrete workers to choose footwear that is not only waterproof and resistant to chemicals, but that is also comfortable to wear.

Wheelbarrows

This equipment is used to carry small amount of concrete or tools to one place to another. They are also useful for taking concrete samples for slump tests or other assessment.

Shovels

It is the important tool. No concrete job can be done without shovels. It is useful to fill voids and depression after concrete pouring. They are also useful to fill buckets with sand, fill wheelbarrows and also for mixing concrete and cleaning spills.

Bucket

Bucket is useful for pouring in very dry and humid conditions. While finishing process a small amount of water added makes the concrete more manageable.

Floats

Floats are useful to fill the voids with ease in such case where voids may still exist on a freshly poured concrete surface after screeding.

Groove Cutter

To prevent damage from shrinkage and cracking, concrete surface grooving is required. It is used to create control joints on sidewalks, walkways, driveways, and residential slabs, where a concrete saw typically is not used.

Saws

It is used sometimes to cut control joints when concrete is hardening. Also used in demolition and removal of old concrete.

Vibrators

It helps to release air pockets and excess water from a poured concrete mix. Vibrators are available in large variety and you can choose something that suits your preferences.

Laser Level

It is the tool for leveling forms and setting their elevation. They’re also useful for establishing or checking the height of embedded pieces, such as bolts and other anchors.

Tape Measures

Tape measures will help you measure slab depths and concrete form and also for mapping and testing placement.

Make sure gather all necessary above described tools to start any concrete work.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Like us on Facebook :- https://www.facebook.com/SanghiCement
Follow us on Linkedin :- https://www.linkedin.com/company/sanghi-industries-ltd
Subscribe us on Youtube :- https://www.youtube.com/SanghiIndustries-Ltd
For any Inquiry visit :- http://www.sanghicement.com/inquiry-form
Contact us on Whatsapp :- +91-79-26838000

Cement manufacturing process involves various raw materials and processes. Cement is a greenish grey coloured powder, made of calcined mixtures of clay and limestone. When mixed with water becomes a hard and strong building material.
It was first introduced by a British stone mason, Joseph Aspdin in 1824, who cooked cement in his kitchen. He heated a mixture of limestone and clay powder in his kitchen, and grind the mixture into powder creating cement, that hardens when mixed with water.
Cement is first used in the tunnel construction in the Thames River in 1828.

Manufacturing Process of Cement

There are four stages in this whole process.
• Mixing of raw material
• Burning
• Grinding
• Storage and packaging

Mixing of raw material

Calcium, Silicon, Iron and Aluminium are the raw materials used majorly in manufacture of cement. There are two methods of mixing. Dry Process and Wet Process.

• Dry Process: The both calcareous and argillaceous raw materials are firstly crushed in the gyratory crushers to get 2-5cm size pieces separately. The crushed materials are again grinded to get fine particles into ball or tube mill. After screening this finely grinded materials are stored in hopper. Then powdered minerals are mixed and dry raw mix is stored in silos and ready to be sent into rotary kiln.
• Wet Process : In this process first raw materials are crushed and made into powdered form and stored in silos. Then clay is washed and sticky organic matters are removed. Then powdered limestone and water washed clay are sent to flow in the channels and transfer to grinding mills where they are completely mixed and the paste is formed. Then grinding process is done in a ball or tube mill or even both. Then the slurry is led into collecting basin where composition can be adjusted. The slurry contains around 38-40% water that is stored in storage tanks and kept ready for the rotary kiln.

Burning of Raw Materials
This process is carried out in rotary kiln while the raw materials are rotated at 1-2rpm at its longitudinal axis. The raw mix of dry process of corrected slurry of wet process is injected into the kiln from the upper end. Powdered coal or oil or hot gases are used to be heated up from the lower end of the kiln so that the long hot flames is produced. The lower part (clinkering zone) have temperature in between 1500-1700 degree Celsius where lime and clay are reacts to yielding calcium aluminates and calcium silicates. This aluminates and silicates of calcium fuse to gather to form small and hard stones are known as clinkers. The size of the clinker is varies from 5-10mm. The clinker coming from the burning zone are very hot. To bring down the temperature of clinkers, air is admitted in counter current direction at the base of the rotary kiln. The cooled clinkers are collected in small trolleys.

Grinding of clinkers
The cooled clinkers are received from the cooling pans and sent into mills. The clinkers are grinded finely into powder in ball mill or tube mill. Powdered gypsum is added around 2-3% as retarding agent during final grinding. The final obtained product is cement that does not settle quickly when comes in contact with water. After the initial setting time of the cement, the cement becomes stiff and the gypsum retards the dissolution of tri-calcium aluminates by forming tricalciumsulfoaluminate which is insoluble and prevents too early further reactions of setting and hardening.

Storage and packaging
The grinded cement is stored in silos, from which it is marketed either in container load or 50kg bags.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Like us on Facebook :- https://www.facebook.com/SanghiCement
Follow us on Linkedin :- https://www.linkedin.com/company/sanghi-industries-ltd
Subscribe us on Youtube :- https://www.youtube.com/SanghiIndustries-Ltd
For any Inquiry visit :- http://www.sanghicement.com/inquiry-form
Contact us on Whatsapp :- +91-79-26838000

This technology and its uses in construction materials and products make it so progressive in the construction industry. Products developed from this method gain extraordinary functionalities.  Now a days main focus and gain benefits from this technology is that how can we get sustainable building materials using nanotechnology.

Product which is made from this nanotechnology gain unique characteristic. It is used in materials like cement, concrete, glass, paint etc.

In ready mix concrete micro-silica or nano silica is highly suggested to use as it will increases mechanical properties, durability and elasticity of concrete. When we are using micro silica in concrete it will reduce cement requirement thus reduces amount of energy consumption and CO2 emission.

It is used in construction materials, for repair works and for fire protections.

Use of Nanomaterials with Construction Materials

Use of nanomaterials in cement and concrete is one of the popular solutions from nanotechnology.  It will help in increase strength and durability of concrete. In addition to that it will help to improve hardness of concrete and ductility of concrete.

Silica, Nano clays, Nano Iron(Fe2O3), Nano Alumina Al2O3, CuO, Zinc Oxides, Titanium Oxides etc. are the nanomaterials used with cement and concrete.

The silicon dioxide nanoparticles help to increase the compactness and assembly of the concrete.

Copper nano particle used with steel helps to smoothen the steel surface. This smooth surface avoids the chnaces of cracking and prevents fatigue cracking.

Next innovation is the use of nanomaterials with glass. The combination permits the windows to gain property to regulate the amount of light passing through it and the building walls. It is hence a means of energy conservation as it reduces heat loss.

Use of Nanotechnology for Repair

The property of nanostructures to self-heal harmed surfaces of the structures leads huge advantage in construction industry. The use of nanosensors in structures helps to foresee the existing failures in the structures. A concrete mix that has cracks are slowly recovered by a healing agent released by the rupture of microcapsules.

Use of Nanotechnology for fire protection

Nanotechnology can be used as starch-based coatings, nanofiber mats, hydrogels, and Polyetherimide nanocomposites foams to increase fire resistance.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Like us on Facebook :- https://www.facebook.com/SanghiCement
Follow us on Linkedin :- https://www.linkedin.com/company/sanghi-industries-ltd
Subscribe us on Youtube :- https://www.youtube.com/SanghiIndustries-Ltd
For any Inquiry visit :- http://www.sanghicement.com/inquiry-form
Contact us on Whatsapp :- +91-79-26838000

Can you ever imagine that your walls will illuminate the room without using any electric power? Have you ever thought that it’s easy to drive and walk on the roads in the middle of the night without any street lights? Well, it’s time to believe that construction technology has emerged in a way that you have never imagined. Innovation of light emitting cement is a new innovative and energy-efficient construction material which can produce light without any energy sources, save money and environment.

The cement can act as a light source for dark walkways without creating light pollution which disturbs wildlife and humans alike. Equally it is charged by natural light from the sun, just like solar powered lights you’d get in a garden.

How it is different form conventional cement?

The raw materials used for this material are silica, river sand, industrial waste, alkali and water. This process can be done at room temperature which includes the polycondensation of raw materials that doesn’t require much energy consumption. The chemical reaction between cement dust and water produces a strong and resistant mixture that looks like a gel along with some unwanted crystal flakes.

Cement is a binding material with excellent cohesive properties and possesses an opaque body which does not allow the passage of light penetrate inside the material.

Adding certain additives during manufacturing, scientists modified the optical properties of the material to make it phosphorescent. However, it is manufactured like ordinary cement, but the change in the microscopic structure creates a noncrystalline structure identical to the glass that allows passage of light inside.

This helps to save on electricity costs. It can be used to light up the footpaths, swimming pools, interior rooms, and roadways, etc.

Additives in this cement which make it phosphorescent material is absorb energy from the sun, in indoors from lights or lamps, and later they emit light in dark hours. As the material energises every  

It acts as a light source in the places where scarcity of power is there like roadways in the forest or in some remote areas where there is no availability of power. You can use this material in buildings, especially in bathrooms and garden paths.

It is currently available in two colours- blue and green, and the intensity of light can be adjusted during the making process.

Even it’s an eco-friendly also as the gel is made out of sand, dust, clay and water. The material has an estimated life span of 100 years because of the inorganic nature of the cement components. This new material is sun-resistant and more durable compared with other phosphorescent materials like plastics or paints, which decay with UV rays in the long run.

These types of innovations are turning up the trends in construction industry and technologies are evolving to the next level.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Like us on Facebook :- https://www.facebook.com/SanghiCement
Follow us on Linkedin :- https://www.linkedin.com/company/sanghi-industries-ltd
Subscribe us on Youtube :- https://www.youtube.com/SanghiIndustries-Ltd
For any Inquiry visit :- http://www.sanghicement.com/inquiry-form
Contact us on Whatsapp :- +91-79-26838000

In this digital era, Each and every one has to adept digital media so as construction industry also. How hard construction industry tries to hold on to the traditional methods for execution doesn’t matter, the increasing complexities and intricacies of construction sites are going to bend it down eventually unless the industry makes itself adept with all the necessary digital software.This pandemic has given the opportunity to learn the software and this updation in your resume will help you in your career.
Here is a list of important software, a civil engineer must know.

Microsoft Excel
As we all are well educated, we know how to use it but it is bigger than you imagine. Spreadsheet programs are used to perform routine calculations in engineering especially for repetitive calculations that do not need sophisticated programming. Sophisticated programming can be performed inside Excel by using Visual Basic for Applications.

Microsoft Project
Microsoft Project is used in various aspects like, CPM building, planning activities, setting baselines, assigning resources to various tasks, resource levelling, assigning costs to various activities and monitoring. In short it can be used from the inception of the project to the completion of the project.

Primavera
Primavera P6 Professional Projects Management is a powerful yet easy-to-use solution for planning, managing, and executing projects and programs. You can even add information about your company, employees, and functions assigned to them, etc.

AutoCAD
AutoCAD is the go-to tool for creating and testing 3D models and designs and is used by civil engineers, architects, and graphic artists. With AutoCAD, you get access to seamless workflows, specialized industry toolsets, and new automation to help you achieve the ultimate productivity in 2D and 3D design.

ArcGIS
Civil engineers work with a voluminous amount of data from a variety of sources. Geographic information system (GIS) technology provides the tools for creating, managing, analyzing, and visualizing the data associated with developing and managing infrastructure.

STAAD Pro
STAAD Pro is one of the most widely used structural analysis and design software products worldwide. STAAD Pro is a comprehensive and integrated finite element analysis and design offering, including a state-of-the-art user interface, visualization tools, and international design codes.

Revit
Revit not only captures the reality but it’s also the ultimate tool to convey the project ideas and scopes to the clients. This all-important software has got some fascinating features such as walkthrough, rendering, etc. where you can represent the reality of the buildings, interior, and structure virtually. 

Navisworks
Navisworks is not a 3D modeling program but a program that converts large REVIT 3D model files into smaller 3D models that are far more manageable for a multitude of team members. Navisworks is a powerful desktop application that can filter and separate specific model information.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Like us on Facebook :- https://www.facebook.com/SanghiCement
Follow us on Linkedin :- https://www.linkedin.com/company/sanghi-industries-ltd
Subscribe us on Youtube :- https://www.youtube.com/SanghiIndustries-Ltd
For any Inquiry visit :- http://www.sanghicement.com/inquiry-form
Contact us on Whatsapp :- +91-79-26838000

What is good construction practices? And how important is it? We all are curious to know when we read this term. So let us discuss on that.

Good construction practices means the generally recognized and accepted reasonable and prudent practices, methods, skill, care, techniques.

Why this practice should be followed? So here the answer is…

Good construction practices and technique should be followed to prevent occurrence of structural damages that may occur during occupancy and with age of the structure. When structure is being constructed it has to go through the various stages and it equally important that to make sure that the structure being constructed will not experience damage under any general circumstances. Development of crack in is the first sign of damage and this not only reduce its strength but will also harm structure and to the extent it may collapse. So it is very important for the civil engineers to ensure good construction practices are followed at every stage of construction to prevent structural damage and failure of the structure.

Following are the good construction practices and techniques that shall be followed for good quality and durable construction of structure:

• Masonry work
• Concrete work
• RCC frame work
• Plastering
• Concrete and terrazzo floor
• RCC Lintels
• RCC roof slab
• Provision of glazed, terrazzo or marble tile on vertical surface
• RCC work in exposed condition
• Finish on wall
• Pace of construction
• Provision of reinforcement for thermal stresses
• Extension of existing building
• Rich cement treatment on external walls
• Movement joints
• Filling in plinth

In next article of Good construction practices will discuss on each and every aspect.

Has anyone meet this kind of failure in their construction journey? Share your experience in comment box.

                                                                                                            To be continued…

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Like us on Facebook :- https://www.facebook.com/SanghiCement
Follow us on Linkedin :- https://www.linkedin.com/company/sanghi-industries-ltd
Subscribe us on Youtube :- https://www.youtube.com/SanghiIndustries-Ltd
For any Inquiry visit :- http://www.sanghicement.com/inquiry-form
Contact us on Whatsapp :- +91-79-26838000

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

To read more interesting blogs,
Subscribe us on
:- https://bloggershrutidoshi.wordpress.com/

Blog Written by
Shruti Doshi
Technical Officer – Sanghi Cement & Blogger
shrutidoshi.1492@gmail.com

Blog Managed by
Nirav Pandya
Digital Marketing Officer – Sanghi Cement
nirav.pandya@sanghicement.com

Share this: