23Apr02dch1

Deccan Herald Dated April 23, 2002

Cost-effective housing

Technology/ Use of coir in the development of pre-fabricated building material components
for constructing cost-effective houses in quake-prone zones is soon to become a reality

With traditional building materials industry under pressure and unable to cope with the increasing
demand, there is growing concern globally for promoting alternate building materials, especially for
quake-prone areas, scientists say.
The local resources based on wastes from industry, agriculture byproducts and various natural fibre have
showed good potential for developing composite building materials.
Coconut fibre is available in vast amounts in the costal belt of India as agriculture byproduct. Some of its
available quantities are used for making coir-mats, ropes, cushions et al. Most of it remains under
utilized,and is becoming an environmental hazard in the country, they say.
Latest scientific techniques developed at the prestigious Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) in
Roorkee (Uttaranchal) have showed good potential for utilizing this high value fibre in the development of
pre-fabricated building material components for constructing cost-effective houses in quake-prone zones,
says M S Kalra, a top scientist at the institute.
To exploit the vast potential of coconut fibre, the CBRI is holding talks with Coir Board, Kochi, to develop
the building material on cheaper rate for building houses in highly quake-prone areas like Uttaranchal,
Gujarat and Kerala.
“A brick costs Rs 2.50 in the market. But if we develop this coconut fibre-cement mixed brick, it will cost
just Rs two in the market,” says Kalra. A representative of the Coir Board recently held talks with CBRI
officials at the Institute here. “Talks were constructive, let’s wait for the outcome,” says V K Mathur,
Director of the CBRI, who took the initiative of writing a letter to the Coir Board Chairman C Fernandez on
the issue.
“The concept of using coir fibre in building construction material will help effective uitlisation of this
valuable resource and promote the use of new materials in construction activities with a number of
advantages,” says Mathur in his letter to Fernandez.
CBRI has developed process know-how and a semi mechanized plant for production of building
components from coir fibre and cement, says Mathur. Coir fibre, ordinary Portland cement and chemical
admixtures are the main raw materials required for the production of coir fibre reinforced cement
composites building components, says Kalra.

Shishir Prashant
DH News Service