Naif Engineering & Builders Leads the Charge: PP Fibers for Stronger, More Sustainable Concrete Structures in Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s construction industry is experiencing a phenomenal surge. From towering skyscrapers to intricate architectural marvels, concrete reigns supreme as the building material of choice. But with this growth comes the constant quest for innovation and improvement. Enter PP fibers, a revolutionary material poised to disrupt the way concrete is reinforced. Pioneered in Bangladesh by Naif Engineering and Builders Ltd. (Top Construction Company in Bangladesh), PP fibers are ushering in a new era of lighter, stronger, and more versatile concrete structures.

Why Rethink Rebar, the Traditional King?

For generations, steel rebar has been the undisputed champion of concrete reinforcement. Its undeniable strength provides the backbone for countless structures. However, steel rebar also comes with limitations:

  • Corrosion Concerns: Steel is susceptible to rust, especially in Bangladesh’s humid climate and coastal regions. This corrosion weakens the rebar and ultimately compromises the integrity of the concrete structure.
  • Weighty Woes: Steel rebar’s bulky nature can be cumbersome for intricate designs or thin concrete applications. Constructing buildings with intricate architectural elements or delicate concrete features becomes a challenge.
  • Design Dilemma: The inflexibility of steel rebar restricts design freedom. Creating aesthetically pleasing or innovative concrete structures becomes difficult with traditional rebar methods.

Types of Fiber in Concrete

While PP fibers are a game-changer, they are not the only fiber used in concrete reinforcement. Here’s a quick breakdown of some common types, alongside a helpful image for reference:

Types of Fiber in Concrete
  • Macro Fibers: These are the longest fibers used in concrete reinforcement, offering superior crack control and improved impact resistance. They are particularly effective in enhancing the flexural strength and toughness of hardened concrete.
  • Micro Fibers: These are short, straight fibers primarily used to control plastic shrinkage cracks in fresh concrete. They are well-dispersed throughout the mix and help minimize the formation of cracks as the concrete sets.
  • Microfiber-PP (Polypropylene): A specific type of microfiber made from polypropylene. They offer similar benefits to general microfibers but can also improve the overall crack control in hardened concrete due to their unique properties.
  • Polypropylene (PP) Fiber: As discussed earlier, these are short, chopped fibers that provide good crack control and are a versatile option for various concrete applications. They come in different variations like monofilament (single, straight fibers) and fibrillated (tiny nets of PP fibers) to cater to specific needs.

PP Fibers: A Lightweight Champion Emerges

Naif Engineering and Builders Ltd. is at the forefront of a new wave of construction technology by introducing PP fibers to Bangladesh. Polypropylene (PP) fibers are synthetic fibers strategically mixed into concrete. These short, chopped fibers offer a surprising array of benefits:

PP Fibers: A Lightweight Champion Emerges
  • Crack Minimization: PP fibers don’t prevent cracks entirely, but they act like microscopic bridges, holding the concrete together and minimizing crack size. This significantly reduces the entry points for water, salt, and harmful chemicals, extending the lifespan of the concrete structure in Bangladesh’s challenging environment.
  • Lightweight Champion: Compared to steel, PP fibers are significantly lighter. This translates to easier transportation, handling, and potentially reduced construction costs, making them ideal for large-scale projects.
  • Design Flexibility: Unlike bulky rebar, PP fibers offer greater design freedom. They are ideal for intricate architectural elements or thin concrete applications where traditional rebar might be impractical. This opens doors for innovative and aesthetically pleasing structures to grace the Bangladeshi skyline.

Cost Considerations: Striking a Balance

While PP fibers offer numerous advantages, they aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Here’s a breakdown of the pricing comparison to consider:

  • Steel Rebar: Prices fluctuate based on market demands and material costs. However, as a well-established material, rebar often enjoys a more stable price point.
  • PP Fibers: The cost of PP fibers can vary depending on the fiber length, type, and desired dosage. Generally, incorporating PP fibers increases the concrete cost by 10-15%.

The Verdict: When PP Fibers Shine

PP fibers are not a direct replacement for steel rebar in every scenario. However, they excel in specific situations, making them a valuable addition to Bangladesh’s construction toolbox:

  • Thin Slabs & Shells: For applications like concrete countertops, pavements, or architectural facades, PP fibers effectively minimize cracking and offer design flexibility, perfect for the growing demand for modern and stylish buildings in Bangladesh.
  • Corrosion-Prone Environments: In areas with high humidity or salt exposure, such as coastal regions, PP fibers’ resistance to corrosion makes them a valuable alternative to rust-prone steel rebar. This ensures the longevity of structures in Bangladesh’s diverse climate.
  • Secondary Reinforcement: When used in conjunction with strategically placed rebar, PP fibers can provide additional crack control and enhance the overall strength of the concrete structure. This allows for a more efficient use of materials and potentially reduces construction costs.
The practical scenario of PP fibers

Naif Engineering and Builders Ltd.: Leading the Way with PP Fiber Innovation

Naif Engineering and Builders Ltd. (NEABL) (www.neabl.com) has taken a bold step forward by being the first company to introduce PP fibers in Bangladesh. Having successfully implemented PP fibers in several projects throughout the country, they are demonstrating the real-world benefits of this revolutionary material. This paves the way for a new era of sustainable, durable, and visually stunning concrete structures in Bangladesh.

The Final Word: A Brighter Future for Bangladesh’s Construction Industry

PP fibers represent a significant advancement in concrete reinforcement. While they might not replace rebar entirely, they offer a lighter, more versatile option for specific applications. By understanding their advantages, limitations, and cost considerations, engineers, architects, and construction professionals across Bangladesh can make informed decisions, pushing the boundaries of concrete design and construction. This paves the way for a future where Bangladesh’s built environment is not only strong and functional but also innovative and aesthetically pleasing.

TOA Corporation Taps Naif Engineering & Builders Ltd. as Key Partner for Construction of Singer’s Largest Home Appliance Factory in Bangladesh

It brings us great pleasure, as Naif Engineering & Builders Ltd., to announce that we are working on constructing the project “Home Appliances Plant Con. Singer (BD)” at Araihazar, Narayanganj, Dhaka.

The company “Singer Bangladesh Limited” owns and funds it. Singer Bangladesh Limited is a Multi-National Company operating since 1905 in Bangladesh. It is a Retail Company marketing and manufacturing multi-brand and multi product consumer durable products. It was incorporated as a Private Limited company in 1979 and converted into a Public Limited Company in 1983 by offering shares to the public. It has the largest chain of retail stores branded as Singer Plus, Singer Mega & Singer Pro.

Singer Bangladesh Limited appointed Japanese company “TOA CORPORATION” as the main contractor. Furthermore, we are grateful to TOA Corporation for giving us the opportunity to take part in this project as the primary subcontractor for the “Home Appliances Plant Con. Singer (BD)”.

Since its founding in 1908, TOA CORPORATION has worked on projects such as dredging and reclamation for the construction of harbors and the facilities that go with them, designing and building buildings along the coast, and building airports, marine recreation areas, distribution warehouses, factories, and power plants.
TOA has completed several projects for urban development, commercial buildings, hotels, medical, educational, cultural, and residential facilities using cutting-edge technology, and has established a solid reputation for each and every design, execution of construction, and upkeep.

Project Specifics:
135,000 square meter total area, Economic zone.
Manufacturing facility for Singer is part of the project.

Consultancy and construction are the two main aspects of our activity.

Facility from us:

  • Own “Vehicle Equipment” for mobilization and quicker work
  • Own “Ready-Mix Plant” for casting
  • Own “Total-Station” & Experienced Surveyor
  • Own “Pre-cast Pile Driving” facility
  • Own Highly Experienced Civil Engineers

Volume of work
– Area Under Survey: More Than 134,998.387 square meter Square Feet
Greater than 300,000 cubic feet of ready-mix concrete.

Working process:

1. Earth cutting & backfilling,
2. Sandkhoa Compaction / Macadam,
3. C.C casting,
4. Pile head breaking,
5. Pile cap casting,
6. Short columns casting,
7. Grade beam casting,
8. Columns casting,
9. Slab casting,
10. Civil work for industrial building.

The first phase of the project, which extends up to the plinth level, is now being worked on. Only 20% of the work has been completed thus far. The job is moving forward at full speed and will be finished in the allotted time.

 

Tags:

#NaifEngineeringBuildersLtd #SingerBangladeshLimited #TOACorporation #ConstructionProject #HomeAppliancesPlant #ConstructionConsultancy #JapaneseCompany #EconomicZoneProject #NEABL #TOA #Singer #HAPCSBD

Ongoing Project of “GILDAN – Kohinoor Complex (G.A.B Ltd, a 100% export-oriented garments factory)

We, Naif Engineering & Builders Ltd., are very much proud to announce that we are executing the construction of “GILDAN Kohinoor Complex (G.A.B Ltd, a 100% export-oriented garments factory) situated at Nayarhat, Nabinagar, Savar, Dhaka.

It is owned & funded by “GILDAN Corporation”. GILDAN are one of the world’s largest vertically integrated manufacturers of apparel, socks and hosiery. Some of GILDAN Brand Name are: ANVIL, American Apparel, PEDS, GOLDTOE, PRIM + PREUX, SILKS, Secret etc.

Project Details:
Total Area: 500,000 Square Feet
Project includes: Dying & Knitting Building, Sewing Building, ETP, WTP, Office Building, Dormitory, Roads etc.

Scope of work for us:
1) Consultancy &
2) Construction

Facility from us:
– Consultancy from most experienced Structural Engineer of BUET
– Own “Ready-Mix Plant” for casting
– Own “Total-Station” & Experienced Surveyor
– Own “Pre-cast Pile Driving” facility

Work volume:
– Survey Area : Above 500,000 square feet
– Pre-cast Pile : Above 5000 nos.
– Ready Mix Concrete: Above 300,000 Cubic Feet

Present work status:
Now we are working the first phase of work, which is up to the plinth level. About 50% of this work already been done. The work is going on with full throttle and it will be complete within the stipulated time.

Successfully completed turnkey based “Cabin Manufacturing Project” for Ashok Leyland Ltd

Naif Engineering & Builders have successfully completed turnkey based “Cabin Manufacturing Project” for Ashok Leyland Ltd. This kind of project deployment is the first time in Bangladesh. And Naif Engineering & Builders feel proud to create this history in Bangladesh. NAIF ENGINEERING & BUILDERS have provided following services-

  • Consultant
  • Design
  • Drawing
  • Supervision
  • Pile
  • Civil
  • Steel Structure
  • and construction

Prevention is better than cure

As you know, Coronavirus is a major health issue in world-wide. Till now 1,10,095 people infected and 3,831 are died (source: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/). Coronavirus or Covid-19 first spread from the Wuhan a rural area of Hubei Province, China. Specialists assuming that the virus has spread into human from eating the flesh of wild animals or corona infected animals. The problem is so severe that the developed countries has already declared emergency situation in their respective countries.

In Bangladesh IEDCR Director Meerjady Sabrina Flora said at a press conference in Dhaka that two men and a woman returned from Italy tested positive for the coronavirus and that the three were admitted to a hospital. Though the situation in Bangladesh is not as severe as other countries such as India, Italy, Iran and South Korea. But it will not take time to make the situation severe if necessary steps is not taken. Bad news is that the cure for this deadly virus is not yet invented.

The primary symptom of an effected people is not significant to identify as corona effected. Symptoms are coughing, fever, shortness of breath. It takes 2-14 days after exposure for symptoms to develop. “Infection generally starts in the nose. Once inside the body, the coronavirus invades the epithelial cells that line and protect the respiratory tract”, said Taubenberger, who heads the viral pathogenesis and evolution section of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in Bethesda, Maryland.

Now what should we do? As you know “Prevention is better than cure”. We can take following preventive steps to prevent us from getting infected.
Steps are-

  1. We must try to avoid people who are sick or meeting in large groups.

  2. We will stay home if we are sick.

  3. We must cover our cough with tissue or cough into our upper sleeve or elbow.

  4. We must not cough or sneeze in to our hands.

  5. We must wash our hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing our nose, coughing or sneezing.

  6. We must avoid touching our mouth, nose, or eyes without washing hands.

  7. We must contact IEDCR hotline if we see primary symptoms of coronavirus. Hotline numbers are – 01927711784, 01927711785, 01937000011, 01937110011.

Though Bangladesh appear in the list of development country, still we have significant number of underprivileged people who are living below poverty line. They have no enough knowledge about sanitation. So it wouldn’t be late to outbreak the situation, if necessary precaution is not taken from now.