Micro-concrete Roofing Tiles

ousing is the basic need of every human

being. Central Government as well as

State Governments are keen to provide

housing to everyone and especially to weaker

sections of the society. The cost of housing

construction is increasing day by day due to

rising cost of building materials. The government

sponsored agencies and individuals are looking

towards low-cost building materials without

compromising with the quality. Research and development organizations of the country

have developed low-cost building components for walling and roofing which enable one

to build improved houses at comparatively cheaper cost. Price of corrugated G.I. sheets

used for roofing, is continually increasing while its use doesnot provide thermal comfort

in a tropical country like India. Use of Asbestos-cement sheets is being discouraged due

to health hazards associated with asbestos fibre. MCR (micro concrete roofing)

technology meets the growing demand for high quality roofing. MCR tiles are cost

effective and extremely versatile roofing material. MCR tiles can be used on steel and

wooden under structure to make attractive roofs on residences, farmhouses, verandahs

and pavilions.

Advantages

MCR tiles have several advantages:

1. These are water and fire proof

2. These are eco-friendly

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3. Cheap in cost

4. Utilises waste (stonedust)

Process of manufacturing

1. Step I

• Selection of raw material

• Cement (43 grade)

• Stonedust (fine)

• Aggregate (<6mm)

• Water

2. Step II

Mix preperation: The above raw materials are

mixed in the following ratio:

Cement: Stonedust: Aggregate: Water

1: 1.5 : 1.5 : 0.5 (by weight)

3. Step III

Mix vibration: The prepared mix is put on a polythene sheets and placed over

vibration table for about 45 sec. a nail is inserted in the rib for holes.

4. Step IV

Moulding and stock curing: The polythene sheet is then carefully placed on the

plastic moulds for getting a uniform shape. The moulds are then stacked one

above the other in a set of 25 for next 24 hr.

5. Step V

Demoulding and water curing: The tiles are then demoulded and seperated from

the plastic sheets. The nails are also taken out and edges sharpened for better

finishing. Then the tiles are kept in the curing tank for another 7 days.

6. Step VI

Strength and quality testing: After the tiles are taken out

from the tank these are stored for next 21 days in open

or shed. Tiles from the stock are taken at random for

testing in accordance with standard specifications.

Then the tiles are ready for sale.

Product Specifications

Clear length 488 mm Length after overlap 400 mm

Clear width 240 mm Width after overlap 200 mm

Thickness 8mm/ 100mm Corrugation depth 50mm

Normal weight 2.25-2.60 kg Purlin spacing 400 mm

Load bearing capacity 80/100 kg

For covering 10 sq. m. (100 sq. K) roof area 130 tiles are

required.

Operating Parameters

• Capacity: 200 tiles/day

• Machine/equipment:

� TARA-MCR Machine: 1

� Moulds (PAN): 200

� Alignment tool: 200

� Bend test equipment: 1

• Power requirement: 5 units/ day, single phase 1 KW electric connection would be

sufficient.

• Other requirement: water 100 l./ day

• Raw material

� Cement: 2 bags/day

� Sand/stone dust: 4 qt./day

• Packaging: No special packaging is required

• Manpower requirement for production: 4

Techno-economics

a) Land and building with auxiliaris, 300 Sq. ft. covered area: Rs. 1,00,000

b) Machinery and equipment: Rs. 1,00,000

c) Working Capital: Rs. 2,00,000

d) % Profit: 30 per cent

Selling price per tile: Rs. 12.00

M/s Development Alternatives a NGO of repute has developed the technology and

machine for manufacturer of MCR tiles.

M/s D. A. Orchha District Tikamgarh near Jhabua.

Entrepreneurs can contact state rural engineering services for supply of tiles.

M. S. Virdi

Ex-Director, CSIR, Bhopal.

H-15, Sterling Castles, Hoshangabad Road, Bhopal.

E-mail: virdim@yahoo.com�

Note: The author may have used various references in the preparation of this article. For further details please contact him/her.

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