IIM Ranchi Hosts Bottom Ash User Meet and Focus Group Discussion to Examine Construction Applications

IIM Ranchi hosted the “Bottom Ash User Meet.and Focus Group Discussion”, bringing together industry executives, infrastructure developers, Public Sector Undertakings government agencies, RMC owners and material suppliers to examine the use of bottom ash as a substitute to natural sand in constructions.

The meet was graced by Prof. Manish Bansal, Chairperson, Executive Education & Consulting; Prof. Kushagra Sharan, Faculty, IIM Ranchi; and Shri Ashok Kumar Sehgal, CEO, Patratu Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (PVUNL), who joined online. Senior officials from National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Limited, PVUNL, Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Jharkhand Industrial Infrastructure Development Company Limited (JIIDCO), Central Public Works Department (CPWD), Metallurgical & Engineering Consultants (India) Limited (MECON), National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC) Limited, and other companies also participated.

The meet and discussion aimed to assess commercial viability of bottom ash in construction, understand technical specifications and processing requirements, and identify the pricing and supply conditions necessary for its adoption as a substitute for natural sand and other conventional materials. Discussions focused on potential applications, acceptable replacement proportions, and opportunities for commercial utilisation.

Nitin Singh welcomed the participants, provided the context and highlighted the significance of the ongoing consulting project being done by IIM Ranchi for PVUNL. He emphasised the importance of understanding practical applications, technical specifications and industry perspectives to facilitate the adoption of bottom ash. He also outlined the day's proceedings, comprising technical presentations and Focus Group Discussions.

Shri Ashok Kumar Sehgal highlighted the potential of bottom ash as a sustainable construction material and emphasised the importance of industry-academia collaboration in promoting its utilisation. He noted that PVUNL generates substantial quantities of bottom ash, offering an opportunity for environmentally responsible resource utilisation. He also shared that the material had received certification for use as a sand substitute following testing by NCCBM. Emphasising the need to establish effective supply and distribution channels, address cost considerations and understand industry requirements, he encouraged stakeholders to work collaboratively towards the wider adoption of bottom ash in construction.

The meet featured interactive discussions between participants and PVUNL officials, facilitating the exchange of technical insights, addressing industry queries and exploring future opportunities for the utilisation of bottom ash. The deliberations aimed to identify practical applications, potential users and actionable pathways towards sustainable construction practices.