Pre-Engineered Building: Why PEB is preferred over conventional construction methods? Details

Pre-Engineered Buildings: With its ambitious UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, the Government of India aims to connect Tier 2 & Tier 3 cities with big cities through air service to spur economic growth while making travel easier. Emphasis is being laid on the building of new airports as well as expanding and upgrading existing airports throughout the country. With COP27 and G20 commitments, the major thrust is on ensuring that development and sustainability go hand in hand. This is one of the reasons that Pre Engineered Buildings (PEB) or Prefabricated Steel Structures are becoming the preferred choice over conventional construction methods. 

PEBs are also an answer to faster commencement of operations which has been the major roadblock in the path of the UDAN Scheme. The development of airports in smaller cities plays a vital role in boosting the potential of various regions and helping local economies to take off but all of this should not be accomplished at cost of environmental health.

From the construction of terminals to hangers under the scheme to the expansion of existing airports use of PEBs is being preferred over conventional construction practices. Compared to conventional construction practices like the use of cement and bricks, PEB structures have up to 40 per cent fewer carbon emissions and a 50 per cent quicker turnaround time. They are economical and energy efficient. The durability of such structures is also at par with conventional construction techniques.

EPACK PREFAB, a company providing PEB structures for the construction of airports under the UDAN scheme is currently working on developing Muirpur Airport, Sarsawa (Saharanpur) Airport and Darbhanga airport phase 2. Completion of these projects will improve the connectivity with the key cities in the country, which will further help promote tourism, trade and commerce in the region. The long-term implications include the development of the industrial infrastructure and a spur in manufacturing and export.

As air travel becomes more economical, flight terminal infrastructure requires rapid, durable, and energy-efficient structure systems, which can supply a smooth and hassle-free travelling experience to tourists. Because of the speed, flexibility, sustainability, and long-term economic benefits, prefabricated structures are becoming the preferred alternative for airport construction. 

According to Nikhil Bothra, director at EPACK PREFAB, PEB structures help in completing projects at a much faster rate. 

“For fast-paced construction at these airports, PEB structures are being used to construct terminal buildings that are outfitted with fire suppression systems, good thermal insulation, and ventilation systems. Terminals will have all of the advanced services required for airline operations, such as ticketing counters, back offices, luggage rooms, medical rooms, etc." Bothra added.

EPACK has in past developed Chitrakoot airport and Hindon airport, both of which have PEB-based constructions. Hindon Airport, one of the fastest-built airports, was completed in a record-breaking time of four months.

"A greener structure can increase sustainability, reduce construction time and tackle the huge volumes of waste generated by the construction industry. The factory-made buildings that contain structural frames, roof and wall support are environment friendly and can assist authorities in reducing the construction time significantly. The development will have a multiplier effect on the hospitality, tourism and local economy," he added.