Workshop on “Exploring Ferrocement”

Department of Civil Engineering conducted One Day Workshop on “Exploring Ferrocement” on Friday, 27th September, 2019 from 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Total 137 participants from Gharda Institute of Technology, Lavel, Ratnagiri, Vidyavardhini’s College of Engineering and Technology, Vasai, Viswatmak Om Gurudev College of Engineering, Shahapur, Vishwaniketan Institute of Management Entrepreneurship and Engineering Technology, Khalapur, Terna Engineering College, Nerul, Pillai HOC College Of Engineering & Technology, Rasayni, Pillai HOC Polytechnic Rasayni, Pillai HOC College of Architecture, Rasayni participated in this workshop.

The objective of the workshop was to provide an insight into ideas of designs and techniques of ferrocement in construction. Mr. Pushyamitra Balkrishna Divekar (Managing Committee Member, Ferrocement Society, Head Office, Pune), Mr. P. P. Lele (Hon. Secretary, Ferrocement Society, Head Office, Pune), Mr. Milind Kulkarni (Hon. Secretary, Ferrocement Society, Head Office, Mumbai), Mr. Girish Sangle (Project Co-ordinator, Ferrocement Society, Head Office, Pune) were invited as resource persons. The event -was graced by the presence of Dr. Madhumita Chatterjee, (Principal, PHCET).

The day started with an introductory lecture on Ferrocement by Mr. Pushyamitra Balkrishna Divekar. Question and answer session was conducted on ferrocement and its applications. After that participants were divided in four groups and proceeded to make framing structures using steel rods and chicken mesh, under the guidance of members of Ferrocement Society. Preparation of mortar and filling method of mortar was explained by Mr. P. P. Lele.

Post lunch technical sessions were conducted by Mr. P. P. Lele, Mr. Milind Kulkarni and Mr. Girish Sangle. They explained the innovative ideas of Ferrocement construction and also explained the videos on ferrocement design and construction. They also informed participants about availability of huge potential for the precast industry for the fresh engineers after their graduation for becoming entrepreneurs.

The workshop ended with distribution of certificate to the participant. The workshop was fruitful as the students gained new innovative ideas of designs and techniques of ferrocement construction where they have a chance for becoming an entrepreneur and starting a small business or taking-up contracts using the above ferrocement technology.

Workshop started with the Sarswati Pooja

Dr. Madhumita Chatterjee (Principal PHCET) welcomed all the participants for the workshop

Mr. Pushyamitra Balkrishna Divekar delivering seminar on Ferrocement Construction Techniques

Hands-on session

Mr. P. P. Lele explaining about mesh, preparation of mortar and filling method

Hands-on Session

Valedictory function

Workshop Participants along with Dignitaries

Workshop Organizing Committee along with dignitaries