A Project Report on

LOW COST HOUSING

Project report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the
award of the Degree of BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY
BY

Mohammad Abdul Adnan 17R01A0195

Summeer Ahmed Rather 17R01A01C1

Mohammed Zainulabuddin 15R01A0138

G Chandra Shekar Goud 15R01A0169

UNDER THE ESTEEMED GUIDENCE OF

Mrs. Alaka Sreedhar

M. Tech. (MISTE)

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

Department of Civil Engineering

CMR INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Affiliated to JNTU, Hyderabad
(A.Y: 2019-2020)
 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the project report "LOW COST HOUSING" being submitted
by

Mohammad Abdul Adnan 17R01A0195

Summeer Ahmed Rather 17R01A01C1

Mohammad Zainulabuddin 15R01A0138

G Chandra Shekar Goud 15R01A0169

In partial fulfillment for the award of Degree of Bachelor of Technology in Civil

Engineering to The Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University is a record of
bonafide work carried out by them under my guidance and supervision.

Signature of Internal Guide Signature of Head

Of the Department
ALAKA SREEDHAR Prof. A. KRISHNA RAO

M. Tech., MISTE M. Tech., (PhD), MISTE

Assistant Professor Professor and Head
Department of Civil Engineering Department of Civil Engineering

Signature of
EXTERNAL EXAMINAR

ii
 DECLARATION

We, the undersigned students of Department of Civil Engineering, CMR Institute of Technology
declare the titled "LOW COST HOUSING" is a bonafide work carried out by us. Further, we
declare that this has not formed the basis of award of any Degree, Diploma, Associate ship or
other similar degree or diploma and has not been submitted anywhere else.

NAMES ROLL NO. SIGNATURE

Mohammad Abdul Adnan 17R01A0195

Summeer Ahmed Rather 17R01A01C1

Mohammed Zainulabuddin 15R01A0138

G Chandra Shekar Goud 15R01A0169

ii
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We are grateful to our project guide Mrs. ALAKA SREEDHAR Assistant Professor
Department of Civil Engineering, CMR Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, for initiating this
project. She provided and supported with enthusiastic discussion and was always gladly helped us
in understanding and verification methods and in providing valuable references.

Support and facilities was essential ingredient for creating this dissertation. We would,
therefore, like to express our gratitude to Prof. A. KRISHNA RAO, Head of the
Department, Civil Engineering, CMR Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, for his guidance.

Our sincere thanks to Dr. B. SATYANARAYANA Principal, CMR Institute of Technology,

Hyderabad, for providing all the necessary facilities to complete this dissertation.

We are also extremely thankful to Dr. M. JANGA REDDY Director, CMR Institute of
Technology, Hyderabad, for providing all the necessary facilities to complete this
dissertation.

We also thank all the other faculty members of Civil Engineering Department for their help
and support for completion of this project.

Mohammad Abdul Adnan 17R01A0195

Summeer Ahmed Rather 17R01A01C1

Mohammad Zainulabuddin 15R01A0138

G Chandra Shekar Goud 15R01A0169

iii
A MINI PROJECT ON LOW COST HOUSING

iv
 ABSTRACT

Adequate shelter for all people is one of the pressing challenges faced by the
developing countries. India is currently facing a shortage of about 17.6 million
houses. The dream of owning houses particularly for low income and middle-
income families is becoming a difficult reality. Hence, it has become a necessity to
adopt cost effective, innovative and environment-friendly housing technologies for
the construction of houses at affordable cost. This paper compares construction cost
for the traditional and low cost housing technologies. Case studies in India are used
for investigation. Construction methods of foundation, walling, roofing and lintel
are compared. Strength and durability of structure, stability, safety are factors that
assume top priority during cost reduction.
It is found that about 26.11% and 22.68% of the construction cost can be saved
by using low cost housing technologies in comparison with the traditional
construction methods in the case studies of walling and roofing respectively. This
proves that using low cost housing technologies is a cost effective construction
approach for the industry.

KEYWORDS
 Low cost housing
 Environmental-friendly
 Stability
 Cost-effective construction approach

vi
 INDEX

Certificate i

Declaration ii

Supervisor certificate iii

Acknowledgment iv

Abstract v

List of tables x

List of figures xi

S. no: Contents Page no:

1 INTRODUCTION 1

2 HOUSING SCENARIO INDIA 2

2.1 Estimation of urban housing shortage 2

2.2 Distribution of housing shortage state wise 3
2.3 Distribution of housing shortage across major state 3
2.4 International scenario 4
2.5 Key statistics 4-5

3 TRADITIONAL CONSTRUCTION METHODS 6

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4 LOW COST CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGIES 7-8

5 MATERIALS 9

5.1 Characteristics of low cost housing materials 9-10

5.2 Hallow Bricks 10-11

5.3 Load Bearing Walls 12

5.4 Precast beams and slab 13-15

5.5 Precast stairs 16-18

6 SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR 19

LOW COST HOUSING

7 MANUFACTURING OF LOW COST 19

BUILDING MATERIALS

8 USE OF RECYCLED WASTE AS LOW 19

COST BUILDING MATERIALS

9 USE OF NATURAL LOW COST 20

BUILDING MATERIALS

10 USE OF LOCAL BUILDING MATERIALS 20

11 USING ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDING 21

MATERIALS

12 USE OF NON TOXIC BUILDING MATERIALS 21

13. LONGECITY, DURABILITY AND MAINTAINANCE 21
OF BUILDING MATERIALS

14. RECYCLABILITY AND REUSABILITY OF 22

BUILIDING MATERIALS

15. BIODEGRADABILITY 22

16. CHEAP BUILDING MATERIALS FOR LOW 23

COST HOUSING

16.1. MATERIALS 23-24

16.1.1. PREFABRICATED PANELS 25

16.1.2. SHIPPING CONTAINERS 26

16.1.3. SIMPLE BRICKS 27-28

16.1.4. SHORT SITE CONSTRUCTION 29

16.1.5. STRAW ROOF 30

16.1.6. NATURAL STONE 31-32

16.1.7. CONCRETE 33

16.1.8. LAMINATED BAMBOO 34-35

17. VARIOUS COST REDUCTION TECHNIQUES 36-39

18. SOME COST REDUCTION TECHNIQUES 40

NOW IN PRACTICE

18.1. Thinner walls or single brick thick walls 40

viii
 18.2. Load bearing brick work 40-42

18.3. Brick on edge cavity wall 43

18.4. Precast stone masonry block 44

18.5. Modular brick masonry walls 45

18.6. Hallow clay blocks for shell type houses 45

19. BENEFITS OF USING LOW COST HOUSING 46

20. CONCLUSION 47

21. REFERENCES 48

x
 LIST OF TABLES

S.NO PARTICULARS PAGE NO.

2.3 Distribution of housing shortage across major states 3

5.4 Precast beams and slabs 13

x
 LIST OF FIGURES

S.NO PARTICULARS PAGE NO.

2.1 Estimation of urban housing shortage 02

2.3 Distribution of housing shortage across major states 03

5.1 Hollow blocks substitute for normal bricks 10

5.2 Hollow bricks 11

5.3 Load bearing walls 12

5.4 Precast slabs 14

5.4 Precast beams 15

5.5 Precast stairs 16-17

6 Construction process of low cost houses 18

16.1.1 Prefabricated panels 25

16.1.2 Shipping containers 26

16.1.3 Simple bricks 28

16.1.4 Short on site construction 29

16.1.5 Straw roof 30

16.1.6 Natural stone 32

16.1.7 Concrete 33

16.1.8 Laminated bamboo 35

x
18.1 Thinner walls or single brick thick walls 40

18.2 Load bearing brick work 42

18.3. Brick on edge cavity walls 43

18.4. Precast stone masonry block 44

18.6. Hallow clay blocks for shell type houses 45

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1. INTRODUCTION

Low cost housing can be consider affordable for low-and moderate- income earners if
household can acquire a housing unit (owned or rent) for an amount of up-to 30
percentage of its household income. In developing countries such as India, only 10%
of the population is high income earners, who are able to afford normal housing units.
The low income groups in developing countries generally unable to access the
housing market. Cost effective housing is a relative concept and has more to do with
budgeting and seeks to reduce construction cost through better management ,
appropriate use of local materials, skills and technology but without sacrificing the
performance and the structure life. It should be noted that low cost housing are not
houses which constructed by cheap building materials of substandard qualities. A
low cost house is designed and constructed as any other house with regard to
foundation, structure and strength. The reduction in cost is achieved through effective
utilization of locally available building materials and techniques that are durable,
economical, accepted by users and not requiring costly maintenance. Economy is also
achieved by postponing finishing and implementing low cost housing technologies in
phases. High efficiency of workers, minimize waste in design and apply good
management practices, can also be achieved.
Low cost housing technologies aim to cut down construction cost by using
alternatives to the conventional methods and inputs. It is about the usage of local
and indigenous building materials, local skills, energy saver and environment–
friendly option.

1
2. HOUSING SCENARIO IN INDIA

India is populous country where approximately 68.8% of the people reside in rural
areas. These people are migrating to urban settlements in search of jobs and better
living standards. The exhibit 1 below shows the state-wise and category-wise
housing shortage in India. It can be seen that 99% of housing requirement is in the
economically weaker section (EWS) and low income housing (LIG) space.

2.1 Estimation of urban housing shortage

About 19 million (18.78 million) households grapple with housing shortage in

urban India (2012) as per the estimate of the technical group on urban
housing shortage. The estimate is based on census and NSS 65 round results on
housing conditions and urban slums with usual inputs like obsolescence factor,
congestion factor and homeless households.

2
2.2 Distribution of housing shortage state wise

Taking into account the fact that the shortage in housing is significant in lower
income group, for 2012, TG-12 distributed the shortage on the basis of state’s
contribution to total, on the basis of average or total number of households below
poverty line in urban areas and households with houses in urban areas. In the past
national level housing shortage was distributed among the states in proportion to
number of urban households.

2.3 Distribution of housing shortage across major states

Housing shortage across economic categories

Three fourth of the shortage is in the EWS (Economically weaker section-income up

to Rs 5000 per month) category and another quarter of the shortage is in LIG
(Lower income Group- Inco, between Rs 5001- 10,000 per month) category. In the
latter, a significant proportion of shortage is on account of congestion in living
conditions.

3
2.4 International scenario

The figure for estimated housing shortage across the world according to the
internationally recommended standards, (PPD: people per dwelling 3.5) is
428,700,000 units. However this figure is more than the double if it is calculated
using Dutch standards (PPD 2.4):1, 088, 219,000 units.

2.5 Key statistics

By the year 2030, an additional 3 billion people, about 40 percent of the world’s
population, will need access to housing. This translates into a demand for 96,150
new affordable units every day and 4,000 every hour.

One out of every three city dwellers-nearly a billion people-lives in a slum and
that number is expected to double in the next 25 years. (Slum indicators include:
lack of water, lack of sanitation, over-crowding, non-durable structure and insecure
tenure.)

As much as 70 percent of the urban housing stock in sub-Saharan African, 50

percent in South Asia, and 25 percent in Latin American and the Caribbean is of
poor quality and not in compliance with local regulation.

Access to land is fundamental to adequate shelter. Having legal title to that land
encourages families to invest and improve their homes and allows them to access
credit and other public services such as water and electricity. Nearly one sixth of the
world’s population is living without secure tenure.

The quality of housing stock and amenities directly affect health and quality of
life One’s health is directly linked to housing and housing related basics such as
water and sanitation. In Mexico, researchers at the world bank and university of

4
California, Berkeley, found that replacing dirt floors with concrete floors improved
the of children.

2.6 billion People or 39 per cent of the world’s population live without access to
improved sanitation and 751 million people share their sanitation facilities with
other households or only use public facilities.(World Health Organization, 2009 )

5
3. TRADITIONAL CONSTRUCTION METHODS

The traditional constructions methods are used in case study. The detail procedures
of each step used for case study are as follows:

Foundation: Foundation is the lowest part of the structure which is provided to

distribute loads to the soil thus providing base for the super structure. Excavation
work is first carried out, then earth-work is filled with available earth and ends with
watering and compaction in a 6” thick layer.

Cement concrete: Plain cement concrete is used to form a leveled surface on the
excavated soil. The volumetric concrete mix proportion of 1:4:8(cement: sand:
aggregate), with a 6” thick layer for masonry foundation and column footing is used.
Plane cement concrete is finished on the excavated soil strata and mixed by manual
process.

Wall construction: Size stone masonry for the foundation is constructed for outer
walls and burnt brick masonry of a 9” thick layer for main walls and a 4 ½” thick
layer for interior walls. Good quality table-mould bricks are used for the
construction.

Reinforce cement concrete slab and beam: the normal procedure to cast
reinforced cement concrete slab is to make shuttering and reinforcement and
concreting. Good steel or plywood foam work is used, with proper cover blocks
between bars. Both aggregate and sand are used to clean, with aggregate being 3/4”
graded. After the concrete is poured is poured, it is properly consolidated.

Plastering: Plastering is used for ceiling, inside and outside walls. Joints are raked
before plastering and proper curing is ensured.

Flooring: For the flooring purpose, the earth is properly filled and consolidated in
the ratio of 1: 4: 8 (cement: sand: aggregate) concrete.

Plumbing: Good quality plumbing materials are used and passed hydraulic test
before using it.

Painting and finishing: Before the painting process, surface Is prepared with putty
and primer and readymade paint is used.

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4. LOW COST CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGIES

It is found that cost effective and alternative construction technologies, which apart
from reducing construction cost by the reduction of quantity of building materials
through improved and innovative techniques, can play a great role in providing better
housing methods and protecting the environment. It should be noted that cost-
effective construction technologies do not compromise with safety and security of
the buildings and mostly follow the prevailing building codes. The detailed
procedures of each step used for the case study are as follows:

Foundation: Arch foundation is used in which walls are supported on the brick or
stone masonry. For the construction of the foundation, the use of available materials
such as brick or concrete blocks can be made to resist lateral forces buttresse4s at
the corner.

Walling: Rat trap bond technology is used in case study. It is an alternative brick
bonding system for English and Flemish bond. The reduced number of joints can
reduce mortar consumption. No plastering of the outside face is required and the
wall usually is quite aesthetically pleasing and air gaps created within the wall help
making the house thermally comfortable. In summer, the temperature inside the
house is usually at least 5 degrees lower that the outside ambient temperature and
vice versa in winter.

Roofing: A filler slab roofing system is used which based on the principle that for
roofs which are simply supported, the upper part of the slab is subjected to
compressive forces and the lower part of the slab experience tensile forces. The
concrete is very good in withstanding compressive forces and steel bears the load
due to tensile forces. Thus the low tensile region of the slab does not need any
concrete except for holding steel reinforcements together.

7
Flooring: Flooring is generally made of terracotta tiles or color oxides. Bedding is
made out of broken brick bats. Various patterns and designs are used, depending on
shapes, size of tiles, span of flooring, and client’s personal preference.

Plastering: plastering can be avoided on the walls, frequent expenditure on finishes

and it maintenance is avoided. Properly protected brick wall will never lose its color
or finish.

Doors and windows: As door and window frames are responsible for almost half
the cost of timber used, avoiding frames can considerably reduce timber cost. Door
planks are screwed together with straps iron hinges to form doors, and this can be
carried by “holdfast” carried into walls. The simplest and cost effective door can be
made of vertical planks held together horizontal and diagonal battens. A simplest
frameless window consists of a vertical plank of about 9” wide set into holes, one at
the top and one at bottom. This forms a simple pivotal window. Wide span windows
can be practically framed and fixed to walls or can have rows of pivotal planks.

8
5. MATERIALS
5.1 CHARACTERISTICS OF LOW COST HOUSING
MATERIALS

ENERY EFFICIENT

Simple machines – saves energy in production

Raw Materials – derived from agro – industrial wastes and natural fibes, requries less
energy in production
Production – when used in house, buildings provide better thermal comfort that results
in conservation of operational energy.

ENVIRONMENT FRIENDLY

It converts agro-industrial waste into alternative material for low cost housing, thus
improving waste management and environmental protection.
Utilizes local resources, substitutes wood – preserving forest cover Substitutes
top soil – preserving soil for agriculture

EMPLOYMENT GENERATING

Simple Machines – with manual handling, increases employment for unskilled and
semi-skilled workers
Small enterprises – can be set up at decentralized locations Production of
components – involves local people after short training.

LIST OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS FOR LOW COST HOUSING

1. HOLLOW BRICKS
2. LOAD BEARING WALLS
3. PRECAST BEAMS AND SLABS
4. PRECAST STAIRS

9
Hollow blocks substitute for normal bricks

These types of blocks can be manufactured in situ or can be precast in

manufacturing factories.
1 standard hollow bricks = more than 12 bricks with mortar cost of 1
hollow brick Rs 17 vs. cost of 1 brick Rs 3
Block 9” wall – Rs 20 vs. Rs
50 = Rs 30
4” wall – Rs 15 vs. Rs 25 = Rs 10.

5.2 HOLLOW BRICKS

Concrete blocks may be produced with hollow centers (cores) to reduce weight or
improve insulation. The use of block work allows structure to be built in the traditional
masonry style with layers (or courses) of staggered blocks. Blocks come in many sizes
In the US, the most common nominal size is 16 in *18 in * 8 in
(410mm*200mm*200mm); the block measures a 3/8 in shorter, allowing for mortar
joints.
Block course typically tapered for that the top surface of the block (as laid) has a
greater surface on which to spread a mortar bed for easier handling. Most CMU’s have
two cores, but three- and four - core units are also produced. A core also allows for the
insertion of steel reinforcement, tying individual blocks together in the assembly, with
the goal of greatly increased strength. To hold the reinforcement in proper position and
to bond the block to the reinforcement, the cores must be filled with grout (concrete).

10
5.3 LOAD BEARING WALLS

load bearing structures are cheaper for normal low rise building as it requires lesser
concrete and steel rods as use of structural compounds like columns are reduced
unless required exceptionally .

As wall is thick , it provides thermal insulation .

Easier and requires less time to construction

11
flexibility and strength is low though and it is advantage for framework .

12
Cast in situ is expensive as more iron rods and skilled manpower is required.
Partial pre cast system uses combination of both pre cast and cast in situ.
Use of pre cast element reduces
cost.
Small production factory is
enough.
No heavy lifting equipment are required.
No need of cement plaster.
By using precast building materials there will be saving of –

cement consumption
45%
mild steel rod consumption
18%
formwork required
75%

13
PRECAST SLABS

14
PRECAST BEAMS

15
5.5 PRECAST STAIRS

conventional cast in situ is expensive for low cost construction so, precst

stairs are used .

Riser used will be of 8 inch and tread will be of 9 inch.

Cheaper and quicker to construct

No form woek required

Can be cantilever or simply supported

Cantilever suitable for low cost construction but simply supported more durable.

16
PRECAST STAIRS

17
6. Construction process of low cost houses

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19
7.SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR LOW COST

HOUSING

The first step to low cost building materials selection is to select eco-friendly
building materials. This also enhances the sustainable principle.

The life cycle of a building is pre-building, building and post-building stages. Each
stage of building should be such that they help conserve the energy. These 3 stages
indicate flow of building materials through different stages of a building.

Pre-building stage mainly consist of manufacture which is sub divided in

processing, packing and transport. The building phase mainly consist of
construction, operation, maintenance and disposal last the stage where the material
can be recycled or reused.

8. MANUFACTURING OF LOW COST BUILDING

MATERIALS

Manufacturing of building materials should be environment friendly. Efforts should

be made the study and revise and the technologies for producing good quality ,
efficient building materials and should improve the waste generation during
manufacturing . This results in reduction of pollutants to environment.

9. USE OF RECYCLED WASTE AS LOW COST

BUILDING MATERIALS

The waste which can be recycled can and used in masonries whilst as wood and
waste can be used in manufacture of plywood or soft boards.

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10. USE OF NATURAL LOW COST BUILDING

MATERIAL

The total energy required to produce is called embonded energy. The greater
materials embonded energy ; it requires a greater usage of non renewable sources. It
is therefore advantageous to use materials or composite materials prepared from the
materials.

The natural materials such as stones , wood , lime, sand and bamboo can be used
in ample where ever possible. The natural materials impact more sustainability to
structures as well as they are friendlier to environment.

11. USE OF LOCAL BUILDING MATERIALS

The use of local materials reduces the dependence on transportation whose

contribution to the building material cost is high for long distance. Use of locally
available building materials not only reduces the construction cost but also are
suitable for the local environmental conditions.

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12. USING ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDING

MATERIALS

Energy efficiently of a building material can be measured through various factors as

its R value, shading coefficient, luminous efficiency or fuel efficiency. Energy

efficient materials must reduce the amount of generated.

13. USE OF NON-TOXIC BUILDING MATERIALS

Use of toxic building materials can significant impact the health of construction
people and the occupants of the building. Thus it is advisable to use the non-toxic
building materials for construction.

There are several chemicals including formaldehyde, benzene, ammonia, resins,

chemicals in insulations, ply boards which are present in furnishings and building
materials. The effect on health of these toxic materials must be considered while
their selection and they should be used only where-ever required.

Higher air cycling is recommended while installation of materials having

volatile organic compound such as several adhesives, paints, sealants, cleaners and
so on.

14. LONGECITY, DURABILITY,

MAINTAINANCE OF BUILDING MATERIALS

The use of durable construction materials does not only enhance the life of the
building but also reduces the cost of maintenance costs naturally save a lot of
building operation cost. The materials used in building determine the long term
costs of an operating.

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15. RECYCLABILITY AND

REUSABILITY OF BUILDING MATERIALS

A material should be available in form which can be recyclable or reusable. Ex – the

plastics waste can be used for recycling and producing newer materials. The scrap
from steel can be used to manufacture the RCC bars, binding covers and other
miscellaneous steel products in building construction.

BIODEGRADABILITY

A material should be able to decompose naturally when discarded. Natural materials

or organic materials would decompose very easily it is also a very important
consideration whether a material decomposes naturally or produces some toxic
gases.

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16. CHEAP BUILDING MATERIALS FOR

LOW COST HOUSING

It`s beautifully easy to miss a budget-friendly modern home these days. That’s
because some of the cheapest constructions are the most forward=thinking ones.
Newer technologies provide the opportunity for a more streamlined construction
process that saves in the cost of the materials, transportation and installation. There
are new ideas in the world of recycled and up-cycled materials too.

Whatever style you love, it`s always good to remember that newer constructions
are generally much smarter than older homes when it comes to energy efficiency. So
although some may cost a little more in the shorter. The running costs are generally
far lower. So, let’s check out cheap building materials perfect for a low-cost home!

16.1. MATERIALS

1. Prefabricated panels
2. shipping container
3. easily transported materials
4. simple brick
5. short on site construction
6. straw roof
7. natural stone
8. concrete
9. laminated bamboo

These panels are modular in nature and pre fabricated panels sandwich type CFC
free panels, available in standard, modular width starting from 1000mm, Height
ranges from 12mt. The prefabricated panels consists of two outer skins with an inner

24
insulated core made up of self extinguishing Rigid – Polyurethane Foam with high
insulation coefficient of 60 – 80 – 100 – 120 – 150 – 200mm thickness for chiller
and freezer applications.

Density : 40.2 kg/cu. m

K- value of insulation approx : 0.35W per sq. m per deg. Thermal

conductivity :0.023w/sq. m/deg. K (aged) compressive strength :
2.1kg/sq m/(0.1-0.3N/dq.mm) tensile strength : 3.7kg/sq. m
bending strength :2.9kg/sq m (0.1-0.3N/sq m)
adhesion strength :2.9kg/sq. m
(PUF to steel) (0.1-
0.5N/sq. m) closed cell
content : 90-95%
water absorption : 0.2% by volume t 100% RH

vapour permeability : 0.08 to 0.12 gm/hr/sq. m at 90% RH7 38 deg. C thickness of

outer sheets : min 0.5 mm
Materials of outer Skin/ Inner sheets: Profiled Galvanized Sheet Steel/S.S/FRP with
tread / depth of profile approx. 5mm

25
16.1.1. PREFABRICATED PANELS

PREFABRICATED PANEL

26
16.1.2. SHIPPING CONTAINERS

Shipping containers are flood-and fireproof, making them a great home building
materials. Ranking in length from 20 – 30 feet, shipping containers are typically
only used for 10-15 years, but they can last much longer. It is estimated that there
are 24 million empty shipping containers in the world that will not be used for cargo
again. But, as the saying goes, one man’s retired shipping container is another man’s
crazy, high- end modular home. What? That is not a saying? It should not be.
Without further ago, here are some of the shipping containers homes on the planet.

Rome wasn’t build in a day, but this media lab at bard college apparently was.
The installers reportedly assembled the structure on site in a merely half a day,
costing a total of about $200,000. The two- story structure emphasis tranquility, with
open spaces to work in, and unassuming black and white color plate, and plenty full
windows to let in natural lights and gives students a view of tree just outside. A
large garage door opens up, granting access to the main room. While it’s not
technically a house, MB Architecture’s site states that the same design could be
outfitted with a kitchen and bathrooms to make a functional living space.

SHIPPING CONTAINERS

27
16.1.3. SIMPLE BRICKS

A brick is building material used to make walls, pavements and other elements in

mason art construction. Traditionally, the term brick referred to a unit composed of clay,

but it is now used to denote any rectangular units are laid in mortar. A brick can be

composed of clay- bearing soil, sand and lime, or concrete materials. Bricks are

produced in numerous classes, types, materials, and sizes which vary with region and

time period, and are produced in bulk quantities. Two basic categories of bricks are

fired and non-fired bricks.

Block is a similar term referring to a rectangular building unit composed of similar

materials, but is usually larger than a brick. Lightweight bricks (also called
lightweight blocks) are made from expanded clay aggregate.

Fired bricks are one of the longest-lasting and strongest building materials.
Sometimes referred to as artificial stone, and have been used since circa 4000BC.
Mud-dried bricks, also known as mud-bricks, have a history older than fired bricks,
and have an additional ingredient of a mechanical binder such as straw.

Bricks are laid in courses and numerous patterns known as bonds, collectively
known as brickwork, and may be laid in various kinds of mortar to hold the bricks
together to make a durable structure.

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29
16.1.4. SHORT ON SITE CONSTRUCTION

The need for effective short-term planning is great, since numerous factors exist
which can be identified only after construction begins. These uncertainties mean
that detailed work plans for individual crews can be completed only near the start of
a specific job. And can cover on a limited period of time.

Each of the three separate planning modes involves different functions, different
sources of data and problem-solving techniques – hence, three unique planning
products. Using these modes in combination takes advantage of their powerful
cumulative effect, assures short-term project objectives, and also supports the
continuous learning required for middle- and long-term organizational
improvements. Applying all three allows project administrative and organizational
forces to reinforce each other, providing a synergistic effect.

Construction sites need all three modes to achieve control, promote innovation

and assure high performance at all levels of the organization.

30
SHORT ON SITE CONSTRUCTION

31
16.1.5. STRAW ROOF

Thatching is the craft of building a roof with dry vegetation such as straw, water
reed, sedge, rushes, heather, or palm fronds, entering the vegetation so as to shed
water away from the inner roof. Since the bulk of the vegetation stays dry and is
densely packed – trapping air – thatching also functions as insulation. It is a very old
roofing method and has been used in both tropical and temperature climates. Thatch
is still employed to builders in developing countries, usually with low-cost local
vegetation. By contract, in some developed countries it is the choice of some
affluent people who desire a rustic look for home, would like a more ecologically
friendly roof, or who have purchased an originally thatched abode.

Technological change in the framing industry significantly affected the popularity

thatching. The availability of good quality thatching straw declined in England after
the introduction of the combine harvester in the late 1930s and 1940s, and the
release of short stemmed wheat varieties. Increasing use of nitrogen fertilizer in the
1960s-70s also weakened straw and reduced its longevity. Since the 1980s, however,
there has been a big increase in straw quality has specialist growers have returned to
growing holder, tall- stemmed, “heritage” varieties of wheat such as square heads
master(1880),N59 (1959), Ramp rivet (1937), Victor (1910) and April Bearded
(early 1800s) in low input \ organic conditions.

STRAW ROOF

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16.1.6. NATURAL STONE

India possesses a wide spectrum of dimensional stones that include granite, marble,
sand stone, limestone, slate and quartzite, in various parts of the country. The Indian
stone industry has evolved into the production and manufacturing of blocks,
flooring slabs, structural slabs, monuments, tomb stones, sculptures, cobbles,
pebbles, and landscape garden stones. This tradition of stone architecture has
continued to the present terra, with most of the important modern buildings in India
like the presidential house and parliament house, and Supreme Court made from
high quality sand stone of Rajasthan. Stones are still the mainstays of civil
construction in India. With stones being used extensively in public buildings, hotels,
and temples. It is increasingly bring used homes, with the use of stones now
penetrating amongst the growing middle class of India.

The success of commercial stone industry solely depends upon defects in

rock/stone natural defects in ornamental/commercial rock deposits adversely affect
the quality of rock deposit. Detection of natural defects in decorative and
dimensional stone industry play vital role in the quality assessment. India is pioneer
in the explorations, mining of commercial rock deposits and in establishing a firm
base for stone industry of the 300 varieties bring traded in the world market, nearly
half of them are from India. Commercially viable granite and other rock deposits are
reported from Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh,
Maharashtra, Orissa, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and others.

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NATURAL STONE

34
16.1.7. CONCRETE

Concrete is a composite material composed of cement, fine aggregate (sand) and

coarse aggregate mixed with water which hardens with time. Portland cement is the
mostly used type of cement for the production of concrete.

There are other types of binding material is used other than cement such as lime
foe lime concrete and bitumen for asphalt concrete which is used for road
construction. When water is mixed with materials, cement reacts with water and
hydration reaction starts. This reaction helps ingredients to form a hard matrix that
binds the materials together into a durable stone- like material.

Concrete can be casted in any shape. Since it is a plastic material in fresh state,
various shapes and sizes of forms or formworks are used to provide different shapes
such has rectangle, circle etc. various structural members such as beam, slabs,
footings, columns, lintels etc are constructed with concrete.

Various types of concrete are manufactured these days for construction of

buildings and structures. These have special properties and features which improve
quality of construction per requirements.

CONCRETE

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16.1.8. LAMINATED BAMBOO

Laminated bamboo, which is made by bamboo inc. bring structurally engineered

sustainable materials to the structural and architectural market across the globe.
Bamboo make use of bamboo grass culms that have been harvested for at-least 6- 8
years and are then cut longitudinally slats and cured using multiple approaches
conditional on the desired architectural applications. After curing, the bamboo slats
are then aligned for vertical or horizontal product application and adhered under
pressure to form the desired structural components outcome. The result is a beautiful
sought-after look of natural bamboo by consumers are landscape architects alike
laminated bamboo is easily in-cooperated into many of superior recreational
products steel shelter structures. With our partnership with bamboo, we are able add
bamboo to anything on our pre-engineered steel structures including rafters and
columns.

Bamboo offers a variety of finishes with varying degrees of production,

durability, ease of application, reparability, and maintenance your laminated
structure can retain its look, finish and shape throughout the lifespan of the structure
can retain its look, finish and shape throughout the lifespan of the structure Or if
preferred, allow the wood to age naturally to give it a weathered look.

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LAMINATED BAMBOO

37
17. VARIOUS COST REDUCTION TECHNIQUES

17.1 EMPLOYED IN HOUSING CONSTRUCTION

The main thrust of building research has been to improve upon the conventional
practices and develop new prefabricated and cast-in-situ construction methods,
mechanical aids, modern management techniques to achieve appreciable possible
saving in the consumption of costly and scarce materials like cement and steel as
well as improving quality in construction. Techniques for construction of walls and
roofs were developed with a view to make a optimum use of local materials such as
soil, brick, lime and timber.

The central and state construction Departments, housing boards, development

authorities and other construction agencies either on charitable or voluntary basis
have to come forward for promoting the innovative techniques in their large housing
programs. Some important innovative techniques are used these agencies for the
construction of walls, roofs and building services which consume over 50% of
building cost.

Premier R and D institutions engaged in the field of building technology like

central building research institute (CBRI, Structural Engineer Research Centre
(SERC), Chennai, National for cement and building materials (NCB) Haryana and
the regional research laboratories etc. have played an important role in the
development of cost effective construction techniques an materials.

On the other hand, organizations like national building organization (NBO) New
Delhi, building materials and technology promotion council (BMPTC) New Delhi,
housing and urban development cooperation (HUDCO), New Delhi and housing
development finance cooperation (HDFC), the national network under the agencies
of HUDCO and COSTFORD centers throughout the state have been playing useful

38
role in the promotion of innovative construction techniques evolved by the
Aforesaid research institutions in the country. NBO had experimented with 60
innovative cost reducing techniques in as many experimental projects.

Among 60 types of construction techniques only two dozen techniques found wider
application in large scale housing programs. Emphasis was laid on partial;
prefabrication instead of total prefabrication in the construction of NBO experimental
buildings. Such a system leads to saving in cost and speed in construction.

Out of these precast components successfully employed in the experimental

buildings precast roofing units viz., reinforced concrete (RC) channel units, precast
RC plants and joints, precast – RCC lintels, stone block masonry are note worthy.
Other techniques include the concept of technologies include the concept of
construction of 4-5 storey buildings having single bricks (23cm) load bearing walls,
in all the storey, double storey construction with 19cm load bearing masonry walls
use of 11cm (half brick0 thick load bearing masonry construction having Z- shape in
cross section for the urban poor and single slack system of plumbing.

The adoption of chemical specification for mortars and plasters, as tried out in
several experimental projects, is by now a routine affair in the construction of
buildings under the large scale housing programs taken up by several housing
agencies across the country for economically weaker section (EWE) and low
income group (LIG), categories of the population.
Several alternative building materials like secondary species of timber, dry-hydrated
lime fly-ash and plastic have been successful.

Tried out under several NBO experimental projects, fly-ash, an industry waste
from thermal plants, has been experimented in a big way under several such NBO
projects sponsored by (NLC), Military Engineering services (MES).Haryana Board
and Tamil Nadu Housing Board etc. It was tried out as partial replacement of cement
in plaster and mortar and in the production of bricks and blocks. The results of such

39
experimentation have been quite encouraging.
The Building Materials Technology Promotion Council (BMTPC) under the
ministry of Urban Affairs and Employment has undertaken identification of
potential technologies which could help in large utilization of industrial wastes like
fly-ash, phosphor-gypsum and blast furnace slag in construction industry. The
council has prepared technical profiles in respect of clay-fly-ash burnt bricks, fly-
ash-sand-lime brick, alumina red mud bricks and phosphor-gypsum based building
components for their larger exploitation in building activities.
The popular cost-effective construction techniques promoted by COSTFORD
include Rat-Trap Bond, Filler Slab, Brick arches and Waffle Shell system for
roofing. Now, burnt clay bricks are being replaced by factory – produced concrete
blocks. Similarity, never construction techniques are also being used.
In the private sector, consortium, Maharashtra has relied on the concept of total
prefabricated for mass housing programs. The firm manufactures pre-cast hollow
columns and beams, light weight concrete slabs and blocks and wall panels with
Swedish know-how which has been extensively used in construction of over 100,000
dwelling units of all categories both in India and aboard.

The tunnel form system of prefabrication for mass housing programs promoted
by ECC construction group of L and T ( Larson and Turbo), Bangalore, is yet
another construction techniques which deserves mention in the context of
technological options for housing for the masses. Under this system, the walls and
floors slabs are cast in a continuous pour of concrete using room – size structural
steel framework called “Tunnel form”. This technique of construction has been
successfully employed in the construction of 1,500 dwelling units measuring 75m
each for employees of Tata Iron and Steel Company Ltd. (TISCO) at Jamshedpur.
The entire construction, which was based on how acquired from a French firm
“SPECTRA” was completed within a period of only 32 months.
Very recently the largest cement manufactured in the country “The Associated
Cement Companies Ltd” has also acquired “Tunnel Form” construction techniques
from a Danish Firm “Scan Form Building System Ltd”. The company is contemplating

40
in the use of this system for mass -housing constructions.
Thus, there is enormous potential in terms of technical capabilities available in
the country which could be judiciously exploited for providing affordable housing to
the masses. Thus, before embarking upon a particular technology is important to
work out the Cost Effectiveness”. Tin case of thin precast flooring / roofing units,
due attention should be given to the proper detailing of joints and for ensuring
diaphragm action of such roof/ floor.
Therefore, while undertaking any mass housing program, due considering is
required to be given to the holistic approach to the various issues related to it such as
financial resources, land availability, provision of necessary infrastructural services,
selection of suitable cost effective construction techniques and materials etc.

41
18. SOME COST REDUCTION TECHNIQUES NOW
IN PRACTICE

For cutting down the construction cost reducing devices have been introduced by
COSTFORD centers in the state for their large scale housing construction. Some of
them are the following.

18.1 Thinner walls or single brick thick walls

Using thinner walls in construction and single brick walls enhance the structural
safety of buildings.

18.2 Load bearing brick work

It Is now possible to construct 4-5 storey buildings in load bearing brick-work.

By the adoption of this technique 5-15 percent saving in cost is achieved depending

upon the structural requirements, type and strength of brick etc. over 1, 60, 000

42
houses have so far been constructed with this technique by the major construction

agencies like central PWD (CPWD) Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Military

Engineering Services (MES), Tamil Nadu housing board, Tamil Nadu slum

clearance board, PWD West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh etc.

It is recommended by CBRI that due to the adoption of thinner section of wall and
newer type of bonding, the load carrying capacity of walls subjected to axial and
eccentric loads should be reduced by 15 percent. By the adoption of 19cm thick walls
17 percent saving in construction of bricks and mortar is achieved. As both the faces
of the walls are even, only 10mm thick plaster is required. An additional advantage
by the use of this technique is the increase in floor area for the same plinth area.
Using these techniques several LIG and EWS houses were completed at Ludhiana
under NBO Experimental Housing Scheme. Some houses were constructed in Tamil
Nadu also.

43
LOAD BEARING BRICK WALL

44
18.3 BRICK ON EDGE CAVITY WALL

The central building research institute (CBRI) has developed a technique of

construction of brick-on-edge 20cm thick cavity wall
|(CBRI Data sheet 1972) which consists of two masonry leaves each of 7.5cm
thickness with a continuous air gap of 5cm between them. The leaves are tied
together either by corrosion proof metal ties or brick or concrete blocks. Two storey
residential buildings could be constructed with such cavity of bricks having
crushing strength not less than 100 n/ mm and mortar not leaner than 1: 3 in cement
or 1: 1: 6 in cement and lime.
The adoption of brick cavity walls results in a saving of up-to 30 percent in
bricks and mortars, 15 percent in overall cost as compared to 23cm thick brick walls
and the inner leaves remains dry. This technique was used for the construction of
middle school buildings in Nagar, R00rkee and by University of R00rkee for
lecturer’s residences. It was also used under NBO experimental housing scheme for
assistant professor quarters at institute of technology, Patiala and several double
storey quarters in Gandhi Nagar town-ship, Gujarat, and a large number of both
institutional and residential buildings in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

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 BRICK ON EDGE CAVITY WALL

18.4 PRECAST STONE MASONRY BLOCK

Stone masonry wall is 15-20 percent cheaper in cost as compared to random rubble

masonry where bricks are costly. A large number of houses have been constructed with

stone masonry blocks in different parts of the country by construction organizations. In the

northern districts ff Kerala, majority of the houses are constructing by using precast stone

masonry block. In Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal prefab factories have come up which

supply these block

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18.5 MODULAR BRICK MASONARY WALLS
To introduced and achieve the benefits of modular planning in building construction it
is necessary to produce bricks in a module of 10 cm. The nominal size of modular brick
is 20cm * 10cm and so it has some advantages over the conventional bricks viz., it
gives more floor area results in up-to 10% saving in the quantity of bricks and 24% in
the consumption of mortar and consumes less clay and coal.

18.6 HOLLOW CLAY BLOCKS FOR SHELL TYPE HOUSES

Hollow clay blocks are arranged in a category profile and supported over a
foundation of random rubble or brick masonry. The shell serves both as wall and
roof for the house. There is considerable saving in cement and no steel is used.
About 15% saving in cost could be achieved. A large number of houses have been
constructed with hollow clay blocks in the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

47
19. BENEFITS OF USING LOW COST HOUSING

Low cost housings are simple spaces constructed keeping in people who cannot
afford to spend huge on house construction. A good quality of construction can also
be achieved in low cost construction but make sure that you hire a right technically
knowledge person for the job rather than sub-contractor to a random labor
contractor.
Low cost housing can be built in low investment.
We will get quicker loan sanction from the banks or financing companies for
buying low cost housing.
Re-sale of the house would be easier as the cost is low (if the real estate in boom
time, it would be the seller market. Making a profit from the low cost investment
would be much easier and more profitable in that period.)
1. Low cost housing requires low maintenance because it has less property.
2. Use of cheap and locally available materials.
3. Use of biodegradable materials.
4. Energy efficiency and eco-
friendly. Import reduction.
5. Cost effectiveness.
6. Minimize impact on environment.
7. Minimum mortar required.
8. Hollow provisions for laying vertical and horizontal reinforcements to improve
the lateral load resisting capacity.
9. Renewable nature of straw.
10. Materials wastage is
minimized.
11. Easy to build.

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20. CONCLUSION

The dream of owning a house particularly for low-income and middle-income

families is becoming a difficult reality. It is necessary to adopt cost effective,
innovative and environment-friendly housing technologies for the construction.

This paper examined the cost effectiveness of using low cost housing
technologies in comparison with the traditional construction methods.

Two case studies in India were conducted. It was found that about 26.11% and
22.68% of the construction cost, including materials and labor cost, can be saved by
using the low cost housing technologies in comparison with the traditional
construction methods for walling and roofing respectively.

This proves the benefits and the trends for implementing low cost housing
technologies in the industry.

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21. REFERENCES

1. Building Construction by B. C. Punmia, Ashok Kumar Jain and Arun Kumar

Jain -Laxmi Publications (P) ltd. New Delhi.
2. Building Materials and Construction -Arora & Bindra, Dhanpat Roy Publications.

3. Design of Concrete Structures -Shashi Bhushan Suman, Third Edition. 2015.

4. Designs of Reinforced Concrete Structures -Dr. B.C. Punmia. Er. Ashok Kumar

Jain. Dr. Arun K. Jain, Tenth Edition, 2005

5. Indian Practical Civil Engineers' Handbook- P.N. Khanna, Engineers

Publishers. New Delhi. 2008.

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