Mivan construction is a revolutionary method that uses aluminium formwork for concrete casting, offering a faster and more efficient alternative to traditional Reinforced Concrete Construction (RCC). While RCC remains a widely used approach, Mivan construction stands out for its cost-effectiveness, speed and sustainability. This blog explains how mivan construction can change the game for homebuilders.
What is Mivan Construction?
When envisioning a new home, traditional brick-and-mortar methods often come to mind. However, an advanced technique is transforming the industry—Mivan construction technology. First introduced by the European-based Mivan Company Ltd. in 1990, this system has been steadily gaining traction in India, where its cost-effectiveness and efficiency are proving to be game-changers.
Mivan construction involves the use of pre-engineered aluminium panels to form walls, floors and ceilings of a structure. Concrete is poured into this mould, and once it sets, the formwork is removed, leaving behind a sturdy, uniform structure that requires minimal additional finishing. By significantly reducing construction time by up to 70% and minimising material waste, Mivan Construction is reshaping modern construction practices in India.
Mivan Shuttering: How Does it Work?
Mivan shuttering follows a systematic process that ensures precision and efficiency in construction. The key steps include:
- Reinforcement Steel Preparation: Pre-cast steel reinforcements are prepared and transported to the site.
- Formwork Assembly: Lightweight aluminium panels are systematically assembled to form a mould that defines the walls, floors, and ceilings.
- Concrete Pouring: High-quality concrete gets poured into the moulds, ensuring uniformity and strength.
- Setting and Curing: Then, the concrete is allowed to set and gain adequate strength under controlled conditions.
- Formwork Removal: Once the concrete has cured, the formwork is carefully removed, revealing a smooth, uniform structure.
- Finishing Touches: Due to the high precision of Mivan technology, minimal plastering or additional work is required, significantly reducing finishing costs and labour time.
- Specialised Labour Requirement: A skilled workforce is essential for assembling and dismantling the formwork, ensuring the construction process is carried out effectively and efficiently.
- Durability and Strength: The monolithic structure created by Mivan shuttering enhances structural integrity and longevity.
This method ensures faster project completion, better quality control and enhanced durability in comparison to conventional construction.
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Components of Mivan Shuttering
Mivan shuttering consists of multiple components that work together to ensure a sturdy and efficient construction process. These components are categorised as follows:
- Wall Components: The Mivan formwork for walls includes essential elements such as wall panels, stub pins, kickers and rockers.
- Deck Components: The deck formwork comprises soffit lengths, deck panels, deck props and prop lengths, ensuring structural stability.
- Beam Components: The beam shuttering system consists of beam side panels, prop heads and soffit beam panels for enhanced support.
- Other Components: Mivan shuttering also includes additional components beyond those mentioned above, contributing to the overall structural integrity.
Advantages of Mivan Shuttering
Mivan shuttering offers various advantages, making it a preferred choice for modern construction:
- Cost Efficiency: Although the initial investment in Mivan formwork is higher, it provides long-term savings through faster construction, reduced labour costs and minimal maintenance.
- Design Flexibility: The adaptable formwork system allows for a vast range of architectural designs and structural configurations, surpassing the limitations of traditional methods.
- Eco-Friendly Construction: The reusability of Mivan shuttering significantly reduces raw material wastage, making it an environmentally sustainable choice.
- Faster Construction: The quick assembly and disassembly of reusable formwork enable rapid project completion, reducing overall timelines.
- Enhanced Safety: Structures built using Mivan construction technology are more durable and offer better resistance against seismic activities, making them ideal for earthquake-prone regions.
- Sustainability: Mivan technology minimises material wastage and its use of recyclable materials such as concrete and aluminium makes it an environmentally responsible option.
- Long-Term Cost Benefits: While aluminium formwork may seem costly initially, the reduction in labour, maintenance and faster project turnaround times lead to substantial cost savings over time.
- Superior Quality & Uniformity: Mivan technology ensures consistency in walls, floors and ceilings, resulting in high-quality structures with minimal need for repairs or rework.
- Adaptability: Mivan’s versatility allows for diverse architectural designs and structural configurations. Its flexibility to adapt to various project requirements surpasses the limitations of traditional methods.
- Speed and Efficiency: Mivan construction is known for its speed. The reusable formwork of the system allows for quick assembly and disassembly, significantly reducing construction time. Projects using Mivan often witness accelerated completion schedules compared to those employing traditional RCC methods.
Disadvantages of Mivan Shuttering
While Mivan construction offers multiple benefits, certain limitations exist:
- Higher Initial Investment: The cost of aluminium formwork is relatively high, making it less accessible for smaller projects.
- Limited Design Flexibility Post-Construction: Once constructed, modifications can be challenging due to the monolithic nature of Mivan construction structures.
- Specialised Labour Requirement: Skilled professionals are needed to assemble and dismantle the formwork, which may increase operational costs.
- Best Suited for Large-Scale Projects: Mivan construction is ideal for mass housing and high-rise buildings but may not be suitable for smaller, custom-designed projects requiring frequent alterations.
Mivan Shuttering vs. Conventional Formwork
Components | Mivan Shuttering | Conventional Formwork |
Cost-Effectiveness | Mivan formwork is more cost-effective over time due to reduced labour and faster project completion. | Conventional formwork has lower upfront costs but incurs higher long-term labour and maintenance expenses. |
Construction Speed | Mivan construction technology significantly reduces construction time, enabling quicker project turnaround. | Traditional methods require longer durations due to bricklaying, plastering, and finishing work. |
Labour Requirements | Mivan shuttering minimises the need for skilled labour as the formwork is pre-engineered and easy to assemble. | Conventional formwork demands a larger workforce, increasing labour costs. |
Surface Finish | Mivan technology ensures a smooth and uniform surface, reducing the need for plastering. | Conventional formwork results in uneven surfaces that require additional finishing work. |
Durability & Seismic Resistance | Mivan construction structures are highly durable and resistant to seismic activities. | Traditional RCC structures may require additional reinforcement for earthquake resistance. |
Conclusion
Mivan Construction is redefining the homebuilding landscape with its speed, efficiency and sustainability. While initial costs may be higher, the long-term benefits of durability, lower maintenance and faster project completion make it a compelling alternative to traditional RCC methods.
As the demand for quality housing grows, adopting Mivan technology may provide homebuilders with an edge in the evolving real estate market.
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FAQs
Which is better, mivan construction or brick?
Mivan construction is considered superior to traditional beam, column and brick construction due to its speed, cost-efficiency and enhanced durability.
What is mivan shuttering?
Mivan shuttering or Mivan construction technology is a kind of aluminium formwork. It is an economical and faster way of construction, gaining popularity in India.
How is mivan shuttering done?
Mivan shuttering is executed by a skilled workforce that assembles the aluminium formwork, pours concrete and removes the formwork at the right time to ensure a durable structure.
What is the IS code for mivan shuttering?
The detailing requirement for Mivan shuttering follows the IS 456:2000 code.
What types of structures are built with the mivan construction system?
Mivan construction technology is used to construct residential buildings, commercial complexes, hotels, hospitals, and educational institutions.
Mivan construction is considered superior to traditional beam, column and brick construction due to its speed, cost-efficiency and enhanced durability.
Mivan shuttering or Mivan construction technology is a kind of aluminium formwork. It is an economical and faster way of construction, gaining popularity in India.
Mivan shuttering is executed by a skilled workforce that assembles the aluminium formwork, pours concrete and removes the formwork at the right time to ensure a durable structure.
The detailing requirement for Mivan shuttering follows the IS 456:2000 code.
Mivan construction technology is used to construct residential buildings, commercial complexes, hotels, hospitals, and educational institutions.