Sachin et.

al; International Journal for Emerging Research & Development

(Volume1, Issue2)
Available online at: www.ijernd.com

Low cost building an engineering approach

Sachin Mukesh Kumar Sharma
tomar.networks@gmail.com mukeshjohn.smith@gmail.com
Northern India Engineering College, Shastri Northern India Engineering College, Shastri
Park, New Delhi Park, New Delhi

Inamul Haq Sooraj

ihaq959@gmail.com soorajsharma011@gmail.com
Northern India Engineering College, Shastri Northern India Engineering College, Shastri
Park, New Delhi Park, New Delhi

Mohd. Amir Khan Vishal Singh

mohdamirkhan95.mak@gmail.com vishalsinghniec@gmail.com
Northern India Engineering College, Shastri Northern India Engineering College, Shastri
Park, New Delhi Park, New Delhi

Maninder Kaur Inderjeet

maninder.kaur@niecdelhi.ac.in maninder.kaur@niecdelhi.ac.in
Northern India Engineering College, Shastri Northern India Engineering College, Shastri
Park, New Delhi Park, New Delhi

ABSTRACT
The present study represents various techniques and methods for minimizing the overall building cost as minimum as possible.
Finally, we use the techniques of Cellular light weight concrete blocks (CLC block), Earthen mud concrete block, Foam concrete,
Precast members, and also the Planning is done using Critical path method (CPM)and Designing done by considering the
orientation of site and climatic condition of that particular area.

Keywords: CLC Block, Foam Concrete, Precast Member, Earthen Mud Concrete Block, CPM.
1. INTRODUCTION
Low-cost housings are not houses which are constructed by low-cost building materials of low quality. A low-cost house is designed
and constructed in a same way as any other house with respect to foundation, structure, and strength. The reduction in cost by
effective utilization of locally available building materials and techniques that are durable, economical, accepted by users.

1.1 Objective of Study

The objective of the study is to design a low-cost building which is affordable to economic weaker section. This study consists of
designing G+5 story building consisting of 4 -2BHK apartment cluster.
It includes:
 2D plan
 Section and elevation of the building.
 Methods and techniques used for low-cost construction.
 Estimation of building construction cost.
 Comparison with a conventional building.

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 Sachin et.al; International Journal for Emerging Research & Development
2. METHODS ADOPTED
After reading various research papers and understanding the current scenario of construction in India which is a developing country
and as per requirements of peoples we adopted various methods so as to minimize the overall construction cost so that the dream of
home came true for all peoples of India. The various methods adopted are:
 Cellular light weight concrete blocks (CLC block),
 Earthen mud concrete block,
 Concrete Jacketed Rammed Earth Wall Construction
 Foam concrete,
 Precast members
Precast Stairs
Precast Lintels
Precast Slab
2.1 Cellular Light Weight Concrete (CLC Block)
 CLC = Cellular Lightweight Concrete
 The cellular concrete referred here is concrete which contains stable air or gas cells uniformly distributed in the mix.
 Made-up of :

 Cement
 Sand
 Fly ash
 Foam (Water + Foaming Agent)

Table No. 1 [CLC Block Size and Weight]

Block Size (mm) Approximate Weight/Block (Kg) No. of Blocks/Cu.Mtr.
600 x 200 x 200 20.500 41
600 x 200 x 150 15.500 55
600 x 200 x 100 10.250 83

2.2 Earthen Mud Concrete Block:

The earthen mud concrete block is a block made up of concrete and soil/mud. In this, a hollow concrete block is made then after
curing process completed mud is filled into the hollow block in several layers followed by ramming up to 25 to 30 blows. This type
of block can be used both for load bearing as well as the non-load bearing wall. In this project, we can use these blocks in the
foundation so as to minimize the cost.

2.3 Precast members:

2.3.1 Precast slabs roofing

The precast slab is light in weight which results in reducing the dead load and also the speed of construction increases; no shuttering
needed results in overall economy in construction. The width of a panel is 3000 mm and depth may vary from 100 mm to 150 mm
as per the span, the length of the panel is adjusted to suit the span. Extra reinforcement is provided at the top also to take care of
handling stresses during lifting and placement. There is saving of about 30% in cost of concrete and an overall saving of about 23%.

2.3.2 Precast Stairs:

Precast concrete stairs and landings are the ideal solutions for fast-track high-quality concrete staircase construction and also precast
stairs are maintenance free service and excellent durability. These increase the speed of construction also avoid shuttering and reduce
cost up to 30%.

2.4 Techniques Used:

2.4.1 Critical Path Method:
A project is composed of jobs, activities, functions or tasks that are related one to the other in some manner, and all of these should
be completed in order to complete the project. So to minimize the construction time we use CPM technique as a reduction in
construction time results in a reduction in Construction Cost.

3. PLAN OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDING

3.1 Details Of Building
Number of Story : G+5
Number of an apartment on a floor: 4
Apartment type : 2BHK
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 Sachin et.al; International Journal for Emerging Research & Development
Note: Parking at ground floor.

Figure No. 1 2D Plan

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 Sachin et.al; International Journal for Emerging Research & Development

Figure 2: Cluster Plan

Figure 3: Front Elevation

4. EXPERIMENTAL STUDY
4.1 General
In this study of low-cost housing, we conduct an experiment on CLC blocks and earthen mud concrete block. For this, we construct
the CLC block and Earthen mud concrete block in the lab and check their compressive strength and water absorption at 14 days of
casting.

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 Sachin et.al; International Journal for Emerging Research & Development
Table 3 [CLC Blocks Mix Proportions]

Water for
Foaming Water Net Water
Mix Cement Fly ash Foaming
Sand (Kg) Agent for Mix Required
Proportion (Kg) (Kg) Agent
(ml) (ltr.) (ltr.)
(ltr.)

Mix A
4.86 4.86 0 2.34 93.5 1.40 3.74
(1:1:0)
Mix B
3.89 3.89 3.51 1.87 74.6 1.13 3
(1:1:0.5)
Mix C
3.24 3.24 5.85 1.56 62.4 0.93 2.49
(1:1:1)

Table 4 [Compressive Strength Test Results]

S.No. Block Compressive Strength(N/mm2) after 21 Days
1 Mix A CLC Block 0
2 Mix B CLC Block 5.77
3 Mix C CLC Block 12
4 EMC Block 22.5

Table 5 [Density of CLC Blocks]

Weight
S.No. Block Volume (cm3) Density (Kg/m3)
(kg)
1 Mix A CLC Block 2.14 0.003375 634.07
2 Mix B CLC Block 4 0.003375 1185.185
3 Mix C CLC Block 4.17 0.003375 1235.55

Table 6 [EMC Block Compressive Strength Test Results]

M30 Grade Concrete EMC Block
Size of Mould = 0.18x0.18x0.18 m Volume Of 2 Mould = 0.008864m3
Cement Water Sand Aggregate Admixture
3.415 kg 1.536 ltr 6.175 kg 9.767 kg 40 gm
Compressive Strength after 21 Days
Block Surface
Load (KN) Strength (N/mm2)
Area m2
0.0324 730 22.53

Figure 4 [15*15*15cm size ClC block as per mix A, B & C]

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 Sachin et.al; International Journal for Emerging Research & Development

Figure 5: Mix C CLC Block

Figure 6: 180*180*180mm size EMC Block

5. ESTIMATION FOR 1 M3 MASONRY WORK

5.1 Estimation for 1 m3 CLC Block Masonry work
CLC Block size = 600*200*200 mm
Volume of 1 block = 0.6*0.2*0.2 = 0.024m3
We use 1400 kg/m3 density block in building of Mix C (1:1:1)

Total Volume of block = 0.024 m3

The volume occupied by voids = 40% of the total volume
= 0.4*0.024 = 0.0096 m3
Volume occupied by material in block = Total volume – Volume of voids
= 0.024 – 0.0096 = 0.0144 m3

Hence, Material required for 1 block:

Volume = 0.0144 m3
Proportion = 1:1:1
Sum of Ratio = 3
Volume of cement required = (1/3)*1440* 0.0144 = 6.912 kg
Volume of Fly ash required = (1/3)*0.0144*1440 = 0.0048 m 3
Volume of Sand required = (1/3)*0.0144 = 0.0048 m3
w/c Ratio = 0.77
Total Volume of water required = 0.77*6.912 = 5.32 ltr
Volume of Foaming Agent required = 5.32/40 = 133 ml
Volume of water required to generate foam by mixing with foaming agent = 133*25 = 3.33 ltr
Hence volume of water used in mix = 5.32-3.33 = 1.99 ltr

Table No. 7 [Material Required for 1 ClC Block of size 600*200*200 ]

Net
Foaming Water Water
Cement Fly ash Sand Water
Proportion Agent for Foam for Mix
(kg) (m3) (m3) required
(ml) (ltr) (ltr)
(ltr)
1:1:1 6.912 0.0048 0.0048 133 3.33 1.99 5.32
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 Sachin et.al; International Journal for Emerging Research & Development
Table No. 8 [Cost of 1 ClC Block of size 600*200*200 ]
Foaming
Cement Fly ash Sand Net Water
Mix C (1:1:1) Agent
(kg) (m3) (m3) required (ltr)
(ml)
6.912 0.0048 0.0048 133 5.32
DSR 6.3 Rs/kg 8 Rs/m3 700 Rs/m3 10 Rs /ltr 0.2 Rs/ltr
Cost (Rs) 43.55 0.0384 3.36 1.3 1.064
Net Cost 49.308 = 50 Rs approx..

No. of blocks in 1m3 (without mortar) = 1/volume of 1 block

= 1/0.024 = 41.66 = 42 approx.
No. of blocks in 1m3 (with mortar) = 1/(0.61*0.21*0.21)
= 37.17 = 38 blocks
Volume of mortar = 42-38 = 4 block volume
= 4*0.024 = 0.096 m3
We use 1:5 cement mortar for block masonry work
Hence,
Sum = 1+5 = 6
Cement required for 1 m3 masonry work = (1/6)*0.3*1440*0.096 = 6.912 kg
Sand required for 1 m3 masonry work = (5/6) *0.3*0.096 = 0.024 m3

Labour Cost:
According to DSR, the labor cost is calculated @ 289 Rs/m3.

Table No. 9 [Material & Labour Cost For 1m3 block Masonry]
Proportion Cement (kg) Sand (m3) Blocks
1:5 6.912 0.024 38
DSR 6.3 Rs/kg 700 Rs/m3 50 Rs /unit
Cost (Rs) 43.55 16.8 1900
Net Material Cost 1960.35 Rs/m3
Labour Cost 289 Rs/m3
Net Cost 2249.35 Rs /m3

5.2 Estimation of 1 m3 Brick Masonry work

We consider the brick masonry work to be done in 1:5 cement sand mortar.
Ratio = 1:5
Sum = 1+5 = 6
Total dry mortar required for 1 m3 brick masonry = 0.3m3
Therefore, the following materials are required.
Cement = (1/6)*0.3*1440 = 72 kg
Sand = (5/6)*.3 = 0.25m3
No. of bricks required = 500

Table No. 10 [Material Cost For 1m3 brick Masonry]

Proportion Cement (kg) Sand (m3) Brick
1:5 72 0.25 500
DSR 6.3 Rs/kg 700 Rs/kg 5.5 Rs/unit
Material Cost (Rs) 453.6 175 2750
3
Net Cost 3204.6 Rs/m

Labour Cost for 10 m3:

1st class Mason (Brick layers 8 nos. @ 435 Rs/day) = 3480 Rs
Mazdoors 15 @ 363 Rs/day = 5445 Rs
Bhisti 2 @ 363 Rs/day = 726 Rs
Sundries and T & P @ 3% on labour = 289.53 Rs
Cost of labour for 10 m3 = 9940.53 Rs
Hence, Cost of labour for 1m3 = 994.05 Rs

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 Sachin et.al; International Journal for Emerging Research & Development

Table No. 11 [Material & Labour Cost For 1m3 brick Masonry]
Material Cost (Rs) 3204.6
Labour Cost (Rs) 994.05
Net Cost (Rs) 4198.65

5.3 Estimation for 1 m3 Earthen Mud Concrete Block Masonry work

EMC Block size = 600*200*200 mm

Volume of 1 block = 0.6*0.2*0.2 = 0.024m3
Total Volume of block = 0.024 m3
Hence, Material required for 1 block:

As block is hollow hence volume = (.6*.2*.2) – (.5*.1*.1) = 0.019 m3

Volume of cement required = 385.24*0.019 = 7.32 kg

Volume of Fine aggregates required = 696.63*0.019 = 13.24 kg = 0.0051 m 3
Volume of Coarse aggregates required = 1101.843*0.019 = 20.94 kg = 0.0081 m 3
w/c Ratio = 0.45
Total Volume of water required = 0.45*7.32 = 3.294 ltr
Volume of Admixture required = 4.62*0.019 = 87.7gm

No. of blocks in 1m3 (without mortar) = 1/volume of 1 block

= 1/0.024 = 41.66 = 42 approx.
No. of blocks in 1m3 (with mortar) = 1/(0.61*0.21*0.21)
= 37.17 = 38 blocks
Volume of mortar = 42-38 = 4 block volume
= 4*0.024 = 0.096 m3
We use 1:5 cement mortar for block masonry work
Hence,
Sum = 1+5 = 6
Cement required for 1 m3 masonry work = (1/6)*0.3*1440*0.096 = 6.912 kg
Sand required for 1 m3 masonry work = (5/6) *0.3*0.096 = 0.024 m3

Table No. 12 [Material Cost for 1 EMC Block of size 600*200*200 ]

Fine Coarse Water for Earth
Cement Admixture
Grade Aggregate Aggregate Mix (m3)
(kg) (gm)
(m3) (m3) (ltr)
M30 7.32 0.0051 0.0081 87.7 3.294 0.005
800 30 Rs/m3
DSR 6.3 Rs/kg 700 Rs/m3 700 Rs/m3 20 Rs/kg
Rs/5000ltr
Cost (Rs) 46.116 3.57 5.67 1.754 .53 .15
Net Cost 57.79 = 58 Rs/unit

Labour Cost:
According to DSR, the labor cost is calculated @ 289 Rs/m3.

Table No. 13 [Material & Labour Cost For 1m3 block Masonry]
Proportion Cement (kg) Sand (m3) Blocks
1:5 6.912 0.024 38
DSR 6.3 Rs/kg 700 Rs/m3 58 Rs /unit
Cost (Rs) 43.55 16.8 2204
3
Net Material Cost 2264.35 Rs/m
Labour Cost 289 Rs/m3
Net Cost 2553.35 Rs /m3

5.4 Comparison of CLC Blocks; EMC Blocks & Red Bricks

For 1m3 masonry work

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 Sachin et.al; International Journal for Emerging Research & Development

Table No. 14 [Comparison of CLC Blocks; EMC Blocks & Red Bricks]
Blocks CLC Block EMC Block Red Brick
Material Cost (Rs) 1960.35 2264.35 3204.6
Labour Cost (Rs) 289 289 994.05
Net Cost (Rs) 2249.35 2553.35 4198.65
Cost Saved as
1949.3 1645.3 0
compared to Red Brick
% cost reduction
46.43 % 39.19 % 0%
compared to Red Brick

6. COMPARISON OF COST OF CONVENTIONAL BUILDING WITH LOW COST BUILDING DESIGNED

IN THIS PROJECT
Hence cost of 1 apartment = 1268298.54/5 = Rs 2,53,660

Hence cost of 1 apartment = 923666.9025/5 = Rs 1,84,734

7. RESULT
Saving in total cost = cost of Conventional building – cost of low cost building
= 1268298.54 - 923666.9025
= 3,44,631.64 Rs (i.e approx. 30% saving)

Table No. 17 Comparison of cost of conventional building with low cost

building
Conventional Building Low-Cost Building

Cost of 1 Apartment Rs 2,53,660 Rs 1,84,734

Difference 68,926

% Saving 28%

8. REFERENCES
[1] Manish Awana and Chandan Kumar (2017) “Ecological materials & technologies in low-cost building system” Int.Journal for
housing sciences, Vol-37, pp-229-238

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 Sachin et.al; International Journal for Emerging Research & Development
[2] Vivian W.Y.Tam, (2011), “Cost-effectiveness of using low-cost housing technologies in construction”, Procedia Engg, 14, pp-
156-160.
[3] Tomas U Ganiron& Mohammed Almaewae, (2014) “Prefabricated Technology in a modular house”, Int. Jr of Advanced Sci&
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