CONTENTS

Chapter 1
Introduction
• Introduction
• Objective of the Study
• Scope of the study
• Methodology
• Limitation

Chapter 2
Product Profile
• Production and Manufacturing of H.C.B.
• Particulars of the product
• In fracture of the product
• Process Details-Hollow Concrete Blocks
• Requirement of Raw Materials & Consumables
• Cost of Production

Chapter 3
Firm Profile – Asma Traders
• History of Factory
• Nature of Factory
• The Regular Manpower Working
• Organization Chart
• Manpower recruitment

1
Chapter 4
Methods of Construction
• Methods of Construction
• Traditional Wall construction
• Puddle soil construction
• Unburnt Bricks Construction
• Burnt Bricks Construction
• Bamboo reinforce mud wall
• Introduction of Hollow Blocks in structures
• Advantages and disadvantages

Chapter 5
Market Potential
• Demand And supply
• Marketing and Distribution
• Market Arrangement

Chapter 6
Data Analysis and Interpretation

Chapter – 7
Findings, Suggestions and Conclusion

Annexure
• Questionnaire
• Bibliography

2
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
 Introduction

 Objective of the Study

 Scope of the study

 Methodology

 Limitation

3
 INTRODUCTION

Shimoga is a city, which is growing in all trades at a good speed.

So as the construction industries too. Hence in order to make this
industry in par with other developing cities in economy, faster
construction method the so called concrete blocks are the subjects
chosen to make people their mind towards the usage of these blocks.

Concrete blocks are the composite mixture of cement, sand and

stone aggregates. In the year 1979 BSI approved the usage of concrete
blocks. Economy is the word, which sounds in everybody and anybody
who wants to build his house. Hence to achieve this hollow blocks are
the only solution.

As we need an alternative to every item hollow blocks are the

answer for the conventional bricks. Blocks are made in three grades
namely Grade A, B and C. The grade A and B are load bearing blocks.
Grade C is non-load bearing. Another material, which is now, used
masonry increasingly in the concrete blocks. The reasons are being
machine made mostly is more uniform in dimensions, as greater degree
of reliability and quality, faster in construction.

4
Objectives of the study:
This project report on manufacturing and marketing of hollow
blocks has the following objectives.
 To study the various construction material with their implications on

their economy.
 To know about the alternate construction material and
implementation of these material practically.
 To study the advantages and disadvantages over the conventional

materials which are being used.

 To study the possible decrease of construction time.

 To suggest measures, to improve the performance of both men and

material.

Scope of the study:

The scope of this project report is confined to the usage of new

construction materials, comparison of economy, various problems
towards achieving efficiency with the conventional materials, user-
friendly aspects.

5
Methodology:

The date collected for the preparation of this project report

include both primary and secondary data.

Primary data has been collected from many practicing engineers,

professional qualified contractors, consultants, manufacturers, and
practical observations.

Secondary data comprises of journals, books, magazines, and

newspapers and IS code.

Limitation of the study:

As this is more technical and professional subject, it is rather

difficult to deal and understand each and every step of manufacturing
of hollow blocks.

The inferences have been drawn and the information collected

from the firm.

6
 CHAPTER - 2
PRODUCT PROFILE

 Production and Manufacturing of H.C.B.

 Particulars of the product
 In fracture of the product
 Process Details-Hollow Concrete Blocks
 Requirement of Raw Materials & Consumables
 Cost of Production

7
 PRODUCT PROFILE

Production and Manufacturing of Hollow Concrete Blocks

The raw material viz. Sand, Portland Cement, Quarry Dust, Jelly,
Granite aggregates are mixed in the required proportion with adequate
water in the hydraulic concrete mixer. The concrete mix is fed to the
“Minato” molding machine, which moulds the concrete mix into
concrete blocks on the casting yard as per the mould, fitted on the
machine. After each lying of the blocks, the machine moves forward
for next laying. These blocks are left on the yard for a period of 24
hours of initial setting and later the blocks are stacked to 6 to 8 layers
for curing, sprinkling water for the period of 21 days and left for drying
for a period of one week does curing. After curing the blocks are
removed from the curing yard for dispatch.

The technology of manufacture cement hollow concrete blocks is

in vibratory compaction and “Egg laying’’ type which comes along
with the molding machine.

Process flow chart for the Hollow Concrete Blocks are given below
Matching of raw materials
↓
Mixing in concrete mixer with water
↓
Molding a blocks
↓

8
 Stacking for curing
↓
Dispatch of finished goods

Requirement of Raw Materials and consumables:

The Major raw materials required are Portland cement, sand, and
granite, aggregate: -

(1) Portland Cement:

The requirement of Portland cement will be about 9,330 bags for

4.50 lakhs Hollow Concrete Blocks of the given product mix.
Presently Portland cement is available in the open market from dealers
as well as from the manufacturers as non-lavvy cement. The landed
cost of cement at the works is -
175
+ 25 (12.5% VAT)

Total= 200 per bag

(2) Sand: -

The requirement of sand will be about 58.135 cft for 4.50 lakhs
hollow concrete blocks of the given product mix. The sand is available
from the nearby river beds and the transportation cost will be minimum
and ten the cost of sand is Rs. 5 per cft.

9
(3) Granite aggregate:

Granite aggregate of size 10mm and below is required to an

extent of 69,695 cft for 6 lakhs hollow concrete blocks of the given
product mix.

(4) Other Consumable:

The consumable are oil, grease, cotton, and waste etc. that are
required for cleaning the moulds etc. The lump sum provision of 1% of
23,86565 has been made at 100% capacity utilization.

The requirements of the above raw materials have been worked

out at recommended concrete mix of 1:5:6: for hollow concrete blocks
and also taking into account 2% breakage and wastage in the process as
recommended by the manufacturer of the machinery

Annual requirements of raw materials and consumables at 100%

capacity utilization:
Sl.No. Materials Quantity Price Total
1 Portland 9330 bags 135/bag 12,59,550
cement
2 Sand 58,135cft 5/cft 2,90,675
3 Granite 69,695cft 12/cft 8,36,340
aggregate
Total 23,86,565
Other

10
 consumable at 23,865
1%
Total 24,10,430

11
Total requirement of concrete at 100% capacity utilization: -
No. Of blocks: - 3,82,500(per year)
Sl.No Block Quantit Concrete Total
. size y requirement requirement
per block cft of concrete
cft
1 8”*8”*16 1,46,000 0.36767 53,679.82
2 6”*8”*16 73,000 0.25246 18,429.5
8
3 4”*8”*16 73,00 0.16828 12,284.4
0 4
4 Other solid 73,00 0.16828 12,284.4
blocks 0 4

12
Explanatory solution: -
(1) Size: – 8”*8”*16 (30mm shell thickness)

Volume = Volume of blocks-volume of voids

= 16,000-(5.5cm*15.5cm*17.0cm) 4cc

= 16,000-5797cc

= 10,203cc

= 0.3603155cft

Assuming 2% wastage, -- The requirement of concrete for the

above size block = 0.36767cft
(2) Size: -6”*8”*16 (22mm shell thickness)
Volume= Volume of blocks-volume of voids
= 1,200-(4.2*17.8*16.7) 4cc
= 1,200-1,994cc
= 7,006cc
= 0.2474145cft
Assuming 2% wastage, - 0.25246cft concrete per block

(3) Size: - 4”*8”*16 (22mm shell thickness)

13
 Volume = Volume of blocks-volume of voids

= 8,000-(5.6*17.8*16.7) 4cc

= 8,000-3,330cc

= 4,670cc

= 0.1649194cft

Assuming 2% wastage - 0.16828cft concrete required per block

For 353cft of ready concrete in the ratio 1:5:6, the requirement is
28.25 bags of cement, 176cgt of sand and 2121cft of granite aggregate.
Hence the total requirement of raw material at 100% capacity is as
follows—

Cement = 09,330bags
Sand = 58,135 cft
Granite Aggregate = 69,695 cft

Particulars of the product: -

(1) Capacity
The capacity of proposed unit will be to produce 1,500 hollow
concrete blocks per day of 8 hrs shifts. It is assumed that the plant
functions for 300 days in a year. This capacity is decided by the block-

14
molding machine (capacity – 200 blocks per hour of size 8”*8”*16”) in
case of hollow concrete blocks.

(2) Economic factors

The proposed unit has been envisaged in tiny scale units, the
capacity of the entrepreneur to invest and here managerial capacity. A
unit of above-mentioned capacity has been found to be an economically
viable size.
(3) Nature of products
Normally hollow concreter blocks are produced in two ranges of
shell thickness of 22mm and 30mm. Indian standards institutions has
brought out on issued vide is 2185-1967, further revised as is 2185-part
1 in 1979. Prescribing requirements regarding dimensions, tolerances,
material surface-texture, mix visual examination and other physical
requirements for load bearing hollow concrete blocks.

(4) Product Planning

The unit envisages operating a single shift basis with and
working hours per day. The machines are so balanced that none of the
machine are kept idle. The utilized capacity is proposed to be built
unto maximum of 80% from the third year and onwards with 66.66%
capacity utilization in the first year and 73.33% capacity utilization in
the second year of operation.

(5) Marketing Demand

15
 Based on the general demand pattern, the following product mix
is assumed in working out the project report.

Concrete Blocks
Hollow Concrete Blocks Solid Concrete Blocks

(a) 8”*8”*16 – 55% (a) 8”*8”*16 – 40%

(b) 6”*8”*16 – 45% (b) 6”*8”*16 – 35%
(c) 4”*8”*16 – 00% (c) 4”*8”*16 – 25%

100% 100%

Cost of Production: -
Cost of Production & Profitability
Cost of production, profitability and cash flow has been
projected for period of 8years from the implementation of the project
and the same are given. From this projection, it is evident that the unit
will be in a position to pay back borrowings comfortably.

Sl.No. Size per block Weight per Rate per block

block
1 8”*8”*16” 23kgs Rs.13.00
2 6”*8”*16” 18kgs Rs.11.00
3 4”*8”*16” 18kgs Rs.11.00

16
Explanatory note on cost of production and profitability: -
(1) The unit will be operating at a capacity utilization of 70% in the first

year of operation, 80% in the second year of operation and 85%

from 3rd year and onwards.
(2) The cost of raw material and consumables has been calculated in
previously.
(3) Labor and supervisory charges are assumed to increase every year
by an amount equal to 5% of salaries of the first year and the
provision of 20% of salaries is made towards social benefits.
(4) A lump sum provision of Rs. 10,000, 12,000 and 15,000 is made
towards repairs and maintenance of plant and machinery for the
first, second and third year of operation respectively.
(5) A provision of Rs. 4,000 is made towards taxes.
(6) A sum of Rs. 9,000 is also provided towards insurance on plant and
machinery.
(7) A provision of Rs. 8,000, 10,000 and 12,000 is made towards
miscellaneous expenses for the first, second and third year of
operation respectively.
(8) A sum of Rs. 5000 is provided towards profession and consultancy
fees in each year of operation.
(9) A lump sum provision of Rs. 5,000, 7,000 and 9,999 is made
towards postage telegram and telephone expenses for the first, and
second and thirds year of operation respectively.
(10) A sum of Rs. 20,000, 25,000 and 30,000 is provided towards
selling and distribution overheads during first, second and third year
of operation respectively.

17
(11) The rate o interest on term loan is taken at 14.5%per annum
(12) An interest rate of 15% per annum is taken on working capital
loan.
(13) Depreciation on plant and machinery is taken at 13.57%.

18
 CHAPTER - 3
FIRM PROFILE – ASMA TRADERS
• History of Factory
• Nature of Factory
• The Regular Manpower Working
• Organization Chart
• Manpower recruitment

19
 FIRM PROFILE
History and nature of Factory
History of Factory
Asma Traders is situated in Uragadur, Opp. Sri Ram Petrol
Bunk, Byepass road, Simoga 577 203. Established in the year 2006,
12th May. Name of the Proprietor is Mohammed Rafiq.
Now it has developed wide market with the help of good relation
with public and leading civil engineers, builders and contractors in and
around shimoga.

Nature of Factory: -
The Asma Traders Concrete blocks manufactures are manufacture- two
kind of blocks they are
(1) Hollow Concrete Blocks
(2) Solid Concrete Blocks.

The installed capacity is

• 8”*8”*16” - 1440 blocks per 6Hrs,
• 6”*8”*16” – 1800 blocks per 6Hrs,
• 4”*8”*16” – 2880 blocks per 6Hrs.

The total working days per months are 25days, in a year; the
Asma Traders manufactures more than 36,72,000 blocks per year.

20
Asma Traders cover
(1) Shimoga district,

(2) Chickmagalure,

The sizes of concrete blocks manufactured by Asma Traders

factory are as follows: -
(1) 8”*8”*16 - 45%
(2) 6”*8”*16 - 43%
(3) 4”*8”*16 - 12%

The raw materials required for the manufacturing of concrete

blocks are – cement, jelly, quarry dust, sand and water.

The Regular Manpower Working –

(a) Machine Operator – 2
(b) Concrete Mixing Operator – 1
(c) Trolley Operator – 2
(d) Loaders for mixer – 4
(e) Curing Purpose – 2 (female)
(f) Supervisor and technicians
The minimum area (Platform) required is –
50”*100”

21
 Organization Chart
Proprietor

Supervisor Supervisor

Storekeeper Storekeeper

Skilled Labors Unskilled Labors

(a) Masons (a) Helper
(b) Mortar mixers (b) Waterman
(c) Machine Operators (c) Male coolies
(d) Drivers (d) Female coolies

22
Manpower recruitment: -
Following are the labors – Supervisory and personnel
requirements for the unit
Sl.No Labors-supervisory Number of Total Rs./month
. workers
1 Supervisor @ 1 3,500
3500/month
2 Machine Operator @ 2 2,400
1,200/month
3 Mixer Operator @ 1 1,200
1,200/month
4 Semi skilled operator for
moldings machine and 1 1,000
mixer (sandy) @
1,000/month
5 Unskilled workers
• Molding machine 2 1,800
• Mixer 2 1,800

• Batching 8 7,200
3 2,700
• Curing
4 3,600
• Handling
Each at Rs.
900/month
Total 24 25,200

23
 The following were the major activities in the implementation of
this manufacturing unit-
Cost of the project and means of finance (Rupees in lakhs)
I. Land Own
II. Plant and Machinery
(a) Machinery
(b) Rain and Moulds 1.93
(c) Mixer 0.35
(d) Electrification 0.45
(e) Generator (20Kva) 1.50
III. Vehicle 5.85
IV. Civil works
(a) Godown for cement store 0.50
(b) Platform for pressing 2.50
(c) Water supply for curing 0.055
V. Bore well 0.70
VI. Deposits with telephone 0.04
VII. Preliminary and pre operative 0.20
Expenses
VIII. Interest during implementation 0.20
IX. Contingencies @ 5% on office 0.24
And
Machinery
X. Working capital 5.08
XI. M/s on fixed deposits 1.13
Total cost of the project 21.22
Proprietors investment – 25% 05.31
Bank Loan – 75% = 15.91

24
Explanatory note on cost of the project: -

(1) Plant and Machinery

The estimated cost of plant and machinery works out to Rs. 4.04
lakhs.

(2) Miscellaneous fixed assets

It is proposed that to procure office equipment’s table, chairs,
almirahs etc, a sum of Rs. 25,000 is provided for this purpose in the
project cost.

(3) Deposit with telephone

A sum of Rs. 4,000 is earmarked in the project costs towards
deposit to be 0paid to telephone department.

(4) Preliminary and pre operative expenses

A sum of Rs. 20,000 is included in the project cost to cover the
following expenses like traveling, service charges towards the
preparation of feasibility report, printing, stationery, postage,
telephones and other miscellaneous expenses.

(5) Interest during implementation

A sum of Rs. 20,000 has been provided towards interest during
the pre-commission period.

(6) Contingencies

25
 A sum of Rs. 24,000 (5% on plant and machinery) is included in
the project cost in order to take care of unforeseen expenditures and
also escalation in prices and
Machinery.

(7) Working capital margin

The working capital requirement is utilization has been worked
out and is given vide annex-
The working capital margin is based on 1-month requirement of
raw material like Portland cement and 2 weeks requirement of other
raw material viz., sand and jelly, 3 weeks goods in process, 2 weeks
finished goods in stock, 1 month bills receivable and 1 month working
expenses.

(8) Proprietor Contribution

The proprietor’s contribution works out to Rs. 5,31,000, which is
25% of the cost of the project. This has also been included in the
means of finance.

26
 Chapter 4
Methods of Construction

 Methods of Construction
 Traditional Wall construction
 Puddle soil construction
 Unburnt Bricks Construction
 Burnt Bricks Construction
 Bamboo reinforce mud wall
 Introduction of Hollow Blocks in structures
 Advantages and disadvantages

27
 Methods of Construction

Methods of Construction
In an ancient time in Shimoga traditional wall construction is the
only the way of construction of the buildings, house and other walls.
Now a day some of the other materials are available in use for the new
construction. Concrete Blocks, Clay Hollow Bricks, Table Molded
Bricks, are the new constructional materials.

Hence it is essential need to under stand the other Traditional as

well as Modern Methods that adopted by our people from the long
time. Some of the other constructional Materials are as follows.

Soil has been used extensively as a material for wall construction

in traditional houses in India and abroad. It is one of the material that
easily available in every place and low cost and other factors lead to it’s
wide spread in allover India. And also some of the other traditional
wall construction are easy/simple and they are acquired their
importance every were.

Soil is used in various forms for wall construction like—

(a) Puddle Soil,

(b) Unburnt bricks,
(c) Burnt bricks,
(d) Bamboo reinforced mud.

28
Traditional wall constructions

(a) Puddle Soil Construction: -

In this type of construction there are mainly two activities-soil

preparation and construction of the wall. The soil preparation consists
of mixing the appropriate quantity f water with the soil to get a
consistency such it can be easily puddle. Some times chopped paddy
straw or some grasses are added. This mix is use for constructing the
wall. The thickness of the wall varies between 1.5 to 2.0 feet. The
height of the wall raised per day will be around 1.0 to 1.5 feet. For the
construction of such walls no special skills and tools are required.

The major disadvantages of this type of construction are:

(a) The wall becomes very thick leading to the reduction of available
floor space.
(b) Susceptibility to erosion, when exposed to rain.
(c) Needs frequent maintenance.

(b)Un burnt Bricks construction: -

Unburnt bricks are often used for construction of wall of houses
with light roofs such as tiled and thatched roofs. There are bricks made
by using wooden moulds and bricks made by cutting a sheet of soil into
blocks. The former type is most commonly used.

(1) Preparation of un burnt bricks using wooden mould:

29
 These bricks are made on fairly level ground. The soil and water
are mixed thoroughly, such that the soil is in plastic state and easily
workable.
This plastic soil is then dashed into a wooden mould and kept on
the level ground. The top of the mould is finished with hand and it is
then immediately removed leaving the fresh bricks on the ground. This
process is continued. The bricks are left on the ground for a day or two
for drying. Then these bricks are stacked and dried in sun for few more
days before using for construction of walls. The wooden moulds used
will have two compartments to permit moldings of tow bricks at a time.

The size of these bricks will be 23cm*11.4cm*7.5(“9*41/2*3’’).

The walls constructed with these bricks will normally have a minimum
thickness of 34cms(13.5inches). These walls are normally constructed
using mud mortar.
(2) Unburnt Bricks made without using wooden moulds: -
In this case the plastic soul (prepare by thoroughly mixing water
and soil) is spread on the fairly level ground in the form of a sheet of
uniform thickness. This sheet of soil is then cut into blocks by slicking
in two mutually perpendicular directions using a knife. These blocks
are slightly bigger in size than unburnt bricks made by using wooden
moulds. After drying in sun for a few days the blocks will be ready for
wall construction. These walls are also built using mud mortar.
The Major disadvantages are: -
(1) Poor erosion resistance against rain,
(2) The walls need frequent maintenance and

30
(3) The walls are thick leading to sacrifice of available floor space.
(c) Bamboo reinforces mud walls: -
The bamboos of 1-to12.0cms diameters are stacked until the
foundation at spacing of 60cms. Bamboo of smaller diameter (3cm) is
interwoven with the vertical bamboos. This arrangement roughly
resembles a grid. The space between horizontal bamboos will be
around 15cms this forms the main structure of the wall. The plastic soil
(soil mixed with water thoroughly) is pressed by hand on wither side of
the bamboo grid, such that if penetrates well into the interstices of the
bamboo grid, This whole bamboo supporting structure is curved with
sol this is completely built by hands without using any tools. This type
of wall construction is faster compared to the puddle soil construction
the wall thickness will be approximately 20to30cms. This method of
construction is similar to wattle and daub construction.

The major disadvantages are: -

 The bamboo’s supporting structure inside the wall is susceptible to
termite attach,
 Poor erosion resistance against rain,
 Needs frequent maintenance and
 Bamboo has become scarce and costly.
Modern Method of Construction
 Burnt Brick Construction: -
Burning at high temperature renders the soil immune to strength
loss saturation ad suppresses the erosion resistance. Burning has been

31
practiced since ancient times to improve the properties of building
materials such as bricks and tiles. The performance of well-burnt bricks
used for wall construction. They are country Bricks and table molded
bricks. The process of manufacturing differs with each type: -

 Country Bricks: -
The preparation of these bricks is similar to that of unburnt
bricks, as explained earlier. These are burnt after drying in sun for a
few days. The burning is carried out in clamps using firewood;
Sometimes coal is also used for burning. The bricks and the firewood
are stacked in alternate layers in clamps. Each bricks (size
2cm*11.4cm*7.5) consumes about 0.32kgs of firewood. This is
equivalent to 2kwh of thermal energy. Mud mortar or cement mortar
can be used for the construction of wall thickness will generally be
34cms(13.5inches).

 Table Molded Bricks: -

The preparation of these bricks is almost similar to the country
bricks. Here metal moulds are used and the bricks are prepared on
table. The fresh bricks are immediately removed from the table and
stacked in a different place for drying. These bricks are burnt in bulls’
trench kilns. In these kilns the heart lost during cooling of the bricks is
utilized for preheating of the next set of bricks. Hence these kilns have
a better thermal efficient than clamps. Normally coal is used as a fuel
in such kilns table molded bricks consumed about 0.20kgs of coal per

32
bricks. The table-molded bricks have better shape and strength
compared to country bricks. Mid mortar or cement mortar can be used
for the construction of walls using these bricks.
Even though the performance of burnt bricks wall is quite
satisfactory, the bricks consume significant amount of fuel energy. The
energy crosses emphasizes on conservation of firewood and coal.
Hence constructing bricks houses alone cannot satisfy the present
housing demand.

33
Advantages and Disadvantages Bricks: -
Advantages: -

• No specific skilled labor is required, as it is of the oldest

construction methods in practice,
• Size and Weight are convenient for picking up, placing,
• It can be cut to any shape with very little effort and most of the
times, it is cut by trowel only,
• Defects in masonry are easily rectifiable,
• Maintenance is easy,
• It can be used most conveniently; brick wall can be used as load
bearing walls,
• Reasonably resistant against fire, chemicals, weather and insects,
• Modular construction is possible with less effort,
Elevation treatment is possible with special kind of bricks,
• Very easy to chase the wall for laying electrical and water supply
conduits,
• Walls can be nailed.
Disadvantages: -
• In the manufacturing process of bricks, earth is the chief raw
material. Hence the fertile earth is being used.
• To manufacture bricks, for burring charcoal and coal are being
used. Hence smoke is lot, thereby less environmental friendly,

34
• Since most of the bricks are manufactured conventionally, the
dimensions Are non-uniform,
• Labors intensive,
• Cement mortar consumption is high, as number of joints is more.
Direct use of soil (without burning) for construction in any of the
explained above has explained above has certain disadvantages. The
performance of these walls is not every satisfactory. The performance
of burnt bricks wall is quite satisfactory. However burnt bricks
consume significant amount of fuel energy.
Introduction of Hollow Concrete Blocks
Hollow Concrete Blocks are mainly used in framed structures
for walls in high rise buildings, industrial sheds and temporary
structures like compound walls, labors shed etc. Even though the load
bearing Hollow Blocks can be manufactured.
There is no demand in the market for these blocks as still people
are under the pressure that they are weak as they are hollow. Hence in
this aspect to make the usage of these blocks in structures, there is a
market need to convince people and make them to make their mind to
use these blocks for individual houses also.
Advantages and disadvantages of Hollow Concrete Blocks: -
Advantages:-
 They are more uniform in dimensions, quality and strength,
 Builders concern about quality and reliability of supply is lessened
as most of the block manufactures are from organized trade,
 Usage of mortar is less, as a number of joints are less,

35
 Less weight for a given volume of masonry,
 Plaster is not necessary if, quality of workmanship is good,
 Offers greater resistance to heat and sound transmission,
 They are economical,
 Less labor intensive,
 Since the raw materials is cement, sand and aggregates, no wastage
of fertile earth,
 As there is no coal and charcoal being used, it is environmental
friendly.

Disadvantages: -

(1) Being hollow it is difficult to repair,

(2) It cannot be used for elevation purposes,
(3) Difficult to pickup and place in position as the sizes are large,
(4) It cannot be used for load bearing structures without getting special
kind of blocks,
(5) Recession for electrical and water conduits is practically not
possible.

36
Chapter – 5
MARKET POTENTIAL

 Demand And supply

 Marketing and Distribution
 Market Arrangement

37
 MARKET POTENTIAL

Demand and Supply

It has been estimated that the housing requirement cater to the net
addition in the population in the seventh plan period will be 16.2
million dwelling units which over and above the already existing
backlog of 24.7 million dwelling units. In addition to this, with
growing impacts given to industrialization, the demand for construction
from the commercial sector is also on the increase. If, these
requirements are to be met, it will demand a production of 85, 00 corers
of bricks by 2010.
For making first class burnt clay bricks, clay soil of Celtic
aluminum are best suited. The alluvial belt suitable for making good
quality bricks is mainly confined to the plans of North India. Other
area, excepting isolated pockets near to the coastal region, are
comprised of different grades of black soils, red soils, or laetrile soils
which are either unsuitable for making bricks or render bricks of poor
quality. Black soils and its derivatives and mixture do not make good
bricks, as these soils swell enormously when wetted and consequently
shrink upon drying producing cracks in the bricks. Wet soils are of low
plasticity and succumb to lime bursting upon firing. The laterite is
non-plastic and can not be molded in plastic form. Due to this the
bricks produced in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra
Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are of poor quality having a comprehensive
strength of 30kgs per sq.cm, compared to the strength of 70kgs per
sq,cm and above for the bricks manufactured I the northern region.

38
 Coal is another important input for the manufacture of bricks and
this important input is becoming scarce and costly which inturn results
in the frequent hike in the cost of bricks.
Hollow concrete blocks being a variable alternative for bricks can
easily capture the market for bricks, due to its superiority and easy
availability compared to that of bricks. It is interesting to note that a
good number of cement plants are situated in areas identified as having
soils unsuitable for making good bricks. In such areas, the proximity of
the cement plant ensures regular supply of cement to the units
manufacturing these blocks. Also the quality of the burnt bricks
available in these areas being poor the concrete blocks can compete as
a suitable walling material.
The estimate on production and demand for burnt clay bricks show
that the demand and supply gap will persist for years to come. Also
even though housing activity is more intense around union centers the
brick-manufacturing unit are pushed away for urban areas due to
scarcity of suitable and resulting in shortage leading to high prices in
certain urban areas in particular, Shimoga.
The substitution of brick by hollow concrete blocks has been
cosseted due to inconsistent capacity of conventional bricks are savings
in material viz. steel and cement on an account of use of cement hollow
concrete blocks. This saving in cement at the construction site is on an
account of lesser thickness of plastering required on the wall
constructed of hollow concrete blocks. There is also saving in steel due
to lighter weight of the hollow concrete blocks as compared the
conventional burnt bricks, which results in reduction in loading on the

39
columns and beans in a framed structure. The resultant overall savings
will be of the order of 30% to 40% in the masonry and hence preferred
in the construction of buildings. There is an additional desirable
quality of hollow concrete blocks i.e. heats insulation. This property is
accomplished on account of air packets I the cavities of the hollow
concrete blocks which act as the isolations.
On the basis of the market data collected from the experts in the
field it was found that about 1.60 lakhs of hollow concrete blocks are
required every month for construction activity in and around Shimoga.
This primarily includes demand arising from the commercial sector like
office structure and business shops.
Market information reveals that hollow concrete block utilization by
residential individual houses is less. Presently hollow concrete blocks
are being used effectively for the construction of factory sheds,
compound walls, multi-storied buildings and very little household
construction. How ever due to increased shortage and poor quality of
bricks the demand from the household sector is also on the increase.
Presently there are about five manufacturers of hollow concrete
blocks in Shimoga district. In addition to this three other
manufacturers will be shortly setting up plants in the near future. The
present installed capacity is 5 lakhs of hollow concrete blocks per
annum. Taking into account the fact that the manual machines run at
40% efficiency.

40
 The demand being 1-lakh hollow blocks per month, it is clear that
there exits a gap between supply and demand. The proposed unit could
function to fill this gap partially to certain extent.
Marketing and Distribution
Presently, there are as such no middlemen in the distribution
process. The contractors place the order directly to the manufacturers
and the delivery is made directly to the site. It should be noted that
there is no competition growing in Shimoga and no necessity to do
some marketing to push the product I the market. One important aspect
of hollow concrete blocks is that the public contractors have gradually
accepted the concept.

Market Arrangements: -
As mentioned earlier, the construction activity of residential and
commercial buildings are increasing day by day on account of non-
availability of local bricks or good quality bricks in and around
Shimoga.

The sudden spurt in construction activity coupled with the

preferential acceptability of hollow concrete blocks over bricks has
created a gap in demand and supply. Hence there is good scope for the
unit.
The proprietor has good public relations and contacts with many of
the leading civil engineers, builders and contractors in and around
Shimoga an hence no problem is envisaged in marketing hollow
concrete blocks.

41
 The proprietor intends selling hollow concrete blocks at Rs.13.00for
8”*8”*16” 11.00 for 6”*8”*16”Rs.11.00 per block of 4”*8”*16” size
which is lesser than the price of market leader thus gaining customer
preference for this product.
It is proposed to appoint an experienced sales officer on commission
basis whose duty is to travel extensively to procure orders for the unit.
The proprietor has also planned to offer an attractive package of
incentives to the contractors, which will motivate them to place their
orders with the proposed unit.
Demand and Supply of Hollow concrete Blocks during last four
years:
year 2010 2009 2008 2007

Particulars
Production 2,42,458 2,38,250 1,39,352 1,25,500

Demand 2,50,000 2,00,000 1,20,500 1,05,000

42
 Chapter -6
Data Analysis and Interpretation

43
 Data Analysis and Interpretation

Today as we all very well known “ Consumer is the King”. In the market,
he is the judge and the final decider for the product to purchase or not. Because he
is the final consumer satisfaction should be ultimate aim of the producer and the
marketer consumer interest should be taken into consideration while taking
decisions. However it ids clear that consumer is the one and all for all the area.
The total number of Blocks user is interview by this survey the
result is more than 87 respondents were selected on a random basis in
different areas. It was observed that Hollow Concrete Blocks was
famous enough with masses and most of them posses Hollow Concrete
Blocks competition mainly from Molded Bricks , Burnt Bricks, and
other kind of Bricks

44
1. Table showing respondents occupation
Occupation No. of respondents Percentages
Government servants 46 53
Businessmen 27 31
Agriculturist 04 05
Others 10 11
Total 87 100

Analysis: From the above table it is clear that number of respondents

from the side of government servants and then the businessmen
occupies the second place in the respondents area.

45
 Graph showing respondents occupation

Others
Agriculturist 11%
5%

Government servants
Businessmen 53%
31%

46
 2. Table showing Income group
Income No. Of Respondents Percentage
Below – 5000 25 32
5000 – 10000 30 40
10000 – 25000 15 19
Above - 25000 7 9
Total 87 100

Analysis: The above clearly and numerically suggest that maximum

number of persons from the second groups only.

Graph showing Income group

30
30

25
25

20

15
15

10
7

0
Below – 5000 5000 – 10000 10000 – 25000 Above - 25000

47
3. Table showing type of bricks used

Type of bricks No of Percentage

respondents
Bricks 33 38
Hollow Concrete Blocks 44 51
Unburnt Bricks 03 3
Solid Concrete Blocks 07 8
Total 87 100

Analysis: From the survey it is clear that maximum number of

respondents used the Hollow Concrete Blocks only and then the Bricks
occupies the second place in the table.

48
 Graph showing type of bricks used

44

45

40 33

35

30

25

20

15
7
10 3

0
Bricks Hollow Concrete Unburnt Bricks Solid Concrete Blocks
Blocks

49
4. Table showing reasons for buying Hollow Concrete Blocks
Reasons No.of Respondents Percentages
Less in price 55 63
Quality Others 12 14
Uniformity in size of 9 10
blocks
Others 11 13
Total 87 100

Analysis: Maximum respondents prefer only less in price. From the

above table it is clear that the second higher group will be quality
respondents.

50
Graph showing reasons for buying Hollow Concrete Blocks

13%

10%

14%
63%

Less in price
Quality Others
Uniformity in size of blocks
Others

51
5. Table showing the Special feature for buying Asma Traders
Concrete Blocks

Special feature No.of Respondents Percentages

Low price 27 31
High performance 33 38
High quality 20 23
Others 07 8
Total 87 100

Analysis: From the above table it is clear that the customer of the
above firm identified the performance of the firm as compared to other
quality.

52
 Graph showing the Special feature for buying Asma Traders
Concrete Blocks

33
35

27
30

25
20

20

15

10 7

0
Lowprice High performance High quality Others

53
6. Table showing on what basis or what made to buy Asma Traders
Concrete Blocks

Factor No. of respondents Percentage

Goodwill of the 09 10
company
Service provided by 45 53
the company
Price 16 18
Service quality 10 11
Other factors 07 8
total 87 100

Analysis: Maximum respondents came buy the Blocks on the basis

of service provided by the Asma Traders Concrete Blocks.

54
Graph showing on what basis or what made to buy Asma Traders
Concrete Blocks

45
45

40

35

30

25

20 16

15
10
9
10 7

0
Goodwill of the Service provided by P rice Service quality Other factors
company the company

55
7. The table showing satisfaction about Asma Traders Concrete
Blocks

Particulars No.of respondents Percentage

Satisfactory 69
Not Satisfactory 18
Total 87 100

Analysis: The maximum numbers of respondents are satisfied with

service provided by the Asma Traders Concrete Blocks.

56
The Graph showing satisfaction about Asma Traders Concrete
Blocks

Not Satisfactory
21%

Satisfactory
79%

57
 Chapter – 7

FINDINGS, SUGGESTIONS AND CONCLUSION

58
 SUGGESTIONS AND CONCLUSION

Findings:
 The survey has been conducted to different kinds of sectors.
 Customer according to them occupation monthly income types of
bricks reasons, factors influence to purchase, advantages and
satisfaction.
 In occupation sector there are many types of respondents like
government servant Business and others.
 As per survey has been conducts government servant are majority of
respondents of 45% and next to him businessmen, agriculture,
other respectively 30%,15%, 10%.
 As per survey of monthly income the people majority are will as to
buy the bricks are who earn income from 5000-10000 means 60%of
respondents
 As per survey on the types of bricks used in people
 In that hollow concrete bricks are commonly used by all that is
65%of respondents and reaming 35%is other.
 I studied about willingness of people to buy the Hollow concrete
bricks.
 The most common attitude of human being are concentration on
price factor same in the case of Hollow bricks 55%of despondence
of on price factor because it is tower in price.
 As per survey of publicity the people were current know about
Asma Traders Association by the held of engineers [i.e 45%] and

59
 reaming were came to know from advertisements, friends, goodwill,
others.
 At lost advantages of bricks advantage in the people set good and
strong quality of bricks, which gives long life to buildings and
secondary factor of low price.
 If we see throughout out the table of survey on an average the
people who gave positive response towards Hollow bricks is 80%
and they are satisfied and remaining are unsatisfied because of some
reason may be transport, price, advertisement ect.

Suggestion

 It ha to maintain to supply the concrete blocks as early as possible

door delivery
 It has to make mere advertisement to Know the firm’s popularity
 It is to be made easily available to the poor class with low price as
far as possible
 Blocks should be readily available in large numbers and blocks
should be made available by door delivery
 Smaller width blocks could be more useful for walls
 By reducing the quantity of dust and increasing in quantity of
cement helps the blocks in better strength and also useful for load
bearing walls.
 To rise the portion of ingredients and thus helps to use for multi
storied buildings

60
 It needs vast publicity to show and demonstrate the work at size, so
that, common people can use this
 It should maintain uniform size and specifications
 The manufacturer of Hollow Concrete Blocks. Experts in the field
engineers, technician, and traders can be asked to gather for
symposiums. The different aspect of improving the quality,
strength, marketability, and popularity of Hollow Concrete Blocks
can be discussed so that it could be competitor for the traditional
burnt bricks.

Conclusion
I hereby conclude by saying that Hollow Concrete Blocks will be
ultimate in construction technology in the near future and construction
without it will be inevitable. It has been a great experience to work
with the proprietor of Asma Traders I have really enjoyed doing this
project. Thank you one and all.

61
 Annexes

 Questionnaire
 Bibliography

62
 Questionnaire

Dear Sir or Madam

I am a student of Sahyadri arts and Commercrce collage
Shimoga, studying in final year BBM for the partial fulfillment of my
course. I am conducting the survey on the Marketing of Hollow
Concrete Blocks -a case study of Asma Traders Uragadur, Shimoga
and preparation of project report. Therefore I request you to spend for
me a few minutes to answer the question in the questionnaire.

Your’s
Syed Khadeer
1. Name :
2. Address :

3. Occupation :
Government Servant [ ]
Businessman [ ]
Agriculturist [ ]
Others [ ]
4. Monthly Income
Below – 5000 [ ]
05000 – 10000 [ ]
10000 – 25000 [ ]
Above 25000 [ ]

63
5. Have you ever involved in construction of any premises?
Yes [ ] No [ ]
6. If yes, what type of Bricks you have used?
Burnt Bricks [ ]
Unburnt Bricks [ ]
Hollow Concrete Blocks [ ]
Solid Blocks [ ]
Others Please Mention -------
7. Have you ever used Hollow Concrete Blocks?
Yes [ ] No [ ]
8. If yes, which of the following factor you consider while purchases
Hollow Concrete Blocks?
Less in price[ ]
Quality Others [ ]
Uniformity in size[ ]
Others [ ]
9. What are the advantages and disadvantages you found in the bricks?
Advantages Disadvantages
Uniformity in size Difficult repaid
Strength More weight
More savings Others
Less Labour intensive Others

10.How do you come to know about Hollow concrete Blocks?

Advertisements [ ]

64
 Friends [ ]
Engineers [ ]
Others [ ]
11.In case you are planning to buy a Hollow Concrete Blocks, which
company would you prefer first?
12. Have you ever heard of Asma Traders

Yes [ ] No [ ]
13.If yes, how did you come to know about it?
Advertisement [ ]
Goodwill of Company [ ]
Engineers [ ]
Friends [ ]
Others [ ]
14. Which of the following factor you consider while purchasing Asma

Traders ?
Goodwill of the company [ ]
Service provided by the company [ ]
Price [ ]
Good quality [ ]
Others [ ]

15. Do you find any advantages in using Asma Traders?

Yes [ ] No [ ]
16.If yes, what are the advantages you found
Low price High [ ]

65
 Performance [ ]
High quality [ ]
17.If no, disadvantages are ?
High price [ ]
Bad service [ ]
Other, Please mention [ ]
18. Was the service provided by Asma Traders Concrete Blocks

satisfactory
Yes [ ] No [ ]
19. If yes, Satisfactory level after using Asma Traders Concrete Blocks

Very high High Low Very low

Cost of
service
Price level
Speed of
service
quality

20. Would you recommend your friends/relatives to purchase Asma

Traders Concrete Blocks, concrete Blocks?
Yes [ ] No [ ]
21. Suggestion for Improvement of Asma Traders Concrete Blocks,

Blocks
---------------------------------------------------------------
Place:
Date:

66
 Signature

67
 Bibliography

 Marketing Management - Phillip Kotler

 Marketing Management - Sherleker
 Human Resource Management - B.S. Raman

 Journals

1. Inside Outside – a magazine

2. Architectural Design
3. Building Materials

68