Supply chain summit: How are new-age steel structures revolutionising modern construction?

• PEB, steel markets seeing rising demand due to affordability
• Modern tech allows for flexibility, sustainability, aesthetics
• Reinforcement solutions help improve building speed, quality

The India Steel Supply Chain Summit 2025 (ISSCS 2025), held on April 17-18 and organised by BigMint in partnership with Quesrow, brought together industry leaders to address the evolving dynamics of India’s steel sector.

A key session, “Innovative construction solutions: New-age steel structures,” focused on unveiling advancements in steel structures, from pre-engineered buildings and modular designs to sustainable materials, revolutionising modern construction. The panellists emphasised the role of stainless steel rebars in combating corrosion in saline environments, alongside life cycle analysis and cost optimisation strategies to meet evolving architectural and infrastructural demand.

Key takeaways

Market growth, innovation

• The pre-engineered buildings (PEB) market is set to grow at 13-15% annually, driven by faster, cost-effective construction and evolving design techniques that enable more sophisticated, visionary structures.
• Innovation in the PEB sector is rising to meet customer demands for both functionality and aesthetics.

Technological advancements, applications

• Technological advancements and a focus on sustainability are driving significant growth in the PEB industry in India.
• PEB is being used in various sectors, including warehouses, manufacturing, and commercial buildings, with export opportunities also increasing.
• Modern PEB designs allow for visually stunning buildings with a range of materials such as glass and steel cladding, offering endless design possibilities.

Aesthetic, functional evolution of PEB

• PEB structures have evolved from basic sheds to aesthetically pleasing buildings with features such as flat, jointless roofs and integrated elements, including solar panels.
• Designs now incorporate natural lighting and cleaner interior looks with minimal visible structure.
• PEB can accommodate complex designs such as curved roofs and long single-sheet roofs, enhancing both appearance and performance.

Versatility, innovation in steel structures

• Steel structures are versatile and can be used for various building types, from clubhouses to multi-story buildings, meeting different design and functional requirements.
• Innovations include fire-resistant panels and specialised solutions such as those for airport terminals, demonstrating the adaptability of steel in construction.
• Demand and challenges drive innovation in steel solutions, such as developing acid-resistant sheets for specific industrial applications.

Reinforcement solutions, services

• Companies are providing comprehensive reinforcement solutions, including cut-and-bend services, mobile cage solutions, coupler solutions, and reinforcement grade meshes.
• Full-service reinforcement solutions help improve building speed and quality.
• These solutions are supported by in-house design teams and after-sales services to ensure proper adoption and efficiency.

Conclusion

The PEB and steel structures market is growing rapidly, driven by innovation, urban demand, and sustainability. Technological advancements enable faster, cost-effective construction with enhanced aesthetics. Modern PEB applications span warehouses to commercial buildings, offering design flexibility. Steel structures demonstrate versatility across sectors, while reinforcement solutions and services further streamline efficiency and performance, supported by integrated design and support teams.