PEB vs RCC Buildings: Which Is Better for Industrial Use?

In an interaction with Industry Outlook, Rishav Goenka, Founder & CEO, Vastechpeb, discusses how India’s manufacturing sector is speeding up to grow faster, smarter, and Pre-Engineered Buildings (PEBs) are knocking traditional RCC structures off the map. With benefits such as rapid construction, reduced workforce costs, flexibility in design, and improved seismic resistance, PEBs are going to be the perfect solution for the modern factory setting. 

With India’s industrial sector prioritizing faster commissioning, how are companies evaluating the time-to-build advantage of PEBs over traditional RCC structures for factory setups? 

The key advantages of PEBs are faster construction, reduced labor costs, improved quality control, customization, and earthquake resistance. Along with these advantages, design flexibility plays a very important role. For example, in one of the projects for westside-G+1, the client’s need is a span of 18m between columns, and it has been delivered accordingly. 

Overall, PEBs offer a compelling alternative to traditional RCC structures for setups, particularly when speed, quality, and flexibility are prioritized. 

In high-seismic or cyclone-prone zones of India, how do structural engineers compare the resilience and lifecycle performance of PEB versus RCC buildings for industrial applications? 

PEBs are a better option for high-seismic zones due to their flexibility in absorbing seismic forces more effectively than RCC, and their lightweight nature makes them more earthquake-resistant. Furthermore, PEBs can be designed to resist cyclones, but RCC buildings may have an advantage in withstanding high wind pressures. 

Ultimately, the choice between PEB and RCC buildings depends on the specific project requirements, location, and structural needs. 

Also Read: Vastechpeb: Redefining Pre-Engineered Buildings With Advanced Design And Engineering Excellence

How are industrial developers balancing upfront cost differences with long-term operational savings when choosing between PEB and RCC structures for large-scale warehousing and manufacturing facilities? 

PEBs have a lower upfront cost due to faster construction, reduced labor costs, and efficient material usage. Keeping long-term operational savings in mind, developers consider the total cost of ownership, including construction, maintenance, and operational costs, as well as ROI and sustainability, in which PEB stands out. 

What role do green certification requirements and sustainability benchmarks play in influencing industrial builders’ preference toward PEB or RCC structures in India’s evolving compliance landscape? 

Although both options can be designed to meet sustainability standards, the choice ultimately depends on project-specific needs and priorities. 

There has been an emphasis that PEBs are made from recyclable steel, reducing waste and environmental impact, and they can also be designed with energy-efficient features like insulation and solar panels.