About the technology

Micro concrete tiles for roofing is one of the technologies alternatives developed by cart under the Roofing Systems Habitat subprogram. MCR tiles compared to other slopping roof materials such as G.I. sheets, Mangalore tiles, wooden shingles, slate and asbestos, are cost-effective and thus offer more value for money; are highly durable; are lighter than other roofing tiles, thus requiring less understructure; can be easily installed; can be colored; reduce the heat gain; do not make noise during rains and do not contain asbestos fibers. Moreover, their production is eco friendly, compared to other roofing systems.

MCR technology is a result of global research and development effort. The tiles are being marketed extensively in Latin America, East and West Africa and South East Asia. Every year over 40 million tiles are installed. MCR tiles are being marketed under different brand names such us TARAcrete, Duracrete, Swisscrete, MYCON tiles in different region of the country by leading product promoters.

MCR is highly profitable for micro and small-scale building material producer. A capital of about 3 lakh yields up to 40% profits in the first year of operations. It can be easily adapted to both urban and rural markets.

It can be installed on both steel and wooden understructure. A variety of roof designs for farm and country houses, bungalows, verandahs and pavilions are possible with MCR tiles. They have also been used on industrial sheds, workshops and restaurant. It can be used to build any form of roof like lean to, gable, hipped, Industrial sheds and many more. It can also be used for cladding on sloped RCC roofs. It can be painted with any color. Special tiles for roof features like ridge tiles, sky light tiles, smoke tiles are available.

Technical Specifications
Clear length of the tile: 500 mm
Length after overlap: 400 mm
Clear width of tile: 240 mm
Width of overlap: 200 mm
Thickness: 10 mm
Weight/tile: 2.80 KGS
Load bearing capacity: 80 KGS
Tiles required for 1 msq. 12.5

Production process
MCR tiles are produced by vibrating an optimum mix of cement, sand, aggregate and water on a vibrating table for about 45 seconds. The spread mixture is then transferred to a High Impact Polystyrene mould and aligned where it gets the required shape. After curing for 24 hours in the mould, the tiles are immersed in a curing tank for a minimum of 7 days after which they are sprinkle cured for 14 days. Then they are ready to use.

The equipment is supplied by TARA, a leading sustainable technology marketing organization.

To make 12000 tiles per month, 160 cement bags, 10 cu.m of sand and 5 cu.m of aggregate are required along with two skilled stuff and five workers.

Building with MCR Tiles
MCR roofs are constructed in a conventional manner using rafters and purlins made from wood or steel. Rafters are according to the shape and size of the roof. The purlins are welded at a distance of 40 cm from each other.

MCR tiles are secured by tying them to purlins with G.I wire. The angle of roof slope should be at least 22'. Greater inclination of up to 30' is preferred for more aesthetic appeal and high rainfall area.

Standard architectural details for gable and hipped roof ridges, eaves, side over-hangs and valleys can be used for MCR roofs.

MCR tiles are also excellent cladding materials for sloping RCC slabs. They act as an effective damp proofing layer and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the buildings. The tiles can be fixed to the slabs with cement mortar.

download the world file of the report > part B1		top >