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A hyperscale data centre project by AdaniConneX in Pune adopted steel-reinforced AAC wall panels from Magicrete to meet tight construction timelines and structural requirements. Covering nearly 400,000 sq ft of wall area within a total built-up of about 450,000 sq ft, the project replaced conventional masonry with engineered panel systems. This approach helped eliminate multiple structural steps, improved execution speed, and reduced complexity. Project stakeholders, including NCC Ltd, reported significant time savings, with large wall sections completed in days instead of weeks, supporting faster readiness for critical data centre operations.
India's digital infrastructure expansion is driving demand for large-scale data centres that require precision, speed, and strong structural performance. In response to these requirements, the hyperscale data centre developed by AdaniConneX in Pune adopted steel-reinforced AAC wall panels supplied by Magicrete as part of its construction strategy. Advertisement
The project spans approximately 450,000 sq ft, with nearly 400,000 sq ft of walling executed using AAC panels. The walling system used 150 mm thick steel-reinforced panels for both internal and external applications. The objective was to meet aggressive construction timelines while maintaining structural integrity suitable for mission-critical infrastructure.
The main challenge involved constructing walls up to 6 metres in height across a large footprint without compromising quality or delivery schedules. Conventional masonry methods would have required several additional structural elements such as coping beams, vertical mullions, reinforcement placement, shuttering, concreting, and curing cycles. These steps typically extend timelines and increase coordination complexity on site.
To address this, the project moved toward an assembly-based walling method using large-format AAC panels. These factory-manufactured panels were designed to provide structural stability while reducing the need for intermediate supports. This approach simplified execution by shifting the walling process from labour-intensive on-site construction to a more streamlined installation method.
According to VA Gautam, large wall sections that would normally take weeks were completed in a matter of days, and the improved speed and predictability helped reshape overall construction sequencing. NCC Ltd was associated with the project's execution.
By eliminating secondary structural components, the project reduced the number of dependent activities, allowing faster progression along the critical path. The use of AAC panels also ensured consistent quality due to factory-controlled manufacturing, which improved dimensional accuracy across extensive wall areas.
The adoption of this system resulted in substantial schedule efficiency, with estimates indicating time savings of nearly one year compared to conventional masonry methods, particularly for high wall construction. This acceleration also enabled earlier commencement of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) works and interior fit-outs, which are essential stages in data centre completion.
From a product perspective, AAC wall panels are engineered components rather than traditional partition materials. Their integrated steel reinforcement allows them to perform effectively in tall wall applications while resisting lateral loads. By reducing the need for cast-in-place elements, the system simplifies coordination and enhances productivity on site.
Sourabh Bansal noted that AAC wall panels are increasingly being used as a mainstream solution in fast-track industrial construction across India, reflecting a broader shift toward industrialised building methods.
The same construction approach has also been applied across several other infrastructure and institutional projects. The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited bullet train station in Anand used AAC panels over roughly 100,000 sq ft of wall area, reportedly saving around six months per station. At TajSATS facility in Mopa Airport, about 40,000 sq ft of internal walling was completed within strict timelines.
In Gurugram, India Potash Limited used over 43,000 sq ft of AAC panels for warehouse construction, while Euro School in Bengaluru completed 10,000 sq ft of panel installation in about 10 days, reducing disruption in an active campus. Additionally, Stamford Warehousing in Pune implemented AAC walling for external structures under constrained site conditions.
These examples indicate that engineered wall systems are being adopted across sectors where timelines, precision, and operational readiness are critical. In hyperscale infrastructure projects such as data centres, this approach supports faster enclosure of buildings, smoother coordination of trades, and more predictable delivery outcomes.
Source PTI
FAQ
Q1: What construction method was used in the AdaniConneX Pune data centre project?
The project adopted steel-reinforced AAC wall panels supplied by Magicrete as a replacement for conventional masonry, enabling a more structured, faster, and assembly-based construction approach for large wall sections.
Q2: How much wall area was covered using AAC panels in the project?
Out of the total built-up area of around 450,000 sq ft, nearly 400,000 sq ft of walling was executed using AAC panels, covering both internal and external wall requirements.
Q3: What are the key advantages of using AAC wall panels in this project?
AAC wall panels helped eliminate multiple on-site construction steps such as coping beams, shuttering, and curing, thereby simplifying execution, improving coordination, and significantly speeding up the overall construction process.
Q4: How did AAC panels impact the construction timeline?
Large wall sections that would normally take weeks using conventional methods were completed in a matter of days, with overall time savings estimated at nearly one year for high wall construction activities.
Q5: Who were the key stakeholders involved in executing the project?
The project involved AdaniConneX as the developer, Magicrete as the supplier of AAC panels, and NCC Ltd as part of the execution team responsible for construction activities.
Q6: Why are AAC panels suitable for data centre construction?
AAC panels provide structural stability, dimensional accuracy, and faster installation, which are important for hyperscale data centres that require quick delivery, precise construction, and reliable performance for mission-critical operations.
Q7: Are AAC wall panels being used in other types of projects as well?
Yes, similar AAC panel systems have been used in infrastructure, institutional, and commercial projects such as railway stations, airports, schools, warehouses, and industrial facilities, where faster construction and reduced complexity are important.
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