Several of the world’s largest construction and concrete companies gathered in Dubai last month to discuss solutions to ensure a consistent supply of the world’s most-used building material – concrete.
With infrastructure project awards across the region forecast to exceed $86 billion, according to construction intelligence firm Ventures Onsite, demand for concrete is set to rise significantly in the GCC, which already accounts for over 40% of the Middle East concrete consumption.
Previous construction booms have seen the supply of concrete unable to meet demand, leading to spiraling prices and delayed projects.
“Developers in the GCC have implemented the latest and most advanced technologies of ready-mixed concrete in the construction of high-rise buildings and iconic structures,” said Ihab Bassiouni, UAE Country Manager for Grey Matters Consultancy, and advisory board member for Middle East Concrete.
“High performance concrete has been used with emphasis on concrete placeability, strength and durability,” he said.
“More attention shall be paid to the impact of concrete on the environment where new sustainable solutions, in terms of concrete materials and production facilities, shall be adopted in order to cope with the rising trend towards sustainable developments in the region,” said Bassiouni.
Construction leaders are debating the capacity available for these methods, as new concrete technologies such as “Shotcrete” super high-strength concrete have not yet been introduced into the region.
Talking about the burgeoning concrete market in the region, Adel Taybah, Plants and Works Manager for Ready Mix Beton and advisory board member for Middle East Concrete, commented: “The growing concrete industry in the region continues to stay ahead of the trends, aiming at ensuring energy and cost efficiency, as well as contributing to sustainable structures by adopting green technologies.”
Taybah added: “Though cement markets faced tough times recently amid the slowdown, the demand has well and truly returned, along with demand for more advanced concrete technology to support the region’s megaprojects.”
With sustainability a key issue for cement production given its high pollution output, one of the main panels at the event reviewed the latest low carbon-emitting concrete innovations.
In line with the constant demand for concrete in the region, Middle East Concrete included CPD-certified workshops and technical seminars on concrete methods, as well as live demonstrations and panel discussions focusing on the latest concrete technologies and innovations.
