Concrete Progress in the Middle East: People & Machines Adapt to Changes in Cement

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CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM recently reported on the concrete progress in the Middle East. Concrete is the lifeblood of the Middle East’s construction sector. Though it comes in many forms, concrete has provided the foundation upon which the vast majority of regional projects have been developed—figuratively and literally. Yet despite the essential nature of this product and its regional ubiquity, the Middle East’s vital concrete sector is currently facing a whole host of challenges—whether it’s the ready mix suppliers, precast providers, chemical manufacturers, or repair specialists.

Gulf States have been forced to revise their national budgets in line with reduced oil revenues. In turn, market liquidity has fallen, margins have tightened, and project-related uncertainty has increased significantly. But it is encouraging to note that several of the Middle East’s most proactive concrete players have refused to succumb to the challenging market, and choosing to innovate and adapt to their surroundings. Nevertheless, the companies that take ownership of the factors that are within their control are likely to be the ones best placed to reap rewards when the market recovers.

The global ready mix concrete market is expected to reach $954.7 B by 2024, according to a new report by Grand View Research. As of 2015, the market was valued at $492.2 B, and the Middle East and Africa region accounted for a 10.1% global share. The region will continue to witness a rise in construction and infrastructure activities in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait as rapid population expansion forces the hand of governments. There are urgent demands for residential and infrastructural projects in Saudi Arabia, where the transport pressures on the city of Riyadh have forced the government to ringfence funding for several large-scale construction projects.

While the pace of projects remains slower, one way in which those in the concrete industry can adapt and help themselves is by making sure that they have the right equipment to get their project work they have done, and to keep it profitable.

In March 2017, for example, Schwing Stetter introduced the S38SX Reptor—a truck-mounted concrete pump that has been redesigned to deliver high project flexibility. Equipped with more practical, wider boom opening angles and high maneuverability, it has greater on-site flexibility. That together, with Schwing’s proven concrete pump, makes a great product that the manufacturer claims redefines the 30m class across a wide range of applications. Contractors that use truck-mounted concrete pumps on industrial and commercial developments need solutions that work well in a small space and under difficult conditions. Schwing’s pump meets these needs. The outriggers deliver stability within a low space requirement and allows for the use of the P2525 long-stroke pump kit with 2.50m delivery cylinders. This combination requires 20% fewer strokes than would otherwise be the case for this class of pump kit. In conjunction with the open-circuit hydraulic system, this low stroking rate decreases wear and operating costs.

“The S38SX Reptor combines maximum versatility with Schwing’s typical efficiency and reliability. The feedback from our customers confirms that we are right with this concept.”

Wirtgen Tier 3TCM 180 texture curing machine

Wirtgen has the Tier 3TCM 180 texture curing machine that aims to make the concrete curing process easier and smoother. The self-propelled curing units ensure the success of professionally cured concrete pavements by following in the wake of slipform concrete pavers and applying a broom, mounted at the front of the machine, to the surface of the concrete to texture it. The texturing process is required to obtain the desired amount of skid resistance and that it be carried out soon after the surface has been laid, before drying. Wirtgen’s self-propelled curing units also use a spraying system to subsequently apply a dispersion to any fresh concrete surface to prevent it drying out prematurely. The 180’s control panel is also equipped with a number of service and control functions to optimize the work process—allowing the curing unit to be operated intuitively—in much just the same way as the previous series slipform pavers.

Wirtgen has also enlarged its range of different surface textures to cater to the diverse requirements of its customers around the world. In the Middle East, where drying out is a particular issue, the TCM 180’s automated processes are particularly useful. In addition to transverse and longitudinal brooming and spraying, a diagonal finish will also be possible in the near future.

For the entire article, please go to: http://www.constructionweekonline.com/article-45316-concrete-progress-people-and-machines-must-both-adapt-in-cement/

Cover photo: Schwing Stetter introduced the S38SX Reptor—
a truck-mounted concrete pump, redesigned to deliver high project flexibility.

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