EcoSmart™ Concrete Now in the Emirates

The proven success of EcoSmart™ Concrete as a benefit to both the construction industry and the environment is now being demonstrated in the dynamic construction market of the United Arab Emirates.
EcoSmart Concrete optimizes the replacement of Portland cement with Supplementary Cementing Materials (SCMs), such as fly ash. This cutting-edge Canadian technology, proven in some of the world’s most difficult environments, can help tackle major construction issues facing companies in the Emirates. It is demonstrably more durable, with an ability to resist salt corrosion in extreme marine environments.

It has the potential to be less expensive than traditional concrete and is easier to pump and work, especially in high temperatures. Originally developed by CANMET, a world-renowned Canadian government laboratory, it significantly improves concrete performance, particularly in harsh conditions. And because it reduces cement usage, a major producer of greenhouse gases, EcoSmart Concrete offers distinct environmental advantages.

For almost a decade, EcoSmart has worked with designers, engineers, developers and construction managers to test the use of EcoSmart Concrete in real world construction projects. More than twenty successful Canadian case studies by EcoSmart have led to hundreds of projects successfully incorporating the technology in all types of structures, from towers and transit stations, to bridges and universities. Made with the same or greater standards than with traditional methods and at no extra cost, these projects demonstrate that it is possible to combine performance, profitability and environmental responsibility in concrete construction.

With the support of Natural Resources Canada through the Technology Early Action Measures Program (TEAM) and CANMET, EcoSmart is now introducing EcoSmart Concrete and design, engineering methods, applications and techniques to the United Arab Emirates.

EcoSmart is now setting up demonstration projects in the Emirates and is able to provide technical support, including additional testing, training, design and implementation.

Posted in UAE

ECOSMART EMIRATES FORGES AHEAD – PROJECT UPDATE

The EcoSmart Concrete team in Dubai and Vancouver have made good progress over the past several months on the EcoSmart Emirates project. Response has been very positive within the UAE construction sector with regard to incorporating high levels of supplementary cementing materials, particularly fly ash, as partial cement replacement in concrete.

The proven success of EcoSmart Concrete is being brought to the UAE by EcoSmart through the support of the Government of Canada and in collaboration with leading research, design and construction companies.

EcoSmart Concrete Seminars and Big 5
Through its partnership with the American University in Dubai, EcoSmart offered October seminars on sustainable concrete to Dubai and Abu Dhabi audiences. The panel of speakers spoke to receptive crowds in each location. For details see “EcoSmart Concrete Seminar in the UAE”.

The success of these forums was continued with another seminar at the Big 5 construction conference in Dubai at the end of November. This session expanded on information being disseminated concurrently at the EcoSmart Concrete booth in the Big 5 trade show area. Please see “EcoSmart a Big Success at Big 5” for more information.

EcoSmart Emirates Advisory Committee
Another key aspect of EcoSmart in the Emirates has been the development of an effective Advisory Committee, comprised of individuals representing leading construction companies, government agencies and research institutions. Dedicated to improving both construction and the environment in the UAE, the committee has provided excellent support and input to EcoSmart Emirates though monthly meetings since its formation in September 2007. For more information please see “Advisory Committee to EcoSmart in the Emirates”.

EcoSmart Concrete Tests
A series of tests on high volumes of fly ash in concrete in the UAE are currently underway at Unibeton, Dubai Central Laboratories (DCL), the CANMET Canadian Government laboratory and others. An overview of initial results is provided in our “Feature” section and other results will be published as soon as they are ready.

EcoSmart Concrete Demonstration Project
The main focus of the EcoSmart Emirates project is to promote the increased use of supplementary cementing materials (SCMs) in the UAE through the development of a demonstration project. In this way, an actual construction project incorporating EcoSmart Concrete would be used as a showcase for the technology in the Emirates.

 

Posted in UAE