‘Innovative solutions increases service life of structures’

May 11: Innovative material solutions can increase the service life of structures in the aggressive climatic conditions of Oman.

This was the highlight of a special symposium on ‘the advances in concrete technology in the context of Oman’s construction practices’, which was presided over by Hilal bin Mohammed al Busaidi, Chief Executive Officer of the Public Authority For Mining, Oman.

Effective methods of soil stabilisation by using sub nano-molecule formulations and the problems that the soil compositions of Duqm, Al Batinah and other coastal areas across Oman and how they can be addressed were also discussed.

The symposium , the first of its kind held in Oman, was hosted by Assarain Concrete Products & Trading LLc (ACP), a leading producer of concrete products.

During the event, Ibrahim Said AAl Wahaibi, Managing Director of Assarain, said, “Oman was witnessing continuous, all-inclusive growth under His Majesty’s wise and able leadership and Assarain realises its role and the importance of bringing academia and the industry together.

Khalid Said Al Wahaibi, Managing Director of Assarain, said, “With the diversification of economies in the region and the growth in the infrastructure industry, it is vital to stay updated on the latest technologies. As leaders in concrete products, Assarain has gathered leading experts to share their knowledge and discuss issues that are specific to conditions in Oman.”

Speaking on the occasion, A R Varma, General Manager, ACP, said “Assarain Concrete Products & Trad. LLc’s management was quite clear of the Group’s mission to continue to contribute by way of delivering quality, developing diverse products that are especially useful to Oman’s construction fraternity”.

A number of leading international experts were invited to speak at the symposium including Dr David A Lange, Professor of Civil Engineering & VicePresident at the American Concrete Institute, who spoke on materials science of corrosion control and durability of reinforced concrete structures.

Dr Surendra P Shah, a Walter P Murphy Professor of Civil Engineering. (Emeritus) and Founding Director, Centre of Advanced Cement Based Materials in the USA, who spoke on how scientific research has led to the significant improvements in concrete for example super high strength concrete compressive strengths, which are now about 10 times that of conventional concrete.

Dr S K Manjrekar, Chairman and Managing Director of Sunanda Speciality Coatings Pvt. Ltd and Principal Convener and Past President, American Concrete Institute-India Chapter spoke on corrosion control techniques and how new materials can be introduced to increase the service life to more than 50 years.