18 December 2008
Precast concrete structures can provide a competent and cost-effective alternative for the region's expanding construction sector, said a leading expert at Hyder Consulting Middle East, the international advisory and design consultancy.
Speaking at the Precast Middle East Summit 2008, held recently in Dubai, Dr Ali Mahdi, Technical Manager at Hyder said since it is formed in controlled conditions, precast concrete has better quality and costs involved are much less compared to that of constructing large forms used to pour concrete in conventional construction.
"Precast structures are tougher than what has been assumed traditionally. They are also known to respond well to lateral and gravity loadings, which make them a viable alternative when weighed against global as well as local stability concepts," Mahdi said.
He also highlighted how to maximise frame action in precast concrete and thus achieve significant reduction in the design moment in columns.
The theme of the summit was 'Utilising precast concrete to maximise cost-effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability and safety for the Middle East construction market'.
The three-day summit was held from December 14 to 16.
Precast concrete structures can provide a competent and cost-effective alternative for the region's expanding construction sector, said a leading expert at Hyder Consulting Middle East, the international advisory and design consultancy.
Speaking at the Precast Middle East Summit 2008, held recently in Dubai, Dr Ali Mahdi, Technical Manager at Hyder said since it is formed in controlled conditions, precast concrete has better quality and costs involved are much less compared to that of constructing large forms used to pour concrete in conventional construction.
"Precast structures are tougher than what has been assumed traditionally. They are also known to respond well to lateral and gravity loadings, which make them a viable alternative when weighed against global as well as local stability concepts," Mahdi said.
He also highlighted how to maximise frame action in precast concrete and thus achieve significant reduction in the design moment in columns.
The theme of the summit was 'Utilising precast concrete to maximise cost-effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability and safety for the Middle East construction market'.
The three-day summit was held from December 14 to 16.
By Staff Writer
© Emirates Business 24/7 2008
