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May 2015
I
n recent years, global companies
in the supply of cement products,
additives and equipment, have
needed to push the boundaries far
beyond the ordinary in order tomeet
requirements for some of the world’s
most spectacular structures.
While these technologies have al-
lowed recordbreaking achievements,
they have alsobeenmade available in
the market place to be used in a wide
range of applications.
“Now it is important that South
African firms adopt these technolo-
gies and explore the almost limitless
possibilities of new readymix con-
crete. This country has an advanced
readymix supply chain and there
is absolutely no reason why our
readymix concrete suppliers cannot
mix and match the concrete being
produced in Dubai, China or Europe,”
says Johan van Wyk of the Southern
Africa Readymix Association (Sarma).
New concrete products and equip-
ment is making it possible to pump
concrete higher and further, to dry
quicker, to have more flexibility,
New roles for concrete
Modern readymix concrete can be produced to give engineers and
architects almost limitless strengthcharacteristics,while simultaneous
developments in decorative concrete are now giving designers the
ability to make any concrete structure look spectacular.
strength or lighter properties. Porous
concretemakes covering vast expans-
es kinder to the environment, while
self-compacting concrete is making
construction easier and faster.
“To harness all the new develop-
ments, this year’s Readymix Confer-
ence by Sarmawill strive to showcase
more of the abilities of readymix
concrete and help put local suppliers
and construction professionals into
the picture and show them what can
be done. We have also arranged a
smorgasbord of technical speakers to
discuss the possibilities of readymix
concrete and will look at practical
ways of ensuring local suppliers are
able to produce the best possible
concrete,” says van Wyk.
“We will also focus on pushing
the boundaries of local construction
and improving practices, methods
and machinery in order to ensure
that our construction industry keeps
up with global trends. Speakers will
also examine new formulae and new
techniques available andwill discuss
and demonstrate the benefits of new
products and techniques. The dif-
ference with our conference is that
as far as is possible we will demon-
strate new techniques and products.
Delegates will have the chance to
interact with technical experts and
suppliers to discuss practical appli-
cations within their own businesses.
Sponsors will also exhibit their offer-
ings and engage directly with visitors
at the large indoor and outdoor show
venue,” explains van Wyk.
A high-powered delegation of in-
dustry experts will also delve further
into an array of topical issues such as
road transport, truck and fleet insur-
ance, pumping concrete, decorative
trends and more.
Technical and training sessions
will also be brought into the sched-
ule. The conference will be preceded
by the association’s annual gen-
eral meeting (AGM) and is open to all
SARMA members.
“We will bring our members to-
gether to decide upon the future path
of our association and to draw up a
new agenda and action plan for the
year ahead. The conference will take
place at the Misty Hills Conference
Centre on the West Rand, Johannes-
burg on 13-14 August 2015.”
For further information contact
Sarma on 011 791 3327 or email:
office@sarma.co.za■
Cement & Concrete