RMC Topmix, the regional subsidiary of the RMC Group, which claims to be the world's largest supplier of ready-mixed concrete, has praised the proposal to establish a Supreme Council for the building industry and it would also like to see the formation of a UAE industry watchdog for the ready-mixed concrete industry.
Steve Webb-Jones, CEO of RMC Topmix, says: "I was delighted to hear Rashed Ahmed Rashed, general manager of the UAE Contractors Association, announce the establishment of a Supreme Council to govern the building industry, but would like to see this go a stage further."
He believes that an industry-based watchdog, created by leading companies within the industry would, in effect, allow companies to regulate themselves.
Webb-Jones says: "It is accepted that the ready-mixed industry is currently going through a difficult period, which has resulted in a price war between a number of suppliers. Those who offer low prices would find it difficult to maintain quality and stay in business and some suppliers might be tempted to use inferior-quality materials and cut cement contents in an effort to produce a more competitive product. The devastating effects of such measures have been clearly seen in Turkey and Egypt, where contractors and suppliers using inferior materials have been blamed for building collapses during natural disasters.
"Regulatory systems are operating successfully in North America, Europe and the Far East, where economic recessions saw an alarming drop in the quality of construction materials. Major companies within the concrete industry set up independent quality control organisations to establish minimum standards for the industry and enforced the regulations through thorough inspections of plants and systems. Any company not adhering to the rules are dealt with severely."
Webb-Jones accepts that many ready-mixed concrete companies in the UAE have achieved ISO9001, suggesting that they are already surpassing industry quality standards. However, it is recognised within the industry that additional measures are required. For example, the UK body QSRMC states in its administrative regulations: "Because of the unique nature of ready-mixed concrete, product prescription and performance conformity is achieved through the combination of a quality management system and the detailed procedures required by the Technical Regulations. QSRMC ensures compliance with the specified standards through rigorous assessment of all aspects of design, production, testing and control."
Another area of great concern is the issue of testing of concrete on site. It is accepted practice for concrete to be tested for quality by means of slump test and by making cubes, yet the individuals who perform these tests are frequently untrained non-specialist staff.
"A particularly dangerous situation exists whereby inexperienced individuals are responsible for tests upon which the entire quality of the concrete supplied is assessed. The implications of incorrect testing are huge, as inferior quality material could be approved or conversely compliant concrete rejected or condemned," says Webb-Jones.
To counteract this situation, the RMC Group in conjunction with the Institute of Technology and the Concrete Society from the UK, has developed a one-day course to advise on the placing, handling and site testing of ready-made concrete.
Previously only available to the UK construction industry, RMC Topmix is now making this course available to staff of all companies in the UAE .
The one-day course, which will run at RMC Topmix's in-house training centre and laboratory, allows delegates to obtain a better understanding of basic concrete technology through practical work and presentations. All applicants who pass will receive a certificate from the Institute of Concrete Technology.
"We are very pleased to offer this course free of charge to the industry and look forward to the benefits to all through application of best on site practices," says Webb-Jones.
