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New alliance to deliver joined-up thinking on concrete

THE British Ready Mixed Concrete Association (BRMCA), part of the QPA, and CONSTRUCT (The Concrete Structures Group), an association of member companies dedicated to the task of improving the safety efficiency of building in-situ concrete frames and associated structures, have formed an alliance that will help shape the concrete sector in the years to come.

The two associations have agreed to work together to better understand the nuances of each other’s particular element of the overall construction process. Each is committed to working together to improve understanding of the market requirements and to improve working practices, thereby enhancing the service given to end users and clients.

Initially, BRMCA and CONSTRUCT have created a joint steering committee and technical committee to bridge the gap between the supply industry and contracting. Three steering committee meetings have already been held to outline target areas. Issues such as communications, availability and ordering techniques have been identified on the marketing side, while some of the more technical issues identified include: design criteria, regional availability, placement techniques, early stripping times, sustainability, admixture utilization, site practices, production quality controls and project controls.

 

It is hoped that the above will feed back into the further development of the National Structural Concrete Specification and enhance its influence and utilization within the market.

Chris Chapman, chairman of BRMCA, and Martin Stephenson, chairman of CONSTRUCT, are enthusiastic about the potential of the initiative. They said: ‘We feel that the benefits of this initiative to the industry as a whole could be huge. Collaboration between the supply industry and contractors can only increase awareness and improve understanding and co-operation between all concerned.

‘It is essential that both parties understand the needs of the other and work together to deliver the complete package to clients. It is hoped that this initiative will be the first of many and will set the template for future industry development.’

The first of a series of documents to be generated by the alliance will cover high-strength concrete, in terms of specification/design, constituent material restrictions, availability and associated ordering requirements. It will offer guidance for clients, main/management contractors, engineers and specialist concrete contractors alike.

Once complete, the technical committee will move on to self-compacting concrete, detailing its benefits in terms of overall cost savings, surface finish, speed of construction and HSE-recognized health and safety advantages.

The target for 2008 is to hold a major interface event (briefing day) between suppliers and contractors in September. This will concentrate on the positives and allow feedback and development of future initiatives. Joint presentations will take place with member representatives taking the stage together to establish a cohesive approach to the day.

Readers interested in attending the event should contact Martin Hardwick, BRMCA product director, or Robin Holdsworth, executive secretary of CONSTRUCT.

 

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