• One-day conference, organised by ACI Lebanon Chapter and ACTS, featured ACI Fresh Concrete Workability competition
• Latest concrete technologies, rapid evolution of Lebanon's construction sector and emergence of new trends such as unprecedented demand for high rise towers discussed

Beirut, Lebanon; June 25, 2013: Advanced Construction Technology Services (ACTS), a consulting organisation in the field of construction materials and geotechnical engineering, collaborated with the Lebanese Concrete Society-ACI Lebanon Chapter for the conduct of ‘Concrete in the Middle East' conference 2013 held recently in Movenpick Hotel, Beirut, Lebanon.  This edition of the highly-awaited conference focused on the regional growth of concrete construction, with a particular emphasis on Lebanon's resilient construction sector which is seeing steady progress and the emergence of positive trends such as greater demand for high rise towers and stronger focus on quality. 

The conference also provided a platform for consultants, contractors, concrete and construction materials suppliers to discuss about the latest concrete technologies, including high-performance, high strength concrete; self-compacting concrete; cement technologies; in addition to technology related to durable construction and pumpability of concrete to high rise structures.
 
Another major highlight of the conference was a student competition under the name “ACI Mortar Workability Competition”, which focused mainly on workability and rheological properties of concrete. Phillipe Hawi and Ashraf Ayad from the University of Balamand were adjudged as the first-placed team who won an all-expense-paid trip to the USA to attend the ACI convention.

“Following the overwhelming success of the 2011 edition of the ‘Concrete in the Middle East' conference, we are excited to have teamed up once again with ACI Lebanon Chapter for this conference. The event held particular significance for the Lebanese construction sector, which has remained resilient despite several challenges and the unstable economic conditions in the region,” said Khaled Awad, Chairman of ACTS and President of the Lebanese Concrete Society-ACI Lebanon Chapter

“We have witnessed a steady increase in the prices of land, especially in Beirut and other Lebanese cities with high population, which is in turn driving demand for high rise structures. This presents a new set of challenges in Lebanon, especially to the concrete industry as it must adapt and embrace advanced technologies.  ‘Concrete in The Middle East' Conference created the right setting for construction industry players, developers, engineers, contractors and concrete suppliers from different parts of the region to share best practices and insights to address emerging challenges and align the growth in the demand of concrete with best practices and modern technologies,”  Khaled Awad added.      

The conference featured renowned local, regional and international speakers and experts who shared their knowledge and expertise in the various fields of concrete technology among them: Engr. Khaled Awad, Chairman and Founder of ACTS; Dr. Kamal Khayat, Director of the Center for Transportation Infrastructure and Safety and the Center for Infrastructure Engineering Studies in Missouri University of Science and Technology; Dr. György L. Balázs, professor at the Faculty of Civil Engineering in Budapest University of Technology and Economics Hungary; Dr. Hani Nassif, professor at Rugters the State University of New Jersey, Dr. Ibrahim Khatib, Associate and Manager of the Structural Department at Khatib & Alami and lecturer in the American University of Beirut; Eng. Rodolphe Mattar, Chairman of Bureau D'etudes Rodolphe Mattar; Eng. Elie Sfeir, QA/QC head of Section at erga Group, Dr. Michel Khouri Chairman of Civil Engineering Department at Lebanese University Branch 2, Dr. Joseph J. Assaad, R&D Manager at Holderchem Building Chemicals and part-time professor at Notre Dame University and Lebanese American University; Dr. Marwan Al Kazzaz, Head of Central Research, Development and technical support at SODAMCO-WEBER, a leading construction chemical supplier; and, Eng. Rachid Moubarak, head of Operations at Apave Liban and Deputy Regional manager. 

Supporting the conference were ASTM International, fib (federation international du beton), OEA (order of Engineers and Architects), Araco, Sodamco, Cimenterie Nationale, MSC, Saint Gobain, Zerock, BCL, Holcim Holderchem, General Mix Concrete, Sika and Sibline Ciments.