Drymix MEDMA 2024

This was the 17th annual MEDMA conference held at Abu Dhabi University on November 19th 2024. Firstly I must say this was an excellent location with first rate conference facilities.

This one day conference was packed with a variety of Topics from experts in industry and education. The event was opened by the Chancellor Prof. Ghassan Aoud, followed by two old friends Laith Haboubi and Ferdinand Leopolder welcoming the attendees and speakers. The first speaker from Dubai Municipality and the MEDMA Technical Chairman on the implementation and enforcement of the Cementitious Tile Adhesive in conformance with the Gulf Standardisation Organisation Guide Lines. An interesting and important change that will bring in modern techniques creating better tiling performance durability.

I presented an Acmon paper on Quality-Concious, Fast and Efficient Production of Drymix Mortars. This is a subject very important to me, in the past running plants and later designing and building plants. Accuracy of ingredient weighing, speed of product change over and ease of plant cleaning are just some of the components that I presented. Too often in my life I have seen plants that have been built without real design and engineering ability supporting these important factors.

From the university an interesting paper on 3D Printed Concrete and a tour of the university facilities where 3D trials are carried out. A fascinating subject which is gaining industry interest and implementation year on year.

A mixture of both technical product presentations and manufacturing equipment from industry suppliers made for a very lively and diverse day. A great learning experience allowing technical follow up after the event.

The end of day closed for us to enjoy exchanges at the Gala Dinner sponsored by Wacker Chemie Middle East.