A Dubai Startup Tackles Waste Through Creativity
Dubai generates large amounts of unused materials in its rapid development. ARDH Collective saw an opportunity in this situation. Founded in 2019, their goal was to transform agricultural and construction byproducts into a green building material.
Identifying Local Resources
Before creating solutions, ARDH’s founders studied Dubai’s waste streams. They learned farms and development projects discarded tons of dried date seeds and excavated sand yearly. Yet these items held undiscovered promise if processed intelligently.
Developing the Concrete Mix
Through experimentation, ARDH discovered that finely ground date seeds enhanced concrete’s durability when combined with other ingredients. They patented a formula blending sand, seed powder, cement and water. Tests proved it exceeded standard concrete’s strength and insulation.
Collecting Raw Materials
To make their vision sustainable, ARDH had to source materials responsibly. They partnered with farms, demolitions, and waste facilities to procure formerly trashed seeds and sand. This approach diverted items from dumps while supporting local industries.
Processing the Seeds
Cleaning seed remnants of shells and debris was important. Then grinding them into a powder 200 times finer than table salt unlocked their concrete-improving properties. This step transformed an agricultural byproduct into a functional construction material.
Measuring and Blending
Weighing precise ratios of each component created a consistent mix. Powerful machines blended ingredients into a homogeneous slurry, activating chemical reactions between cement and water.
Watching it Cure and Harden
As the mixture set, ARDH carefully monitored its progress. Over 4 weeks, it transformed from a workable paste into an exceptionally durable material rivaling regular concrete in strength.
Properties and Performance
Exceptional Compression Resistance
Lab tests showed ARDH concrete withstands up to 30% more pressure than standard mixes, making it structurally sound for all building needs.
Superior Thermal Insulation
Its smooth texture reflects sunlight well. Microscopic air pockets between fine seed particles also insulate better naturally than porous regular concrete.
Environmentally Friendly Credentials
By repurposing resources, ARDH keeps useful materials out of landfills while offsetting emissions from imported concrete transportation.
Real World Applications
Etihad Eco-Residence Pilot Project
This sustainable housing development served as an early proving ground. ARDH concrete facilitated the project’s energy efficiency aims through its insulation properties.
Expo 2020 Infrastructure
Temporary structures constructed by ARDH at the world’s fair highlighted the material’s suitability even for large-scale new development work.
Ongoing Commercial Projects
As more contractors experience ARDH concrete, it gains popularity for offices, mixed-use spaces, and other commercial facilities seeking sustainable building standards.
Conclusion
By solving environmental and economic issues simultaneously, ARDH Collective demonstrates what creativity and persistence can achieve. Their model indicates how altering perspectives on “waste” presents opportunities. If more builders adopt this sustainably-focused solution, it could vastly improve construction globally through localized natural resources. ARDH aspires to expand manufacturing and continue green building innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
A. Yes, its strength has been independently verified to withstand even intensive vertical pressures in tall buildings.
A. It’s currently competitive and may undercut import costs as local production scales up due to waste material sourcing keeping expenses low.
A. Extensive testing finds it can meet all normal design requirements. Specialized situations may occasionally require traditional mixes but these cases are expected to be rare.
