Abstract
Ordinary ready-mixed concrete is made of sand, cement, water, stone gravel and additives. Albeit aggregate gravel is chosen for its high compressive strength and relatively low cost, its use is associated with different problems. Due to its high density (2,500 kg/m3), any construction will require more steel reinforcement to support the weight of the heavy concrete. The different sizes and shapes as well as the inconsistent distribution of the gravel causes air and water voids, causing weak points and is responsible for crack propagation in the concrete structure; it does not bond to the steel. Despite technical problems, the usage of gravel is also responsible for significant amounts of quarrying, transportation costs and CO2 emissions. To overcome the above difficulties we have innovated and developed a novel process and a system (consisting of GEM-TECHTM machine and GEM-SOLTM catalyst) that creates a ‘superior foam’, which does not drain off for at least 12 hours, providing sufficient time for the cement to set resulting in high compressive strengths for ordinary concrete. The geodesic structure that is created by the novel mixing screw action and the ingredients that are mixed systematically in the GEM-TECHTM machine without using any gravel or any admixtures into GEM-TECHTM ready-mixed material providing significant cost savings. The main objectives of the ReMix project is to investigate the feasibility of developing different size machines with different specifications for different contractors, examine the commercial and technical risks of the process and propose how these risks can be mitigated, develop strategies to meet different standard requirements and develop strategies to commercialise our unique product. The overall objective of the ReMix project is to develop an advanced ready mixed concrete replacement material, which is at least 45% cheaper, 28% lighter, with high compressive and flexural strengths compared to ordinary ready mixed concrete. Our main goal is to establish GEM-TECH technology as a novel replacement for the existing ready-mixed concrete ageing technology. This is a disruptive technology, which will revolutionise the ready mixed concrete market.
There have been meetings/discussions with potential customers which have resulted in the future design of a large GEM-TECHTM Machine for bulk production of GEM-TECHTM materials for specific trials. This has co-ordinated Expert Tooling and Automation Limited and Aer-Tech Developments Limited in having serious discussions of the design and building of a larger GEM-TECHTM Machine.
A large consulting engineering firm in the USA, have prepared a 'Draft Scope of Services' for preparation for market entry into the USA of GEM-TECHTM.
The Patent Attorneys have provided a detailed IPR Strategy for the GEM-TECHTM Machines and further, quotations of IP Insurance for legal costs for any litigation matters have been obtained.
The estimated costs and regulations for testing GEM-TECHTM to BS EN standards has been prepared by British Research Establishment.
Both companies Aer-Tech Developments Limited and Expert Tooling & Automation Limited have evaluated the sensible licensing and sub-licensing fees and have compiled a 'GEM-TECH Licensing Model with a Fee Chart'
An immense research of different competitors, their IP, products, markets, costs and supply chains was carried out. It is established that none of the competitors have anything that could cause any infringement with GEM-TECHTM technology. Indeed the Patent Attorneys carried out an intense search of all the competitors, a 'Freedom to Operate Search' and they have confirmed that GEM-TECHTM Machines do not infringe in anyway.
A 'Chart' that provides all of the different uses and applications of GEM-TECHTM materials with the required strengths for each application and use together with competitor price comparisons has been produced.
Discussions have taken place between Expert Tooling and Automation Limited and Aer-Tech Developments Limited in regard to the different risks in obtaining market entry. A 'Risk Assessment' document has been prepared as a result.
Finally, a 'Business Plan' for the commercialisation of GEM-TECHTM Machines and the GEM-SOLTM Catalyst for a 2 year period has been prepared.
The Objectives are to prepare a solid business completely ready for market entry in terms of types of GEM-TECHTM Machines, GEM-SOLTM Catalyst and the technology, IP strategy, IP legal costs insurance, GEM-TECHTM materials tested to BS EN standards for full industry acknowledgement, a Licensing Model for the direction of the market we all wish to accomplish, to ensure there is no similar competition in technology or prices, the strength requirements for various uses and applications to ensure GEM-TECHTM can achieve them satisfactorily, a risk assessment to ensure the technology does not fail, and a combined Business Plan for Expert Tooling & Automation Limited and Aer-Tech Developments Limited, creating both company's visions and potentials of the technology breakthrough.
