Global - Agilia®: Cost Reductions for Customers

Agilia® is a self compacting concrete range launched by Lafarge Aggregates and Concrete Division in the late 1990's. It has grown from two products sold initially in France to 11 self-leveling types of concrete currently sold in five countries, including the major North American market. Agilia® is a product designed to save customers' time and money in the construction process. Since the Agilia® product range can vary due to local material sources and application techniques, it is rather difficult to make specific statements relating to cost reductions. However, it is clear that Agilia® does create value for the client due to reduction in labor requirement, application time, pumping costs, formwork hire and crane costs. Overall construction costs, despite the initial additional material costs, show savings of 5-10% compared to traditional concrete. Furthermore, the high fluidity of the product means that the traditional requirement for noisy vibrators to compact concrete is eliminated, contributing to the health of construction workers: vibration damage to fingers and soft tissue is significantly reduced, as well as auditory damage. Prevention of related indirect social costs (medical expenses, etc.) further contribute to the reduction of overall construction cost.