Lafarge's researchers have achieved a very detailed understanding of the different phenomena that influence the way concrete behaves. As a result, they have developed ultra-high performance concretes that are more ductile and more durable, and self-placing concretes that are more esthetic and easier to use. Chronolia™, the "construction site booster", is an interesting example.
Innovation and concrete |
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Innovation in concrete is one of the priorities identified under the Excellence 2008 strategic plan. Concrete is a complex material with thousands of applications and a wide range of different formulations.
Lafarge's R&D teams study the physical and chemical phenomena that influence the way concrete behaves using advanced technologies developed in recent years, such as nuclear magnetic resonance, electron microscopy, nano-indentation and atomic force microscopy.
As a result, Lafarge can now produce concretes with a more solid structure and significantly enhanced mechanical resistance, durability, thermal inertia, acoustic performance and esthetic appearance. |
Self-leveling concreteA variant of self-placing concretes, self-leveling concretes have a specially formulated and graded composition to ensure a fluid spread. They form smooth-surfaced slabs with no need for vibration or float finishing (used to make a surface flat). |
Chronolia™, concrete time savings |
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Chronolia™ concrete is the result of many years of advanced research by highly skilled scientists. It responds to customer requirements by providing significant time savings on construction sites.
Chronolia™ is used and applied like a traditional concrete. Its remarkable resistance becomes apparent once it is in place: formwork can be removed just 4 hours after pouring compared to 12 to 20 hours for conventional concretes. This results in greater productivity and more rapid completion, which translates into lower costs. Press release: Chronolia™ (P.D.F - 37 Kb)
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Self-placing concreteSelf-placing concretes are special, highly-fluid concretes which settle into place by gravity alone and do not, therefore, require vibration. They are designed to be poured into watertight formwork. Even without vibration they cover reinforcements perfectly and provide extremely smooth facing. |
Last update on 06/05/2008
