Gulf Construction Online - Sika conquers time and quality

Concrete Technology

Sika waterproofing solutions ... used at the Golden Mile development in Dubai, UAE.

Sika conquers time and quality

State-of-the-art admixtures from Sika are helping contractors tackle the most difficult of challenges and build strong and durable structures, right from the basement to the roof.

01 September 2010

SPECIALTY chemicals manufacturer Sika, which this year marks a century of service to the construction and other industrial sectors, offers a range of admixtures that are at the cutting edge of concrete technology and help improve a building’s performance from the basement to the roof.

Armed with the company’s range of products, contractors and builders can successfully conquer the twin challenges of time and quality, the manufacturer says.
“Nowadays time management plays a central role in the construction industry. As a result of long approval procedures, construction projects often have to be realised in double-quick time. That such very tight schedules increase the requirements construction materials have to meet is the logical consequence,” says a Sika spokesman.

Sika products ... used at international airports such as Madrid-Barajas’ Terminal 4 in Spain.

He continues: “Some years ago, the main issues for concrete as a construction material were strength and durability. Today’s requirements focus additionally on workability time, early strength development and applications or placing methods. In order to get all the desired properties into line, a leap forward in the technology of the admixture technology is essential.”
Sika’s concrete products and systems are widely specified worldwide and are used in tunnels, bridges, power plants, industrial facilities, logistic centres housing projects – all types of concrete structures, according to the spokesman.
“Cementitious materials are one of Sika’s speciality,” he continues. “From the production of cement over extensive readymix concrete operations to the industrial production of dry mortar, from side batched concrete on large projects to precast concrete in factory conditions, Sika solves technical challenges and brings improvement to the production process.
“Sika can generate added value for the customers and create new opportunities for the business. “Regardless of what specific fresh and hardened concrete properties are needed, with high-quality super-plasticisers and complementary products such as accelerators, retarders, form release agents, and curing agents, Sika can provide them all in a easy, reliable and cost-effective way.”

Repair & renovation
Apart from new-build projects, Sika product range caters to the maintenance and repair of existing buildings. In the last 100 years, a huge volume of construction has taken place. The continuing economic value of these important buildings and structures has to be assured with suitable maintenance, repair and protection measures, the spokesman points out.
Sika’s products and systems make an important contribution to these objectives.
“Increased loadings on bridges due to heavier vehicles, more stringent earthquake resistance standards and the frequent changes of use in buildings are only a few examples of why structural strengthening solutions are increasingly necessary. With Sika’s carbon-fibre strengthening system Sika CarboDur plates or SikaWrap fabrics, all of these requirements can be resolved quickly, easily and cost effectively,” the spokesman says.
“Furthermore, existing masonry can be protected against moisture penetration and damaging salt expansion with SikaMur damp-proofing and restoration systems. Sika also provides an extensive range of systems and products for the repair of concrete damage including corrosion of the steel reinforcement caused by aggressive environmental influences, and design and construction faults.”
And with specially-formulated Sika impregnations, coatings and other surface treatments, concrete can be protected against the penetration of moisture and pollutants.
“In addition to helping to maintain a structure’s integrity and value, these reduce contamination and prevent the growth of moss and algae. Attractive fair-faced concrete can, therefore, retain its architectural appearance. The surface protection can be colourless, transparent or coloured according to the specific projects design,” he says.

Corrosion
Similarly, the majority of steel corrosion damage can be prevented with proactive measures. With the Sika system solutions, structural steel can be protected efficiently and cost effectively against corrosion and according to the anticipated level of exposure and period of protection required.
Sika systems are renowned when the demands are very high. With almost unlimited individual colour and finishing options, Sika products can also provide the aesthetic highlights,” he says.

Waterproofing
Another major requirement to ensure the durability of concrete structures is watertightness. Sika provides fully guaranteed waterproofing concepts for all kinds of project waterproofing requirements. The combination of watertight concrete and virtually ‘tailor-made’ waterproofing systems creates reliable and very cost-effective solutions.
“The waterproofing of structures below ground can be very challenging,” the spokesman says. Watertight construction can only be achieved by careful design, the right choice of waterproofing concepts and products, plus professional workmanship with quality control on site. Damage, failures and costly remedial works can then be avoided.”
The invention of a waterproof sealing mortar by Kaspar Winkler in 1910 was the foundation of Sika’s successful track record in waterproofing worldwide and today the company is second to none in this field with a complete range of waterproofing systems and products, technical expertise and truly global experience, he adds.

R&D
Sika is well aware that in rapidly evolving markets, the ability to innovate is a key criterion for success and hence stays in close contact with our customers’ changing needs. The number of new Sika products and registered patents has therefore also been continuously increased.
“Our research and development activity is focused on finding new solutions for people and the environment, whilst meeting increased health and safety requirements and providing added value for our customers,” the spokesman says.
Sika has pursued successful research and development (R&D) strategies with two complementary thrusts. The first consists of centrally-organised research. Its functions are long-term programmes, analytical services and R&D management for the whole Sika group. The main purposes of such long-term research programmes are to analyse, clarify and optimise the interaction between the different components of concrete and Sika admixtures. Similar procedures are followed for sealants, adhesives and its other core technologies.
The second thrust involves the development of these products to innovative solutions and including application engineering. This is managed regionally at eight Sika technology centres around the world, in cooperation with local Sika technical support centres.
Sika also sets ambitious environmental and safety targets for the manufacture of its own products and maintains high ethical standards. “Significant improvements have been achieved in many areas, for example in reduced emissions to the air or water while new energy efficiency and anti-pollution initiatives have also been launched,” the spokesman says.
Sika is headquartered in Baar, Switzerland. Its product lines include high-grade concrete admixtures, specialty mortars, sealants and adhesives, damping and reinforcing materials, structural strengthening systems, industrial flooring and sealing films.
Subsidiaries in 71 countries and over 12,000 employees link customers directly to Sika and ensure the success of all of its business relationships, while its specialists provide extensive support to project owners and engineers in the planning, design and specification phase.