Trent produces world's largest precast element in architectural self-compacting concrete
Trent Concrete has recently produced what it believes to be the world's largest precast element using architectural self-compacting concrete*. The huge column will form a prominent feature on the new building for Oxfam at the Oxford Business Park.
The column weighs over 32 tonnes, measures 11.5 metres in height 2.1m in width, and is cast in a white self-compacting concrete with an acid etched finish. When in place, it will provide support to the roof structure as well as being a striking feature. Trent's contract also covers 2270 square metres of matching spandrel, wall and column cladding panels.
The column will be complemented visually on an adjacent site where Trent has also produced 26 similar shaped columns in buff self-compacting concrete, with each unit weighing around 18 tonnes. On both projects, precast was specified for its high quality and for its ability to speed up construction.
Contractor: Moss Construction Limited
Architect: Frank Shaw Associates
Engineer: Jacobs
* About self-compacting concrete Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is a new production process that brings considerable benefits both in manufacture and in the quality of the end product. SCC improves the concrete mix's "flowability" through the addition of a superplasticiser/accelerator and a stabiliser. The superplasticiser allows large water reductions to be made for the same workability, and the stabiliser modifies the viscosity to increase cohesion. Because of this, SCC eliminates the need for vibration. SCC flows silently into a mould, is self-levelling and penetrates everywhere. Its more consistent fill and better compaction result in ex-mould finishes of the highest quality. SCC's high strengths (overnight strengths typically reach 35-40 N/mm2 and 28 day strengths can break the 100 N/mm2 barrier) enable easier and more reliable de-moulding, and reduce the potential for accidental damage during handling or transportation.
In addition, SCC delivers health & safety benefits, making the precast factory quieter and tidier, removing trip hazards and injuries such as "white finger". It also scores on the environmental front as less energy is consumed during production and there is less waste from spillage. Additionally, SCC helps reduce costs and saves production time.
"Architectural SCC" refers to the use of reconstructed stone mixes rather than basic grey concrete.
Notes
Trent Concrete is a specialist precast concrete contractor, producing high quality bespoke architectural cladding and structures.
Providing a complete solution from detailed design development through skills-based manufacture to on-site erection using its own teams, Trent Concrete partners with leading developers and specifiers to ensure that their projects gain maximum benefit from prefabrication.
Trent Concrete's precast solutions make a major contribution to improved quality, certainty, sustainability, safety and efficiency in the UK construction industry today.
The company has worked on some of the most prestigious projects of recent years, including The Scottish Office and the Toyota GB Plc and Thames Water headquarters buildings, and the quality of its work is consistently recognised in the form of industry awards. Trent Concrete was founded in 1917 and employs more than 200 people.
Editorial contact: David Walker
Tel: 0115 987 9747
Email: lmason@trentconcrete.co.uk
Trent Concrete Limited - e-mail: quality@trentconcrete.co.uk