Guangzhou, China – December 19, 2008 – For the first time, ultra high strength C100 concrete has been pumped an unprecedented height of more than 400 meters, during the construction of South China’s highest building, the Guangzhou West Tower.
As the sole supplier of concrete admixtures to the project, BASF, the world's leading chemical company, formulated a state-of-the-art admixture solution for 100 MPa concrete (C100), a version of the so-called ultra high strength concrete.
“This breakthrough highlights how our innovation capabilities can further facilitate the Chinese high-rise construction activities and advance the overall construction industry,” said Mr. Mark Volmer, Group Vice President responsible for BASF’s Construction Chemicals business in Asia Pacific. “It also further demonstrates BASF’s business commitment to South China, following the recent establishment of BASF Construction Chemicals (China) Co., Ltd., Guangdong Branch.
As the high-rise construction is booming in China, enhancing the safety and durability of building structures has remained a top priority. This poses further challenges for the 437-meter-high Guangzhou West Tower, due to its unique design. To ensure the longevity of this landmark building and increase the floor space efficiency, the project team specified C100 concrete.
“C100 is well known for its structural advantages. However, the application of C100 in a high-rise like the Guangzhou West Tower was regarded as unlikely, due to the high viscosity and low pumpability of C100,” explained Mr. Li Weizhong, Technical Director of Guangdong Yue Qun Concrete Co., Ltd., which provided ready mix concrete to the Guangzhou West Tower.
“Thanks to BASF’s advanced admixtures and technical expertise, we were able to optimize the parameters of the C100 concrete. It ultimately resulted in C100 with outstanding workability and the right viscosity required for pumping,” Mr. Li added.
BASF’s innovative formulation also empowered the first application of Self Consolidating Concrete (SCC) of C100 grade at heights above 400 meters. Compared with traditional concrete placement, SCC does not require vibration and gives a more homogeneous concrete structure. Additionally, the use of SCC results in significantly reduced construction noise and enhanced worker safety.
With a total investment of 6 billion Yuan (approximately 610 million euros), the new Guangzhou West Tower, also known as the Guangzhou International Financial Center, will incorporate offices, a luxury hotel, a world-class shopping mall, and conference centers.
About BASF’s Construction Chemicals Division
BASF’s Construction Chemicals division is the leading supplier of chemical systems and formulations for the construction industry. Continuous innovation and tailor-made solutions ensure its customers are more successful. Its Admixture Systems strategic business unit specifically helps customers in the ready-mix, pre-cast and manufactured concrete and underground construction industries. The Construction Systems strategic business unit offers a range of products for sport and industrial flooring, external renders and wall insulation, expansion joints and wood preservatives, as well as specialist repair mortars, tile adhesives and waterproofing membranes. The division operates production sites and sales centers in more than 50 countries and regions and achieved sales of 2.1 billion euros with approximately 7,100 employees in 2007. With a strong presence in China for 20 years, BASF’s Construction Chemicals has been recognized as a reliable partner in the industry and has contributed to many prestigious projects including Taipei 101, Hangzhou Bay Bridge, the Three Gorges Dam and China High-speed Railway. For further information, please visit www.ap.cc.basf.com
About BASF
BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from oil and gas to chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals. As a reliable partner BASF helps its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF has more than 95,000 employees and posted sales of almost €58 billion in 2007. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.
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