Lafarge has inaugurated a new technological building dedicated to innovation in concrete at its research centre in L'Isle d'Abeau, near Lyons, France, the world's largest building materials research facility.
With floor space of 2500mē and a ceiling 12m in height, the building houses an experimental concrete plant where laboratory research results will be tested in real time on an industrial scale. It also houses specific testing zones where materials can be tested and manipulated. This new research facility will therefore enable testing of formulas or experimental plans on an industrial scale while controlling external factors such as temperature or hygrometry. This will considerably speed up time to market for innovative products and solutions for construction industry.
The floor was laid using Extensia, a concrete with exceptional properties launched earlier this year, itself the result of research carried out at the L'Isle d'Abeau research centre. Whereas before, it was not possible to pour slabs over 25mē without joints, Extensia makes it possible to pour 400mē surfaces without joints, a real technological breakthrough for the industry.
What is more, its exceptional resistance allows a reduction in slab thickness, means that there is no need for steel mesh or fibres, and reduces maintenance requirements. The product therefore has a reduced ecological footprint, in particular through a significant reduction in the CO2 emissions usually associated with pouring a large floor surface.
Outside the building, an additional 1500mē are set aside for product trials of greater dimensions and for storage of raw materials.
"This new building will allow us to accelerate in our strategy for innovation in concrete and maintain our lead in designing value-creating products and solutions for sustainable construction," said Bruno Lafont, Chairman and CEO, Lafarge, the world leader in building materials "It will enable our research teams to go further still in creating new technologies that bring value for our customers and the Group."