Building materials producer Holcim (Deutschland) and its subsidiary Vetra have partnered with start-up CPC to produce high-performance thin concrete slabs.
Swiss-based CPC manufactures carbon fibres and concrete slabs based on carbon prestressed concrete (CPC) technology.
The aim of the cooperation is to produce high-performance thin concrete slabs (carbon prestressed concrete slabs) with a high-strength concrete for the German, Dutch and Scandinavian markets on a larger scale in Vetra’s precast concrete plants from autumn 2021.
The CPC concrete elements are reinforced exclusively with pre-stressed carbon fibres.
CPC will supply the technology and the carbon fibres. For the production of these special carbon fibres, CPC will build a new plant in Switzerland. Holcim Germany and Vetra will set up a production facility and further optimise the components in terms of design (for example via concrete technology and composition).
The partners say that, compared to conventional reinforced concrete elements, the thin slabs can reduce the required amount of concrete by up to 75% with the same load utilisation. It adds that the smaller amount of concrete massively reduces the dead weight of the structure, lowers the CO2 footprint and also significantly reduces the transport costs.
Vetra MD Stefan Gramberg said: “For these innovative concrete elements, diverse application possibilities open up in the construction sector – for example for filigree and sustainably produced balcony slabs, stairs, bridges and freely designed facade elements. This will also be of interest to many planners and architects who are looking for new, more sustainable solutions for their customers.”
Thorsten Hahn, CEO of Holcim (Deutschland), commented: “With Holcim EcoPact Zero, we have already introduced the first CO2-neutral concrete in Germany. This cooperation in the field of precast elements is another important milestone in our growth strategy and at the same time makes a clear contribution to achieving our sustainability goals.”
