Insights

US-based Pikus Concrete teams up with Sika to commercialize 3D concrete printing technology in the construction industry and to capture its vast potential. Pikus' first 3D concrete printer with Sika technology has commenced operation in Lehi, Utah. The company is working on implementing the technology in the first construction projects.

One year after closing

Modular construction and 3D concrete printing are radically changing the building industry, and innovative technologies put Sika at the cutting edge of both trends. Work is increasingly moving away from the construction site and onto the factory floor, highlighting the process of industrialization currently underway in the building trade.

Sika is committed to sustainability and has developed a hemp-based facade mortar. The product is designed to lower the use of cement in construction, and to reduce CO2 emissions. After the successful launch in France, the product will now also be marketed in other European countries.

With Sika’s sustainability strategy “More Value – Less Impact”, which was realigned in 2019, the company pursues the objective of creating lasting value for people and the environment, while at the same time adopting a moderate and sustainable approach to the utilization of resources. With focus on six sustainability areas, Sika wants to shape the future in a responsible way.

Sika has joined the fight against coronavirus. From producing and donating our own hand sanitizer to employees and local healthcare facilities, to distributing protective gear, Sika’s global subsidiaries have been working tirelessly to support their local communities. We would like to thank all our employees for their hard work and commitment during these challenging times.

Sika’s long history of innovation has led to unparalleled success in becoming a recognized global technology leader in many markets, as well as creating value for Sika’s customers. Recently, Sika has won the Swiss Technology Award for its new, high-performance adhesive technology used in lightweight construction in the field of transportation.

One year after signing

Construction sites are changing and modular building is one of the predominant trends in modern construction. Instead of building work being carried out entirely on site, structural modules are increasingly being prefabricated using automated processes and assembled at the construction site. Sika adds value to this trend. With the company’s experience construction processes can be industrialized, efficiency enhanced and standards raised.

The architectural engineering practice of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill has designed the tallest residence building in the large-scale Hudson Yards development. The company’s Associate Director of Structural Engineering, Preetam Biswas, talks about the challenges of high-density construction, and the role played by concrete and leading suppliers of specialty chemicals like Sika in high-rise construction.

Urban construction requires high-strength concrete and reinforcement solution for demanding projects like highrise buildings or infrastructure projects where the concrete has to withstand high pressures. In recent years, Sika has expanded its presence in the fast-growing concrete reinforcing fiber market, with several acquisitions and investments in new production lines.

The importance of rooftop solar applications was recognized early by Sika, because its Solar Reflective (SR) membranes can increase the performance of Photovoltaic (PV) panels.

By offering sustainable solutions for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly construction Sika meets important requirements of urban construction projects. One example is the new cultural center in Athens where Sika helped to meet higher environmental standards.

Urbanization is one of the most prominent megatrends and major cities are going vertical. This is the only way to create space for the growing number of people being drawn to urban living. The Hudson Yards project in Manhattan perfectly illustrates the opportunities provided by densification and the challenges in construction for which Sika provides the solutions.

Based on existing concrete recipes for all type of Argos concrete types the target was to optimize costs of concrete recipes, to improve quality of hardened concret and to increase the concrete recipe in terms of sustainability.

Due to the large numbers required and heavy weight, tunnel segments are almost always produced close to the tunnel portal in specially installed precasting facilities. They have to meet high accuracy specifications. Heavy steel formwork is therefore the norm. Because striking takes place after only 5 – 6 hours and the concrete must already have a compressive strength of >15 N/mm², accelerated strength development is essential. There are several methods for this. In the autoclave (heat backflow) process, the concrete is heated to 28 – 30 °C during mixing (with hot water or steam), placed in the form and finished.

Sika provides the gypsum industry with tailor-made additive solutions for a cost-effective wallboard production based on innovative technologies like ViscoCrete® and Retardan®.