Lafarge launches Chronolia and Extensia, two new time-saving concrete products
PARIS, FRANCE
Lafarge launches Chronolia and Extensia, two new time-saving concrete products.
Extensia and Chronolia were developed over several years by the Lafarge Research & Development teams, using a “completely unique methodology” for formulating concrete that ensures product regularity and quality using locally available raw materials.
Chronolia combines two apparently contradictory features requested by customers: a concrete product that can be transported and handled like conventional fluid concrete, and which, once laid, very rapidly develops high mechanical strength.
The product responds to these two requirements: while it takes between 12 and 20 hours before formwork can be removed with conventional concrete, Chronolia becomes resistant in record time and formwork can be removed four hours after manufacture. It can be used on all construction sites, as well as to repair road surfaces and civil engineering structures, which means they can be brought back into service rapidly.
A rapid setting time makes it possible to reduce possible disruption caused by construction sites and increase efficiency and productivity. It also means that it is possible to rethink the organization of a building site before work begins, in terms of deadlines, cycle times, the use of equipment and costs.
With conventional concrete, the maximum possible joint-free surface area is 25m2. Extensia enables the construction of surface areas of up to 400m2 without joints, limiting the problem of cracks and their consequent maintenance costs. The product was designed for concrete flooring applications, by nature subject to heavy traffic and storage loads, and it offers increased resistance compared with conventional concrete and better performance in terms of abrasion, flexion and traction.
This allows a reduction in slab thickness compared to conventional concrete. With a lower quantity of raw materials employed and no need for steel mesh or steel fibers, the product makes it possible to reduce the CO2 emissions associated with the production of concrete flooring.
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