An innovation in concrete pavement construction was recently launched in Johannesburg, South Africa, and according to Hannes Engelbrecht, Concrete Unit Business Director-CHRYSO-Southern Africa: “Pointing the way to the future of external hardstands.”
The pioneering solution-Optipave VRS-is a collaboration between leading players in the concrete pavement industry. It combines the volumetric retraction stability (VRS) additive called Link EVR from RCR Industrial Flooring, thin concrete paving (TCP) short-slab design technology, and fiber-reinforced concrete. The launch, which took the form of a practical demonstration where sample panels were cast, raised the interest of contractors, property developers and consulting engineers alike.
LINK EVR—concrete additive; ingredient exclusive to RCR industrial paving… Click to enlarge.
For the “Concrete Engineering International” paper titled “New volumetric stability additive has successful commercial debut”, please download the 3-page PDF: https://www.rcrindustrialflooring.com/files/cei_jan_17_pages_46_48.pdf
Engelbrecht said, “A macro monofilament fiber that is engineered to replace steel mesh or steel fibers in concrete, ‘CHRYSO® EasyFinish is specially designed for concrete reinforcement and is shaped to create a smooth concrete surface finish, improving durability and mechanical properties.”
Link EVR reduces shrinkage and curling in concrete slabs, and also prevents superficial crazing/micro cracks. It makes concrete less porous, improving its freeze-thaw behavior, its resistance to liquid spillage, and abrasion.
The Monofloor TCP design ensures that only one set of wheels can load each slab at any one time, reducing the flexural stress and changing the failure mode, resulting in a thinner slab can be cast for the same loading.
Engelbrecht said, “Together, these technologies solve recurring problems in conventional external concrete pavements and hardstands. Optipave VRS, a technology (from the RCR Industrial Flooring Group):
• Reduces tensile stress in the slab
• Eliminates the negative effects of curling
• Eliminates the negative effects of pumping
• Reduces slab thickness
• Allows minimal joint opening and maintenance”
• Environmentally friendly—low carbon footprint, absorbing just 500 g/m2 of carbon dioxide
• Recommended for a wide range of applications including
—Highways
—Industrial pavements
—Low-traffic roads
—Parking lots
Engelbrecht concluded, “We believe that the Optipave optimized-load-distribution system enhances its cost effectiveness, has a bright future, and a long lifespan due to its:
• Competitive construction costs
• Ease of installation
• Optimized-load distribution
• Latest technologies in concrete”
For the Engineering News article, please go to: https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/chryso-is-partner-in-pioneering-hardstand-launch-2021-05-03
PHOTO: A 120 mm thick hardstand made up of 30 MPa 26 mm fiber-reinforced concrete