During September 2003, Watpac Australia Pty Ltd awarded Holcim a contract to supply approximately 25,000m³ of concrete for their Capral Aluminium Extrusion Facility in Bundamba. The project involved the construction of three buildings that were:
- 60,000 m² production building
- 10,000 m² hub building
- 2,000 m² administration building
- Hardstand and associated landscaping
The production building is a propped portal framed structural steel building which is over 13 metres high. The building houses the anodising, powder-coating, extrusion, dispatch and warehouse functions.
As the Capral Aluminium project required large slabs on the ground it was crucial to design the slabs to minimise shrinkage and joint movements. Another important design criterion was to maximise durability and floor flatness to minimise damage by forklifts.
The concrete specified for the project was 32 MPa with a maximum aggregate size of 20mm and a shrinkage requirement of 650μm.
The flat floor tolerances required were achieved using laser guided screeding technology and ride on trowelling machines.
This project formed part of a broader Holcim initiative to develop knowledge on the shrinkage effects in large concrete slabs, done in conjunction with the University of Queensland.
Watpac completed the project ahead of schedule and thus were very delighted with Holcim’s performance and technical knowledge.