Sika posted substantial growth in concrete production, waterproofing, grouting and anchoring markets, a gain mainly attributable to Sika ViscoCrete technology. It not only fulfilled expectations upon its introduction, but also established a solid foothold. Sales volume doubled compared to the prior year. Sika ViscoCrete products act as superplasticizers in concrete products; they do not require vibration after pouring. Such properties provide customers with greater efficiencies during construction and improved structural durability. Newly-introduced, Sika ViscoCrete-20HE, having a great future market potential, is used especially in precast applications.
To comply better with European and Asian demand, Sika invested in the expansion of this technology at locations in Spain and Japan.
The new Tunneling & Mining business area of Sika Schweiz AG scored a major success in being chosen to supply the construction of the longest tunnel in the world, a once-in-a-century project. Sika won the bidding for the longest section of the north-south railroad tunnel being built under the Gotthard mountain in the Swiss Alps.
The company is to furnish a construction chemicals package including shotcrete and concrete for the inner concrete lining, plus equipment and waterproofing.
The High Speed Rail project in Taiwan represents another outstanding Sika Construction project. Following some preliminary work Sika has been applying Sigunit technology to a shotcrete system since 2002. Sigunit AF, an alkaline-free powder accelerator, cures the sprayed concrete very rapidly and thus allows layering without sacrificing hardly any strength. |
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