THE PROJECT
Belfast Harbour Commissioners put a project out to tender for the removal and replacement of an existing fibre reinforced floor slab within an existing warehouse facility at Sinclair Wharf, Belfast Harbour Estate. The works included the creation of additional grain bay walls within the 12,700 sq ft warehouse, which was being used as a flat grain store. The work was to be delivered on a phased basis, with the remaining space beyond a phase zone to remain operational throughout the construction. For one of these phases, main contractor Dowds Group employed the services of specialist contractor MR Concrete to apply suitable products to harden and dust-proof the new concrete floor. As a reputable manufacturer of specialist building materials, Fosroc was selected to provide a durable and cost-effective solution.

THE SOLUTION
The product needed to provide a sufficiently hardened blemish-free surface capable of withstanding a high level of physical abrasion from heavy steel loading equipment. Fosroc’s Nitoflor Hardtop S was used for the surface hardening aspect. The Nitoflor Hardtop S compound is a ready-to-use quality controlled, factory blended powder that consists of special hard-wearing aggregates (selected for their physical properties of abrasion and wear resistance), Portland cement and additives – which improves workability. This combination produces a material that is easy to trowel into the surface of fresh concrete. When cured, the product provides a dense, non-porous surface which is extremely hard wearing and abrasion resistant. Curing membrane ‘Fosroc Cure B’ was then spray applied to retain moisture to provide a more durable and higher strength concrete.

THE BENEFITS
The monolithic cure of Nitoflor Hardtop S ensured that problems normally associated with thin granolithic screeds such as curling, shrinkage, cracking etc were completely overcome. Its workability characteristics meant that it was straightforward to apply for the contractor, and the non-metallic aggregate avoids any future rust related issues. Cure B controlled moisture loss to improve the surface quality, reduce permeability and minimise potential for cracking and shrinkage. Fast and easy spray application reduced labour, and its water-based, non-toxic and non-flammable properties make it safer and more environmentally friendly. At completion, the client and contractor’s expectations were met, with the finished application resulting in a smooth non-slip surface, dust-free and hard-wearing floor surface that was safe, fit for purpose and long-lasting, with minimised future maintenance.

 

www.fosroc.com

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Michael McDonnell Managing Editor of Irish Construction Industry Magazine & Plan Magazine

Email: michael@irishconstruction.com      WWW.MCDMEDIA.IE