The background
Britain’s highest moving observation tower, the i360 was constructed on the site of Brighton’s West Pier. The project has been created by London Eye architects Marks Barfield with the Main contractor being Hollandia Infra BV and JT Mackley providing Project Management. The tower, manufactured by POMA, is over 160m high and carries an observation tower that will stand on the main Brighton seafront offering a 26-mile view.
The challenge
The Dudman Group was contracted to provide the concrete for the foundations of the i360 Tower. The admixture utilised in the concrete had to produce a steady slump loss and reliable strength development. Slump retention was critical to the contract as the pours took place in summer.
Our solution
The concrete supplied contained MasterGlenium 123, an innovative versatile admixture based on third-generation polycarboxylic ether (PCE) polymers. Due to the potential concern of heat development (mass concrete), 50% GGBS was utilised.
MasterGlenium 123 is specially engineered for the Ready-Mixed Concrete market to replace both a lignosulphonate based water reducer and a superplasticizer. Its configuration allows it to perform as a multi-functional admixture; it is possible to obtain a high-quality concrete mix with good strength development and extended workability without delayed setting characteristics.
