Superplasticizer solution for the easy application of concrete

Marti Tunnel AG relies on MasterEase from Master Builders Solutions for the construction of the Tunnel de Champel in Geneva, Switzerland. Thanks to this unique superplasticizer, the sprayed concrete remains easy to pump with its longer workability time and can be applied in the best possible way.

The robustness of MasterEase is compatible with a wide range of cement types and enabled Marti Tunnel AG to switch to a more economical cement, thereby reducing CO2 emissions as well as costs.

“By changing the cement, we have been able to reduce costs and achieve a six-percent reduction in CO2.”

Fabien Cerf, Head of Sales Geneva at Holcim Switzerland

Marti Tunnel AG in Geneva, Switzerland

The Tunnel de Champel is part of the new CEVA rail route, which is expected to connect the main station in Geneva with the French city of Annemasse starting in 2019. During the construction work, the underground construction specialist Marti Tunnel AG decided to change the cement. This presented some challenges: “The combination of the new cement and the old superplasticizer created problems due to the reduced open time. After only one hour, the flowability of the concrete was no longer sufficient,” remembers Construction Manager Nicole Kölbener. René Bolliger, Head of Underground Construction at Master Builders Solutions for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, recommended to the tunneling construction specialists and the cement supplier Holcim Switzerland, that the MasterEase superplasticizer should be added: “MasterEase creates a low-viscosity concrete that is less sticky and can be pumped and applied in the best possible way. It also hardens homogenously on the wall, which is very important to our customers.”

Quantified Sustainable Benefits

Using the MasterEase superplasticizer, Marti Tunnel AG has achieved major quantifiable and lasting benefits. In figures:

Less CO2

The switch to a nearby cement plant reduced transportation distances.*Data based on a specific case study with Marti Tunnel AG, Switzerland.

Greater profitability

MasterEase allowed the change to a more economical cement that is manufactured close to the construction site.*Data based on a specific case study with Marti Tunnel AG, Switzerland.

4-fold

Increase in workability time

MasterEase gives the concrete an optimal flowability, thereby increasing the workability time from one to four hours.*Data based on a specific case study with Marti Tunnel AG, Switzerland.

“MasterEase creates a low-viscosity concrete that can be pumped and applied in the best possible way.”

René Bolliger, Head of the Underground Construction unit at Master Builders Solutions for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland

Fabien Cerf, Head of Sales Geneva at Holcim Switzerland, is extremely pleased with the new concrete mix. “We now have the optimal situation where the cement comes from a cement plant that is only a few kilometers away.” This eliminates the need for the 350-kilometer journey to the old cement plant. “By changing the cement, we have been able to reduce costs and achieve a six-percent reduction in CO2,” says Fabien Cerf.

“With MasterEase, we have found a product that works extremely well with the concrete used.”

Nicole Kölbener, Construction Manager at Marti Tunnel AG

Nicole Kölbener is also positive about the result: “With MasterEase, we have found a product that works extremely well with the concrete used.” The sprayed concrete can now be applied consistently and the workability time has been extended from one to four hours. “Thanks to MasterEase, we have been able to increase our profitability by five percent,” says Nicole Kölbener. For René Bolliger, the successful outcome of this project shows how important it is for all project partners to cooperate closely: “This is precisely where our strength lies. We provide our customers with on-site support and are always available. As a result, we are able to work together in challenging situations to find the best solution.”