The challenge

The facility required a high performance flooring solution to support heavy loads. The design process went through several revisions as the tenant refined their needs and explored options. Bekaert’s engineering team collaborated with the structural consultant to propose optimized solutions. The floors also needed to withstand the demands of a busy production environment, including heavily pitched areas toward drainage, which created significant restraint in the slab.

The solution

Dramix® 4D 65/60BG fibers were selected for their cost efficiency and long-term performance. These f ibers were used in the warehouse, freezer, and tank storage areas to enhance the durability of the floors, optimizing them for heavy loads and the specific conditions of the facility. Additionally, Type K cement was used in combination with the Dramix® f ibers in the tank storage area to improve the floors’ resistance to wear and extend joints where the floors were heavily pitched for drainage. To further support the office areas, Synmix® EZ 54 synthetic fibers were applied, providing lightweight yet durable reinforcement. 

Bekaert’s engineering team collaborated with the structural engineers to ensure that the slab designs would effectively support the required racking systems, tank loads and forklift traffic to accommodate increased slab loading. This tailored solution ensured the facility’s floors were not only durable and efficient but also capable of withstanding the long-term demands of the space. By using a Dramix® solution, the resulting floor designs were inches thinner than a traditional rebar design, saving on cost, schedule, and CO2 emissions.